Mar 1, 2019

Veterinarian Highlight: Dr. Jeff Christiansen, DVM, DACVS

Dr. Christiansen with patient Ammo

In this week’s blog, we’d like to introduce you to one of our many VetStem Credentialed Veterinarians, Dr. Jeff Christiansen.  Dr. Christiansen is a traveling surgeon that works out of Aloha Pet and Bird Hospital, Island Animal Hospital, Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital, Maybeck Animal Hospital and a number of other veterinary hospitals. While he primarily works in Central Florida, Dr. Christiansen gets referrals from all over Florida and occasionally some other states including Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and even Wisconsin!  His company, Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions, was founded in July 2014, though he’s been practicing veterinary medicine since 1996.  Dr. Christiansen has been a board-certified veterinary surgeon since 2002 and is experienced in all manners of soft tissue, orthopedic, and spinal surgery.

Though VetStem credentialed since 2008, Dr. Christiansen treated his first stem cell patient in 2012.  Since then, Dr. Christiansen has treated over 100 patients utilizing VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy and, as such, is a member of the VetStem Centennial Club. In addition to VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy, Dr. Christiansen provides platelet therapy utilizing the Pall Veterinary Platelet Enhancement Therapy (V-PET™) kit.  Dr. Christiansen has been using V-PET™ since 2015.

We were able to tear Dr. Christiansen away from his busy schedule to get a little insight on how he uses VetStem Cell Therapy.  See his interview below:

  1. What do you like about stem cell therapy and why did you choose VetStem as your service provider?
    I like the idea of improving the ability of a pet to heal and to control inflammation.
    When we perform orthopedic surgery, the implants we use have a finite/limited ability to tolerate stress before breaking. The sooner a pet’s body heals, the sooner the pet is out of the risk for such problems.
    When I do joint surgery, I know I am improving the pet’s comfort and function, but they still get arthritis over time (just a lot more slowly than without surgery); but stem cell therapy can help the pet reduce the arthritis, and protect (and potentially repair) the cartilage, and it improves the pet’s short and long-term comfort and function.
    I chose VetStem for two simple reasons: Unparalleled quality control and client support.
    I see videos and hear reports of other stem cell companies that don’t practice sterile technique, and they are harvesting/processing the tissue in the same room in which hospitalized patients are contained, complete with the airborne hair and patient waste. VetStem has tissue harvested sterilely, processes it sterilely, examines it under the microscope to inspect the quality/sterility, and performs additional bacterial or other testing as indicated.
    Any time I have questions or concerns, I get rapid and complete responses from the appropriate staff members, and even the CEO of the company as indicated.
    Service is without fail. If I place an order, I get what I want, when I ordered it, always properly shipped, climate-controlled, protected, labeled, etc.

 

  1. How do you select your stem cell cases?  What criteria must they meet before you recommend stem cell therapy?
    I recommend stem cell therapy with any orthopedic surgery or as a treatment option for arthritis. I also recommend stem cell therapy for cases with spinal problems as well as for issues with kidneys, lungs, intestines.
    The pet must be healthy enough to tolerate a brief, minor surgical harvest, as well as an expectation to live long to enjoy the benefit of the therapy. I don’t recommend for patients with cancer or systemic infection.
    I also make sure the owner is realistic. Stem Cells can do great things, and sometimes a nearly crippled pet can play like a puppy again, but I make sure the owner appreciates the limitations of any therapy.

 

  1. Any advice for pet owners considering stem cell therapy for their pet?
    Most people appreciate holistic, natural options for their pets. If you could do something that would improve (and potentially extend) your pet’s daily and long-term comfort and quality of life without drugs and further surgery, wouldn’t you do it?
    I would also strongly encourage pet owners to get pet insurance. Because the benefits with stem cell therapy are so clear-cut, at least with arthritis, many insurance companies pay most or all of the cost of stem cell therapy.

Thanks, Dr. Christiansen, for taking the time to speak with us!  If you live in or around Florida and are considering stem cell therapy for your pet, you are in excellent hands with Dr. Jeff Christiansen!

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Aug 3, 2018

VetStem Reaches Milestone: Over 14,000 Patients Treated

Posted by Bob under Stem Cell Therapy, VetStem Biopharma

From our first patient in January 2004, a thoroughbred race horse named Xpress Xcess, to the 32 new patients that were treated in July, VetStem has reached a milestone: over 14,000 patients have been treated with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy!

As the first company to provide adipose-derived stem cell services to veterinarians across the United States and Canada, VetStem has been a leader in the field of regenerative veterinary medicine for over a decade.  Through peer-reviewed studies, multiple case reports, and numerous success stories, VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for arthritis as well as tendon and ligament injuries.

The VetStem team works hard to remain relevant and reputable.  We take pride in our strict procedures and protocols, which are guided by FDA regulations.  Our R&D and Clinical Development teams work tirelessly to research new uses for stem cells and create new stem cell protocols.

VetStem continues to contribute to the growth of the rapidly developing regenerative medicine market.  We would not be where we are today without the nearly 2,500 veterinarians and over 10,000 dog, cat, and horse owners who have entrusted us with their patient’s and their animal’s stem cells.  For that, we thank you!

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Jul 20, 2018

Meet VetStem CEO and Founder, Dr. Bob Harman

Posted by Ashley under VetStem Biopharma

Dr. Harman received his bachelor’s degree, his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and his Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis.  He worked for a brief time in the dairy cow industry, but then decided to use his knowledge to start a preclinical research company for veterinary and human pharmaceutical development, HTI Bio-Services.

His fascination with stem cells began when he saw a video of stem cells beating in a petri dish.  He recognized the potential of stem cells and a need for alternative therapies in veterinary medicine.  Dr. Harman co-founded VetStem in 2002 and in January 2004 the first horse was treated with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy.  Since then, over 14,000 animals have been treated.  Dr. Harman remains active in the veterinary and stem cell community, attending conferences all over the world, delivering lectures on stem cells and platelet therapy.  He has also authored 14 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

Dr. Harman is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys backpacking with his dog Ben. He also played polo for many years.  Dr. Harman is a true proponent of stem cell therapy, having treated several of his own animals, including some of his polo ponies and his dog Ben. He continues to drive research and investigate new stem cell treatment protocols.

Thank you, Dr. Harman, for all of your hard work and dedication!

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May 25, 2018

Meet the VetStem Customer Service Team!

Posted by Bob under VetStem Biopharma

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:

VeronikaFirst 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.

WhitneyPets 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.

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