Intramuscular administration of mesenchymal stromal cells in a cat with asthma: case report

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases in cats and humans. Cats are the only domestic species that develop a syndrome similar to asthma in humans, characterized by type I hypersensitivity and consequent narrowing of the airways. Because of the chronic nature of the condition and the adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid use, exploring new therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving the health and well-being of affected cats. We present a novel therapeutic approach using IM mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a delivery route not previously reported for asthma in any species. A 7-year-old cat with asthma had severe clinical signs, including coughing, apathy, vomiting, and dependence on corticosteroids and bronchodilators. The cat received 3 IM injections of 1 × 106 MSCs per kg body weight at 30-day intervals. The cat experienced lasting clinical improvement. No adverse effects were observed, and corticosteroids and bronchodilators were successfully discontinued without subsequent asthma attacks during 2-years of follow-up. Anti-emalso etics were withdrawn without recurrence of frequent vomiting, and the animal's appetite improved sufficiently to achieve a 0.6 kg weight gain. In addition, a quality-of-life questionnaire indicated substantial improvement in vitality and comfort (P < .05). This case highlights the potential of IM MSCs as an alternative treatment for asthma in cats, offering a safe and potentially effective option for minimizing corticosteroid dependence. Additional studies are warranted to confirm the therapeutic benefits and broader applicability of MSCs.