A safe, effective treatment aid for osteoarthritis in dogs.
LTCI, a naturally-occurring biologic, is the first USDA-approved immune modulator for treating canine osteoarthritis.
Arthritis in Dogs
Osteoarthritis–as an immune-mediated disease–should be treated as such. While NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by reducing pain and swelling, LTCI addresses the underlying cause of osteoarthritis, i.e. the chronic immune-mediated attack on joint tissue. By increasing precursors of regulatory cells, LTCI reduces the immune response directed against the joint, which is the cause of the progressive joint degeneration.
Additionally, LTCI is a safe treatment option for use in dogs who cannot use NSAIDs due to accompanying kidney, liver or heart problems, are elderly, or who have had previous, negative reactions to NSAIDs.
While there may not be a cure for Canine OA, when effective, LTCI aids in the treatment of this debilitating disease by restoring normal immune regulatory function in your pets. In a pivotal clinical trial, over 90% of LTCI patients achieved significant improvements in symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is a painful condition for humans and animals alike. To better understand the effects of OA on your dog, and the different ways that LTCI and NSAIDs treat the disease and/or symptoms, imagine a wall in your house. If someone begins hammering on your wall, the solution for the wall might be to simply follow behind and spackle the holes. However, you’re now only treating the symptom, while the hammering, and the damage to your wall, continues. When NSAIDs reduce the pain and swelling in your dog, it’s like filling the holes, but the chronic, immune-mediated disease process keeps creating new ones. In contrast, LTCI treats the underlying cause of the disease by slowing, or arresting, the hammering. And when the hammering stops, the natural repair process can effectively occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between LTCI and NSAIDs?
LTCI is a naturally-occurring immunotherapy treatment aid, while NSAIDs are synthetic, manufactured drugs. NSAIDs act by reducing pain via COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymatic pathways, while LTCI affects the underlying disease process of osteoarthritis, thus significantly improving mobility. Unlike NSAIDs, there are no known contraindications for the use of LTCI in patients diagnosed with OA.
Additionally, LTCI is a safe treatment option for use in dogs who cannot use NSAIDs due to concomitant kidney, liver or heart problems, are elderly, or who have had previous negative reactions to NSAIDs.
How safe is LTCI?
LTCI has passed a formal scientific, clinical safety study in which no significant adverse events were reported, and is USDA-approved for use in all dogs, over one-year-old, that have been diagnosed with OA.
How quickly should my dog start feeling better?
Response to treatment will vary, depending on your dog's condition and immune status. Clinical studies show that most dogs respond within the first four weeks.
If my vet is already treating my dog with NSAIDs, can they also use LTCI?
Yes. There are no contraindications for using NSAIDs with LTCI.
How is LTCI administered and how often?
LTCI is administered by a veterinarian with a simple, painless injection under the dog's skin. LTCI is administered by subcutaneous injection of 3 - 1 ml doses in weeks 1 and 2, and 2 - 1 ml doses in weeks 3 and 4, upon diagnosis of the presence of canine osteoarthritis.
Maintenance dose schedule has not been determined, and will be determined by the veterinarian and pet owner based upon the dog's improved mobility.
Is LTCI natural?
Yes. LTCI is a naturally-occurring, biological treatment aid and is not synthetically manufactured.
Where can I get LTCI?
In the United States, LTCI is only available through licensed vets. Contact your clinician to discuss LTCI treatment options or search below for clinics already administering LTCI to their patients. Order requests outside the United States can be directed to order@tcyte.com.
Can I contact T-Cyte with additional questions?
Yes. Feel free to contact us at info@tcyte.com. We're here to help!
Printable Info for Your Vet
Arthritis in Dogs: Fact Sheet about Canine Osteoarthritis
When it comes to seeking treatment for your pet, not everyone knows exactly what to say to their local veterinarian. We've provided this downloadable PDF, allowing you to print out the info about LTCI that your vet will understand. Just click on the link below, print out the file, and bring it (along with the order form below) with you to your next appointment.
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Veterinarian Order Form
LTCI is available in both 3 and 10-dosage pack, but is only able to be purchased and administered by a licensed veterinarian. You can download this order form, print it out, and provide it to your local vet so they can quickly and easily order the dosage that's right for you and your canine companion. Your new treatment option is just a click away.
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