At approximately six years old, Opus, a German Shepherd, began showing symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). He was diagnosed with bilateral hip OA as a result of hip dysplasia. He was prescribed pain medication as well as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help keep him comfortable. These medications were effective for approximately two years before Opus started to show signs of discomfort again.

Opus’ veterinarian, Dr. Jerrold Bausman of VCA Veterinary Specialists of the Valley, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. To begin the process, Dr. Bausman collected fat tissue from Opus’ abdomen in a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was processed at the VetStem laboratory to extract Opus’ stem and regenerative cells for injectable stem cell doses. At approximately eight years old, Opus received injections of his own stem cells into each hip joint.

Opus Regains Mobility and Discontinues NSAIDs

According to his Owner, Opus had a great response to VetStem Cell Therapy. Opus’ owner stated, “Opus runs around the yard as if he were a 3-year-old. I’m very happy with the procedure.” Opus was also able to discontinue his use of NSAIDs after stem cell therapy. This is significant because NSAID use may lead to negative side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and organ damage.

Treatment Rationale: Stem Cells for Osteoarthritis Caused by Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is defined as a deformed hip joint. The deformity causes instability and abnormal movement in the joint which eventually leads to bone changes and loss of cartilage. The damage caused by hip dysplasia results in pain and inflammation in the joint and associated limb. Stem cells have the ability to down regulate both inflammation and pain. Stem cells also have regenerative properties which may lead to tissue (cartilage, bone) regrowth.

If your dog has discomfort related to osteoarthritis, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of treating with VetStem Cell Therapy. Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

As we all follow along with the updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember that this is an ever-changing situation. As experts continue to learn about this novel coronavirus, we must take special caution so as to not spread misinformation. In light of recent reports that a few animals have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes coronavirus disease or COVID-19), we think it is important to address the rising concerns of the general animal owning population and compile important and factual information regarding pets and COVID-19.

Reputable Sources

First, we must stress the importance of reputable sources. Organizations such as the CDC and AVMA are trusted sources that are providing up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. You can find information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 and animals here and information from the AVMA here. It is important to note that both sites make the following statement: There is no evidence to suggest that pets can spread COVID-19 to people or other pets.

So, what do we know so far regarding COVID-19 and animals? According to the AVMA and the CDC, there is a small number of pets who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 outside of the U.S.

Confirmed Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Pets Outside of U.S.

The first case of an animal testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 was a dog in Hong Kong. The dog’s owner was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had close contact with the dog. A second dog in the house tested negative and the positive 17-year-old dog with ongoing health issues, who died shortly after being released from quarantine, never showed signs of illness. The second reported case was also in Hong Kong. Like the first case, this dog lives with an owner who has COVID-19. A second dog in the house continues to test negative for SARS-CoV-2 and the infected dog has had no symptoms.

The third reported case was a cat in Belgium. Like the two dogs, this cat also lives with an owner who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The cat was showing respiratory and digestive symptoms and both vomit and fecal matter tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. That being said, there are many unknowns surrounding this particular case. According to the AVMA, “Because other etiologic causes for the cat’s illness appear to have not been excluded and little is known about the samples in which viral material was detected, a clear link between the presence of viral material and clinical signs consistent with coronavirus infection cannot be established. The condition of the cat reportedly improved 9 days after onset of clinical signs.”

A second cat, located in Hong Kong, also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Like the previous pets, this cat also lives with an owner who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The cat is in quarantine and is showing no symptoms of the disease.

Tiger Tests Positive for SARS-CoV-2 in New York

Perhaps most important to us in the U.S., is the recent news that a tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The tiger was tested after several big cats developed a dry cough. It is believed that the tiger contracted the virus from an animal caretaker that was asymptomatic but actively shedding the virus. According to the zoo spokesperson, the affected cats have experienced a decrease in appetite but are otherwise doing well and are expected to make a full recovery. At this time, there are no other reports of sick animals at the Bronx Zoo.

What does this mean for pet owners?

It is important to note that only 2 of the 5 animals listed above that tested positive for the virus after exposure from a human caregiver/owner with COVID-19 showed any symptoms of respiratory disease and none appear to be significant as it is in people. However, if you or a family member have tested positive for COVID-19, the CDC and AVMA recommend restricting contact with pets just like you would with other people. When possible, have a healthy family member care for your pets. If you must care for your animals while sick, the CDC recommends washing your hands before and after interacting with them. Avoid contact such as petting, snuggling, being kissed/licked, and sharing food.

We feel it is important to once again note that both the CDC and AVMA have reported that there is no evidence to suggest that pets can spread COVID-19 to people. This continues to be a rapidly developing situation, so we encourage you to check the CDC and AVMA websites frequently for updates.

As you may know, VetStem has worked with several wild animal organizations over the years.  One example is Francis, a Sun Bear at the San Diego Zoo who received VetStem Cell Therapy.  Like dogs, cats, and horses, exotic animals are near and dear to us.  We previously posted a blog about caring for your dogs and cats during the COVID-19 pandemic but what about the zoo animals?

Due to the current stipulations in place regarding social distancing, zoos and aquariums across the United States have closed to the public.  While non-essential employees may be working from home, the animals still need care.  The animal care staff continues to provide routine care to the best of their ability.  Non-emergency procedures have been postponed, such as preventative care and routine vaccinations, in cases where the procedures require more than one person to work closely together.  But otherwise, the care continues.

Due to interruptions in supply chains, some food sources might become scarce or temporarily unavailable.  While this might sound scary, zoos and aquariums have safeguards in place to help prevent this from becoming a problem.  For instance, the platypuses, which are currently on display at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, are very picky eaters and prefer live crayfish.  Zookeepers are working with the animals to introduce various options into their diets, should live crayfish become unavailable.

While we continue to live in unprecedented and uncertain times, rest assured knowing the animals we love so much are being well cared for.  Zoos have said the animal caretakers are providing extra enrichment opportunities and exercises to help make up for the lack of interaction from visitors.  In fact, several zoos and aquariums have set up live broadcasts and videos showing various animals.  In one exceptionally cute video from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL, the resident penguins take a trip to meet the beluga whales.  We encourage you to check your local zoo’s website or Facebook page for fun and interactive videos.  Or you can view some of the larger zoos’ videos such as the San Diego Zoo’s Live Cams or the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Webcams.

In previous blogs, we have discussed the concept of translational medicine.  That is, when successes in one branch of medicine influence and translate into advances made in another branch of medicine.  We are a veterinary company with a sister human company, therefore we specifically focus on the way veterinary medicine translates to human medicine; a concept we refer to as “One Medicine.”  Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen several instances in which the veterinary community has assisted human healthcare providers.

Veterinarians Helping Human Doctors

While the current climate in which we are living has tested many of us, we have also seen people come together in ways that are truly unprecedented.  There have been several news stories highlighting the ways in which veterinarians are helping human doctors.  According to one article, veterinary hospitals in several states have donated or lent vital equipment and supplies to help human doctors in the fight against COVID-19.  These supplies include ventilators, masks, and gowns, all of which are or may be in short supply.  

According to the American Veterinary Medical association (AVMA), conservation of personal protective equipment such as masks, gowns, and gloves is critical due to the increased demand and subsequent shortage.  The AVMA, CDC, and FDA have all provided strategies for conserving personal protective equipment and veterinarians have already implemented protocols to conserve these essential supplies.  For instance, several veterinary hospitals have restricted or completely ceased all elective surgical procedures and have taken steps to minimize contact with pet owners, thus reducing the need for personal protective equipment.

Use of Animal Data to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine

Translational medicine is not new, however it tends to stand out in trying times like these.  In a previous blog, we discussed the use of animal data when developing a new human drug or technology.  According to a press release from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), scientists have already begun a Phase 1 clinical trial to test a potential COVID-19 vaccine.  The vaccine being tested has shown promise in animal models and this is the first time it is being tested in humans.

One Medicine

In these unprecedented times, we are seeing communities and people come together to help one another in ways some of us never thought possible.  While veterinarians all over the U.S. are doing their part to assist in the fight against COVID-19, we at VetStem have also joined the fight.  In an effort to reduce person-to-person contact, several of our employees have been working from home.  It is important to note however that as a provider of critical medicines, our laboratory continues to operate and process all stem cell requests.  Feel free to contact us with any questions.