Here at VetStem, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible customer service.  From veterinarians and veterinary professionals to animal owners, we want all of our customers and potential customers to feel like they are more than just “clients” of VetStem.  We understand you entrust us with your patient’s and your pet’s stem cells and we take that job very seriously.

Our wonderful customer service team acts as the first line of communication between VetStem and our customers.  They are available to answer questions and address any concerns you may have via phone or email.  If they can’t answer your questions, they will get you to someone who can.  They also schedule and manage data entry for all stem cell processes, take and send out product orders, process payments, and so much more!

Please meet the lovely ladies of the VetStem Customer Service team, whose names (and voices) you may already know:

Veronika – First and foremost, I am the very proud Mom of two fabulous kids: Madelyn and James. My fur-children are Joey (a Friesian/Percheron mare), Cheddar (a retired Criollo polo pony) and Gryffyn (a Ragdoll cat). Animals have always been at the center of my life and I love being part of a company that helps so many animals and their owners. I joined VetStem in August of 2017 and have spent many years working in veterinary clinics and boarding kennels, as well as a dairy and an exotics/wildlife education company. I grew up in 4H and have raised and shown rabbits, sheep, cattle and horses and have a degree in Dairy Science. When not at work, I can be found with my kids, at the barn, or indulging in my photography hobby.

Whitney – Pets have always been my passion, and I have been fortunate enough to spend my entire career in the field, from retail, to veterinary, to boarding, and now in biotech. I enjoy my job at VetStem immensely and am proud to have been a part of helping so many animals for the last decade.  I currently have six dogs (a Great Dane, a Border Collie, an Australian Shepherd, an Aussie mix, and two Mini Aussies), two cats, and a Pionus Parrot who has been with me for 30 years. I am a big movie/entertainment buff and I like to spend my time off at the beach or at Disneyland with my daughter.

Jennifer – “Thank you for calling VetStem, this is Jennifer. How can I help you?” That is the first thing you will hear when calling. I have been in customer service at VetStem for 3 years. I love helping the animals and seeing all the good we can do. I am a mom of 2 boys, a tabby cat named Lzzy, and a red dog named Maddie. In my free time I enjoy jewelry making, sewing, hiking, running 5k’s, recycling and picking up trash on my outings in my neighborhood.

Just another day, just another golden retriever with arthritis…

Today’s blog is about Baxter, a golden retriever that was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both of his hocks, or ankles, at just 1 year of age.  He began displaying some of the common symptoms of arthritis early on such as trouble with stairs and jumping, difficulty getting up from a lying down position, and not wanting to go on walks.  Luckily his owner sought treatment and at 2 years of age,  Baxter received VetStem Cell Therapy under the care of Dr. Joey Yazer at Cobequid Animal Hospital.

After treatment, Baxter was able to resume his normal activities including walking on the beach and jumping on the couch to snuggle with his canine companions.  Baxter responded so well to stem cell therapy, that he hasn’t required a re-treatment since March of 2015!  According to his owner, he continues to live a normal and happy dog life.  Read the rest of Baxter’s story here.

Golden retrievers are not the only dogs that are prone to arthritis.  Statistics show that an estimated 1 out of 5 dogs will get arthritis.  If your dog is displaying some of the symptoms of arthritis or has already been diagnosed, contact VetStem today to get a list of veterinary stem cell providers in your area.

Two weeks ago, there was an historic international stem cell meeting for veterinarians in Costa Rica.  I was an invited speaker to provide an overview of the last 20 years of veterinary stem cell research and clinical use.  Senior veterinarians from Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica and the United States attended for two full days of lectures and discussions.  There was a large focus on dogs and cats and how stem cells are being used to successfully treated arthritis, eye diseases, kidney failure and many others.  It was exciting to see that the use of stem cells in our animals has expanded around the globe and that we have colleagues everywhere that are expanding the field.

Additionally, an international veterinary stem cell association was formed, IACERVET (International Association of Cellular and Regenerative Veterinary Therapies).  There are members from around the world including Europe.  I have been asked to serve as a founding member and to serve on the guiding board of directors.  This is an amazing step towards efficient sharing of knowledge and improving care of animals!

Attached is a picture or Dr. Michelle Andrade, Dr. Natalia Luka, Dr. Luciana Benedetti, Dr. Bob Harman, and Dr. Priscilla Ortiz (association president) all founding members, signing the official association formation documents in San Jose Costa Rica.

AR River Playboy, aka Woody, was in bad shape when Jena purchased him.  Her veterinarian, Dr. Ian Campbell of Santa Lucia Farm, diagnosed Woody with injuries in both front suspensory ligaments.  Jena had known and loved Woody for years so despite his potentially career ending injuries, she purchased him anyway.

Dr. Campbell recommended and treated Woody with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy.  After the treatment with stem cells, Woody underwent an extensive rehabilitation program before returning to work.  His injuries healed so well that he eventually went on to win the Central Coast Cutting Horse Association’s $15k Amateur Champion as well as the Kern County Cutting Horse Association’s $15k Amateur Champion.  A year later he won the Central Coast Cutting Horse Association’s $15k Amateur Reserve Championship.

Woody’s story is not entirely unique.  VetStem has helped many horses return to work, including Zan, whose story we shared a while ago.  If your horse has been diagnosed with a potentially career ending injury, contact Vetstem to receive a list of veterinary stem cell providers in your area.