Arthritis.  It’s a term we all know and a diagnosis most of us will receive at some point in our lives.  The same is true of our canine companions.  In fact, according to recent literature, about 1 in 5 dogs in the United States are affected by osteoarthritis.  It is estimated that there are about 90 million pet dogs in the US, which means about 18 million pet dogs will suffer from arthritis.  With such high numbers, it is not surprising that osteoarthritis has been identified as the number two reason why pets are being euthanized.

While there are several treatment options available to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, many of them come along with unpleasant side effects and/or begin to lose efficacy after prolonged use.  While not a cure for arthritis, VetStem Cell Therapy is one treatment option that has been shown in studies to be able to provide relief for many dogs without the nasty side effects that may come with certain arthritis medications.  Because stem cell therapy utilizes an animal’s own healing cells, there is a very low risk for rejection or reaction.

But is stem cell therapy right for your dog?  That is a question you should consider asking your veterinarian.  See our recent blog post to help you discuss stem cell therapy at your next vet appointment.

If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, contact VetStem to find stem cell providers near you.