July 21^st is World Collie Day so we thought it fitting to share Casey’s VetStem success story. Casey is a Rough Collie who began experiencing symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease when he was around 4 months old. At first, he was not eating regularly. This was followed by frequent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. After trying multiple diets and medications with no success, numerous diagnostics including X-rays, bloodwork, ultrasound, and biopsies of his GI tract led to a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

IBD is a gastrointestinal disease that can affect both dogs and cats. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight loss. IBD can be a frustrating disease because a definitive diagnosis can be time-consuming and costly, traditional treatments are life-long and can be complex, and the animal often continues to experience symptoms of the disease despite treatment.

Though Casey was on a special diet and multiple medications, his symptoms were minimally controlled. This went on for about three years until his bloodwork revealed elevated liver enzymes, which was a result of his steroid medication. It was at this time that his veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to down regulate inflammation, modulate the immune system, and repair damaged tissue. Multiple animals have been treated with stem cell therapy for IBD and experienced a relief in symptoms and an improved quality of life. After some research, Casey’s owners agreed to move forward with VetStem Cell Therapy.

To begin the process, Casey had fat collected from his abdomen in a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was aseptically packaged and shipped to the VetStem processing laboratory. Lab technicians processed the fat to isolate and concentrate the stem and regenerative cells contained therein. Therapeutic doses were then prepared for treatment.

Over the course of 10 months, Casey received 5 separate intravenous doses of his own stem cells. According to his owner, his symptoms improved greatly. He began interacting more and playing with his family and other dogs. He started rolling over for belly rubs, which he had not done in the first 3 years of his life. His appetite improved and he was able to get off all but one of his medications, including being completely off steroids. He has occasional IBD flare ups but nothing to the degree he experienced previously.

Approximately 15 months after his 5^th stem cell treatment, Casey received a 6^th intravenous dose (along with intra-articular doses to treat a few arthritic joints) and hasn’t required additional treatments for over year now. He does, however, have numerous doses left in his stem cell bank, should he ever require future treatments.

If your pet has Inflammatory Bowel Disease, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Casey

A few weeks ago, we discussed VetStem’s extensive work with numerous exotic species. One example is a Sichuan Takin (rhymes with rockin’) named Xing, who resides at the Saint Louis Zoo. According to the Zoo’s website, Takin are an antelope-like goat ranging in weight from about 500 to over 800 pounds depending on their sex. They are native to China and reside in mountainous bamboo forests.

Sadly, the Sichuan Takin wild population is diminishing, and they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Fortunately, zoos such as the Saint Louis Zoo participate in the Species Survival Plan for Sichuan Takin, a cooperative breeding program that helps ensure a healthy population of animals.

When Xing was young, he sustained an injury to both his carpal (wrist) joints which predisposed him to arthritis. The Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams monitored Xing closely for the development of arthritis. Xing was eventually diagnosed with arthritis, and his symptoms included a stiff gait and decreased activity. One of the Zoo’s staff veterinarians, Dr. Rachel Ferris, reached out to us to inquire about helping Xing with stem cell therapy and of course we said yes!

Stem cells have the ability to down regulate inflammation and pain. They have also shown to help regenerate joint tissues, such as damaged cartilage. Just like the thousands of arthritic dogs, cats, and horses that have experienced an improved quality of life as a result of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, we believed stem cells could help Xing.

Over the last year, Xing has received three treatments with mesenchymal stem cells. According to Dr. Ferris, his activity level has improved significantly since starting treatment. We love to hear this news! Xing recently celebrated his 8th birthday and continues to thrive.

Xing

As most of our readers know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used to treat orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. Cats, on the other hand, frequently receive stem cell therapy for indications such as renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. One such cat, a young Siamese named Finn, received VetStem Cell Therapy for gingivostomatitis when he was approximately one year old.

We’ve shared Finn’s stem cell success story in a previous blog. But to sum it up, Finn was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis at just five months old. Gingivostomatitis is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the affected cat’s gums. It can be very painful and lead to inappetence, reduced grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, pain medications, and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

Finn’s owners tried several medications in an effort to improve his symptoms, but nothing worked. They were determined to not have all of his teeth extracted and were willing to do whatever it took. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and just shy of his first birthday, Finn received stem cell therapy.

According to his owners, Finn responded well to the treatment. His owner stated, “[the stem cell treatment] seemed to improve and maintain his condition especially over time so that Finn is happy, healthy, and living a great life. We plan to administer cells every year or so to keep his condition manageable and hopefully keep him healthier too.”

Fast forward to the present, four years after his initial stem cell treatment, and Finn continues to do well! We recently received an update from his owner who stated, “Finn had his annual checkup recently and he’s doing great. He had some gingivitis but his stomatitis seemed to be under control. He had his annual teeth cleaning today (per his veterinarian’s recommendation) and is doing great otherwise!”

Stem cells have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and also help to modulate the immune system. This mechanism of action is particularly important for immune-mediated conditions such as gingivostomatitis. If your cat has gingivostomatitis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

Happy National Dachshund Day! In this week’s VetStem blog, we’re sharing the stem cell success story about a Doxie named Floppy who was suffering from severe arthritis in his hips and knees. In a video his owner shared with us, Floppy showed extreme difficulty getting up from a down position and moved very slowly. His owner also stated that he limped and was very stiff.

Floppy was 8 years old when his veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. To begin the process, his vet extracted fat from his abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was shipped to the VetStem laboratory where lab technicians extracted and concentrated Floppy’s stem and regenerative cells. Five stem cell injections were prepared and shipped to Floppy’s veterinarian for treatment. He received one injection into each hip, each knee, and an intravenous injection.

Floppy’s results were really remarkable. His owner stated, “We are extremely pleased with the results. The level of pain/stiffness decreased dramatically. It’s almost like he’s a puppy again! There is a night and day difference in his ability to move and perform everyday tasks.” His owner also sent a video of Floppy after the treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and well…you just have to see it to believe it. Check out a short video detailing Floppy’s story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJRUBYyDtqw

If you have a dog who suffers from arthritis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

National Cat Day is fast approaching, and we never miss an opportunity to talk about VetStem Cell Therapy for cats. While stem cells are primarily used for orthopedic conditions, many veterinarians have used VetStem Cell Therapy to help treat and control symptoms associated with diseases such as kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
All three of these diseases are prevalent in cats and have limited treatment options.

Stem Cells for Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of sickness and death in cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea.Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited and can be costly.

The good news is, based upon our own data as well as the data of others, we believe that stem cells may help improve the symptoms and quality of life in some cats with kidney disease. In fact, a review of a small number of feline patients treated with VetStem Cell Therapy showed that blood kidney values were slightly to moderately improved after treatment. Owners and veterinarians have also reported improved appetites, weight gain, and increased energy in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem Cells for Gingivostomatitis

Gingivostomatitis is another debilitating condition found in cats. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gums, which can lead to inappetence, reduce grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, and pain medications and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

A recent clinical study demonstrated that intravenous administration of adipose (fat) derived stem cells could ameliorate the clinical signs of gingivostomatitis. Additionally, veterinarians and cat owners have reported an improvement in symptoms and quality of life in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem Cells for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an intestinal disorder that affects both cats and dogs. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight loss. It is important to note however, that these symptoms can be indicative of several conditions including feline lymphoma. Since VetStem Cell Therapy is contraindicated in pets with cancer, it is essential to rule this out before pursuing treatment with stem cells.

Multiple cats have received VetStem Cell Therapy for IBD (dogs too!). And we have had reports from veterinarians and owners regarding the improvement of their patients and pets after treatment with stem cells. Additionally, in a recently published paper, 5 out of 7 IBD cats that were treated with stem cells significantly improved or had complete resolution of symptoms, whereas the 4 control cats had no improvement.

If you think your cat may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

As we wrap up Animal Pain Awareness Month, we wanted to share a VetStem Cell Therapy success story. As you may remember from last week’s blog, stem cells have the ability to directly modulate pain, thereby leading to increased comfort and an improved quality of life. This particular patient was treated by the President-Elect of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Douglas Stramel. Dr. Stramel, who owns and practices at Advanced Care Veterinary Services, is the first and only Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

As the President of IVAPM, Dr. Stramel takes pain management very seriously and has made it a primary focus of his veterinary practice. He employs advanced multi-modal pain management protocols including physical therapy, acupuncture, shock wave, laser therapy, and, you guessed it, regenerative medicine. Dr. Stramel has been a longtime user of VetStem Cell Therapy and has treated nearly 50 patients. Thus, when Kim, a German Shepherd and trained agility dog, presented with a partially torn cruciate ligament, he recommended treatment with stem cells.

To begin the VetStem process, Dr. Stramel collected a sample of fat tissue from Kim’s abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was shipped to the VetStem laboratory where technicians processed the fat to extract and concentrate the stem and regenerative cells contained therein. Three doses were prepared and shipped to Dr. Stramel for injection and the rest of Kim’s cells were put into cryopreservation for potential future use. Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection procedure, Kim received an injection of her own stem cells into each knee as well as an intravenous injection.

According to her owner, Kim had a great response to stem cell therapy and her knee is still doing well. She was even able to return to competition! Her owner stated, “Kim’s stem cell injection has provided her an opportunity to live her best life. We decided to change sports, so she now does AKC Rally and UKC Nosework. She continues with rehab to keep her knee in the best possible shape. Her rehab includes cold laser, underwater treadmill, and acupuncture therapy every 2-3 months.”

While stem cells have many mechanisms of action, studies focusing on the ability to directly affect acute and chronic pain have been relatively recent. Stem cells can also down-regulate inflammation and contribute to tissue regeneration, all of which helped to get Kim feeling better.

If you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

We’re back with another pain-themed blog for Animal Pain Awareness Month. This week, we are discussing VetStem Cell Therapy as a means to control pain in pets. While stem cells have many mechanisms of action including the ability to differentiate into many tissue types and stimulate the regeneration of tendon, ligament, and joint tissues, they also have the ability to reduce pain and inflammation.

The ability of stem cells to down-regulate inflammation is important when it comes to pain management. Through cellular communication, stem cells are able to limit inflammatory responses and actually shift from a pro-inflammatory environment to an anti-inflammatory environment. By reducing inflammation, stem cells promote healing and increased comfort.

While a reduction in inflammation can lead to increased comfort, current literature supports that stem cells also have the ability to address both acute and chronic pain directly. Stem cells have shown to secrete pain blocking cytokines (small proteins), which can have opioid-like effects. Interestingly enough, these effects can actually be reversed by Naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

This helps to explain why we consistently hear from pet owners and veterinarians alike that patients treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for things like osteoarthritis or injured cruciate ligaments, experience increased comfort within just days of receiving treatment. By directly decreasing the pet’s pain, their comfort level goes up while the stem cells continue to perform their healing duties.

Thousands of animals have experienced a better quality of life as a result of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells have the advantage of being a readily available, natural source of anti-inflammatory and pain blocking cells. This can be especially beneficial for cats and some dogs who do not tolerate pain medications well. If you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

VetStem Cell Therapy, while commonly used to treat orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses, has also been successfully used to treat a number of other diseases. One such disease is kidney disease in cats. Nearly 250 cats have received VetStem Cell Therapy for kidney disease.

Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of sickness and death in cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea.

Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited and can be costly. The good news is, based upon our own data as well as the data of others, we believe that stem cells may help improve the symptoms and quality of life in some cats with kidney disease. In fact, a review of a small number of feline patients treated with VetStem Cell Therapy showed that blood kidney values were slightly to moderately improved after treatment.

Anecdotal data from pet owners and veterinarians suggests that treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy helps to improve symptoms associated with kidney disease. Owners have reported improved appetites, weight gain, and increased energy. That being said, more data is necessary regarding the use of VetStem Cell Therapy for cats with kidney disease. Thus, we continue to research the use of stem cells for this condition under one of VetStem’s clinical research programs.

If you think your cat may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of qualified VetStem providers near you.

August 4^th is Assistance Dog Day and next week is International Assistance Dog Week. This is a time to recognize and honor the hard work and selfless love that assistance dogs provide day in and day out. As you probably know, assistance dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. These disabilities can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental. There are many types of assistance dogs including guide dogs for the blind, medical and hearing alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and more. In this week’s blog, we are going to share a special story about a psychiatric service dog named Max.

Max has been a trained companion for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Edward Johnson since 2014. Sgt. Johnson, a purple heart recipient, was shot in the head during combat in Iraq in 2006 and was left with a traumatic brain injury. Max helps Sgt. Johnson cope with PTSD and other debilitating ailments related to his injuries.

Unfortunately, Max tore his cruciate ligament in his knee. As a common injury in large breed dogs, cruciate ligament tear is one of the biggest reasons for hind limb lameness, pain, and subsequent knee arthritis in dogs. Additionally, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 40-60% of dogs who injure one cruciate ligament will go on to injure the other cruciate ligament in the future.

Max was obviously in pain and in need of surgery and other medical procedures. Fortunately, his story made the news and through donations and good will, Max was able to have surgery and treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. His surgeon, Dr. Jeff Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions, donated his services and organized donations from several others as well. As an experienced VetStem provider, Dr. Christiansen recommended stem cell and platelet therapy in conjunction with the surgery to aid Max’s healing. VetStem provided a free platelet therapy kit as well as discounted stem cell processing services.

According to Dr. Christiansen, Max recovered completely. But as is common, Max suffered a second cruciate ligament rupture in his other leg just over two years after his first surgery. Once again, Dr. Christiansen and several companies, including VetStem, stepped up to provide this dog with top-notch care. Max received surgery on his other knee in addition to stem cells and platelet therapy. Max once again recovered well and hasn’t required a repeat stem cell treatment since.

As you probably know, much of the VetStem blog is spent discussing the treatment of arthritis with stem cells. We talk about things like joint dysplasia and cruciate ligament tears as catalysts for the development of arthritis. In today’s blog, we are discussing Fragmented Coronoid Process, or FCP, a developmental defect that causes arthritis in the elbows.

Nikolai Augustus, a Labrador retriever, was 2 years old when he began limping. X-rays revealed he had broken bone fragments in both of his elbows as a result of fragmented coronoid process, or FCP. FCP is one of the main diseases associated with elbow dysplasia. It is a developmental defect of the two small bony protrusions on the end of the ulna, known as the coronoid processes, within the elbow joint. In this condition, one of the bony protrusions develops a fissure or crack and separates from the ulna. FCP may result in instability and pain as well as decreased mobility and swelling.

The treatment of choice for FCP is surgical removal of the bone fragments and any abnormal cartilage. This procedure can be performed arthroscopically by an orthopedic surgeon, which results in a smaller incision and less damage to the supporting elbow structures. In all cases however, regardless of surgical repair, the patient will develop some degree of arthritis. That’s where VetStem comes in!

Niko’s veterinarian recommended arthroscopy in addition to treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types and have demonstrated the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament, and joint tissues. By using VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with surgery, Niko’s vet hoped to delay the progression and reduce the severity of degenerative joint disease in his elbows.

To begin the process, Niko’s vet collected fat tissue from his abdomen in a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was aseptically packaged and shipped to the VetStem processing laboratory in Poway, California. Lab technicians processed the fat to extract and concentrate the stem and regenerative cells contained therein. The cells were divided into doses, and two injectable doses were shipped to Niko’s vet for treatment. Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection procedure, Niko received one dose of his own stem cells into each elbow.

According to Niko’s owner, he had a great response to the treatment. His owner stated, “One year after surgery and stem cell therapy and Niko is running and playing with the energy of a 3-year-old. We are thankful our vet recommended stem cell therapy for Niko and that he has the bank of stem cells to help treat Niko in the future.”

In addition to the two stem cell doses that were shipped for immediate treatment, several doses of Niko’s stem cells were put into cryopreservation. This is particularly valuable for a patient like Niko who will never have perfect, arthritis-free elbows. In fact, approximately 15 months after his initial treatment, Niko received a follow up treatment identical to his first using some of his banked stem cell doses. Niko’s additional cells will remain in cryopreservation and can be accessed for treatment as needed for the remainder of his life.

If you think your pet may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of providers in your area.