Aug 10, 2010

Meeting Highlights for National Veterinary Stem Cell Training

Posted by Bob under Stem Cell Therapy

Monday was the conclusion of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Atlanta.  The stem cell lectures were nothing short of spectacular.  In a fast moving field, it is important for practicing veterinarians to keep abreast of the latest techniques and tools for treating their patients.  Saturday was highlighted by Dr. Jan Nolta from UC Davis Medical School Institute for Medical Cures.

Dr. Nolta works closely with the veterinary school, and Vet-Stem is also in close collaboration with her group of more that 140 faculty members!  Dr. Nolta presented data demonstrating stem cells bringing new blood circulation into areas of tissue damage.  One of her newest research programs includes trying to discover ways to use adult stem cells to treat spinal cord injury in the dog.

Dr. Galuppo and Dr. Vidal of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine presented data on adipose and bone marrow stem cells and how they are being used in equine tendon and ligament repair. The UC Davis Regenerative Medicine Program has been partially funded by one of Vet-Stem’s key investors, Mr. Dick Randall. 

Dr. Scott Gustafson wrapped up the 8 hours of lectures on Saturday by presenting his three years of clinical experience with over 50 cases of stem cell therapy using stem cells from fat tissue (Vet-Stem).  His high success rate was credited to doing a complete and thorough diagnostic workup before treatment, including MRI and arthroscopy, if needed. 

Monday was packed with 8 hours of lectures on stem cell therapy for dogs.  I presented the kick-off lectures on stem cell science and evidenced-based medicine.  These lectures present the 75%+ success rate of stem cell therapy for dog arthritis (link to website info) including information showing that stem cell therapy can reduce the need for pain medications.  Then Dr. Jamie Gaynor (http://nopetpain.com/) presented how his world-renowned clinic in Colorado Springs uses stem cells to combat chronic and serious pain in dogs.  His techniques use joint therapy and intravenous (into blood stream) therapy of Vet-Stem cells to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.  Next, Dr. Scott Gustafson gave two hours of lectures to new veterinarians on how to integrate stem cell medicine into a veterinary hospital program including technique lectures on the most advanced methods to deliver stem cells to damaged joints and tendons. 

A unique lecture this year was given by Dr. Richard Goldstein of Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine.   He covered the potential application in the future of stem cell therapy for diseases such as kidney and liver failure, diabetes, lung disease and heart failure.  His vision showed us that some of these uses are not far away from reality. 

The wrap-up lecture on Monday was by Dr. Sherman Canapp of Veterinary Sports Medicine near Baltimore.  Dr. Canapp is internationally known as an expert in canine sports medicine.  He has been using Vet-Stem for the last two years and has treated arthritis as well as soft tissue injuries like shoulder and wrist injuries sustained in games like Frisbee, fly ball and agility.  He presented the use of ultrasound to guide the injection of tendons and ligaments and how the stem cells can repair severely damaged tendons while reducing scar tissue.

We are proud that the AVMA has asked us to present this course three years in a row as part of its annual education program.  After this third successful training course, we have been asked to submit a program again for next year at AVMA in Seattle!

If your own veterinarian has not yet taken this course, you can encourage them to sign up for the free course and they get 3 units of nationally approved continuing education credit.  If you want to find a veterinarian in your area already offering stem cell therapy, just click to request a list of vets in your area.

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