Gemini, a young Golden Retriever, began struggling with mobility as early as nine months old. Her owners noticed that simple activities, like climbing stairs or getting up from a resting position, were becoming increasingly difficult for her. She also experienced intermittent lameness and discomfort. Gemini’s veterinarian diagnosed her with bilateral hip arthritis caused by hip dysplasia, a developmental condition in which the hip joint does not form properly. This joint instability can lead to painful osteoarthritis, even in very young dogs.

Because of her age, Gemini’s family hoped to avoid invasive surgical procedures. Her veterinarian, Dr. Andrea Hayes of VCA Boone Animal Hospital, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy as a less-invasive treatment option. “After her first stem cell treatment, at 10 months old, she showed significant improvement in all areas of mobility,” her owner shared. “Although her range of motion had improved, it was still not at an acceptable range, and she still showed signs of discomfort at times.”

When Gemini turned two, her owners decided to use some of the stored stem cells for a second treatment. “At the age of 24 months, we still felt she was too young to consider a surgical procedure and decided to have another stem cell treatment performed with the banked doses we had in storage at VetStem from the original procedure,” her owner explained. “After this second treatment, Gemini’s condition significantly improved. Her range of motion is almost that of a healthy dog. Although stairs are still somewhat of an issue for her, she has no other mobility issues at this time. We are grateful to have found a non-surgical option for Gemini to improve her quality of life. We are also grateful for having someone like Dr. Hayes making this type of treatment available to us. It is comforting to know that this type of treatment is still available for Gemini in the future, if needed, with the banked cells we still have at VetStem. Our hopes are to avoid ever having to put her through hip replacement or any other type of orthopedic surgery. Gemini is currently in training to become a certified therapy dog just like her brother and sister dogs.”

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs and can significantly impact mobility and overall quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat thousands of dogs with osteoarthritis, with over 80% of pet owners and veterinarians reporting improved comfort and function. And because osteoarthritis is often a progressive condition, VetStem’s ability to store stem cells for future treatments can be a valuable tool for long-term care.

Think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

Gemini

November is National Senior Pet Month, a time to celebrate our beloved older companions and to raise awareness about their unique health needs. Just like people, pets can experience age-related changes such as stiffness and slower movement, which is often a result of arthritis. But growing older doesn’t have to mean giving up the things that bring them joy. At VetStem, we believe every stage of life deserves to be lived comfortably, and that’s where VetStem Cell Therapy can help.

It’s a common misconception that regenerative medicine is only for young, athletic animals recovering from injury. In fact, many of our patients are senior dogs and cats being treated for arthritis or other degenerative conditions. VetStem Cell Therapy can help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve overall comfort and mobility. In a survey of older dogs treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis, over 80% showed improved quality of life. One example is Callie, who regained her zest for life and was able to fully enjoy her golden years after treatment with stem cells.

During National Senior Pet Month, we encourage pet owners to take a closer look at how regenerative medicine can support their aging companions. Whether your senior pet is showing early signs of arthritis or has been struggling for some time, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a safe and effective way to enhance their comfort and mobility. Talk to your veterinarian to find out if your pet is a good candidate or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

On Monday November 3rd, we celebrate One Health Day, a time to recognize the connections between people, animals, and our shared environment. At VetStem, this idea really hits home. Our work in regenerative medicine for animals is part of a much bigger picture, where advances in veterinary medicine can help shape the future of human health. This is what’s known as translational medicine, and it’s at the heart of what we do every day.

For over 20 years, VetStem has been helping veterinarians treat dogs, cats, and horses with stem cell therapy. The success we’ve seen in animals inspired the creation of our sister company, Personalized Stem Cells, Inc. (PSC). PSC takes what we’ve learned from veterinary applications and brings that same regenerative technology to people. The company conducts FDA-approved clinical trials and offers qualified recipients access to their own stem cells under the federal Right to Try program for orthopedic and other debilitating conditions. This really is a perfect example of translational medicine in action!

Just like VetStem, PSC also offers cell banking services, so both pet owners and individuals can store their stem cells for potential future treatments. Whether for your horse, your dog, or even yourself, banking stem cells is a way to plan ahead for a healthier future.

This One Health Day, we’re proud to celebrate the connection between human and animal health. From treating pets to helping people, VetStem and Personalized Stem Cells are working together to make regenerative medicine a reality for all species.

At just four years old, Junior, a talented cutting horse, suffered injuries to the suspensory ligaments in both of his hind legs. This type of injury can end the career of even the best performance horses. Fortunately, with the help of his veterinarian, Dr. Martin Gardner of Western Performance Equine, and treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Junior made a remarkable recovery. Not only did he return to work, but he went on to have a long, successful career and remains sound nearly 15 years later.

To treat Junior’s injuries, Dr. Gardner recommended VetStem Cell Therapy, a regenerative medicine treatment that uses the horse’s own stem cells to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and repair damaged tissue. A small sample of fat was collected from Junior’s tailhead and sent to VetStem’s lab in Poway, California, where technicians processed it to extract and concentrate his stem cells. Two doses were then shipped back to Dr. Gardner for injection into the injured ligaments. After a 90-day rehab period, Junior gradually returned to work and went on to compete until age 16.

Junior’s owner shared that he’s now 19 years old, still sound, and happily working as a help horse in stock dog trials, calling VetStem Cell Therapy the “best money ever spent on a horse.” Stories like Junior’s highlight how regenerative medicine can give horses a second chance at a full and active life. Thousands of horses like Junior have been treated for tendon, ligament, and joint injuries, allowing many to return to competition and maintain long-term soundness.

This week is National Veterinary Technician Week, and VetStem is proud to recognize the dedicated, compassionate, and skilled veterinary technicians who play a vital role in patient care. Vet techs provide hands-on care, support diagnostics and treatments, and ensure every patient receives the best possible experience. Their expertise and empathy extend beyond the exam room, touching the lives of both animals and their owners every single day.

At VetStem, we have the privilege of working closely with veterinary technicians across the country who help make regenerative medicine possible. From assisting with stem cell procedures to processing paperwork and scheduling stem cell treatments, vet techs are instrumental in every step of the process. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure the success of VetStem Cell Therapy treatments.

Many members of our own VetStem team are former veterinary technicians, bringing their clinical experience and knowledge of animal care to every aspect of what we do. From laboratory processing to customer support and education, the VetStem team leverages this expertise to ensure the highest quality care for every patient and provide veterinarians with the guidance and support they need for successful stem cell treatments

This week, and every week, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to veterinary technicians everywhere. Your passion, skill, and dedication make an incredible difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. Thank you for the compassion you bring to your work and for being an essential part of the VetStem family. Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!

Stem cell therapy has become a powerful tool in veterinary medicine, offering pets relief from degenerative conditions such as arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and even certain internal medicine conditions such as kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease. One of VetStem’s most valuable services is stem cell banking. By storing your pet’s stem cells after the initial collection, you ensure that additional treatments can be performed easily in the future without the need for another collection procedure. Banking stem cells provides peace of mind, knowing that your pet’s cells are readily available whenever a retreatment is needed.

Pets with degenerative conditions such as arthritis may greatly benefit from routine stem cell treatments. Retreatments can be an essential part of maintaining your pet’s mobility and comfort. As pets age or as certain conditions progress, a single stem cell treatment may not be enough to maintain optimal results long-term. With banked cells, retreatments are easy and efficient. Veterinarians can quickly access the stored cells and administer additional doses to support ongoing healing and joint health.

Even if your pet uses up their initial supply of stem cell doses, VetStem has you covered. VetStem has the ability to culture more of your pet’s stem cells to provide additional doses for treatment. With one fat collection procedure, VetStem has the ability to provide a lifetime supply of stem cells for your pet. By planning for retreatments and utilizing our stem cell banking service, pet owners can take a proactive approach in managing their pet’s quality of life, helping them stay active, comfortable, and happy for years to come.

As the seasons shift into fall, October brings with it two important pet health observances: National Pet Obesity Awareness Month and National Walk Your Dog Week. These awareness campaigns go hand in hand, since one of the most beneficial activities for your dog’s health is also one of the simplest: a daily walk. Walking not only supports joint health, mobility, and overall quality of life, but it also plays a key role in reducing excess weight and helping your dog maintain a healthy body condition.

Extra weight places additional stress on your dog’s joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and arthritis over time. Regular walks help to break this cycle by burning calories, strengthening muscles, and improving joint flexibility. Even short, consistent walks can make a difference in your dog’s weight and comfort while also providing valuable mental stimulation.

For some dogs, however, walking may not be enough, especially if they are already dealing with arthritis or significant joint pain. That’s where VetStem Cell Therapy can help. VetStem works to reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing, and improve mobility. The benefits of stem cell therapy can make it easier and more comfortable for dogs to enjoy regular walks, which in turn helps with weight management and overall joint health.

This October, celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week by making daily walks a priority. And if your pet struggles with joint pain or mobility issues, talk to your veterinarian about whether VetStem Cell Therapy could provide the extra support they need to get back on their paws.

Looking for a VetStem provider? Contact us for a list of veterinarians near you!

As we wrap up our Animal Pain Awareness Month blog series, we’re revisiting the important role that VetStem Cell Therapy can play in managing pain. In last week’s post, we discussed how stem cells help reduce both acute and chronic pain. This week, we’ll show how that science translates into real-world results by sharing the story of Nellie-Jane, a beagle who was struggling with arthritis in multiple joints.

In addition to hip dysplasia, which caused painful hip arthritis, Nellie was also diagnosed with moderate arthritis in her elbows, knees, and shoulder. These degenerative conditions can severely limit mobility and quality of life, often leaving dogs uncomfortable despite standard therapies. To help Nellie, her veterinarian, Dr. Keith Clement of Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy.

To begin her treatment, Dr. Clement collected a small sample of fat tissue from Nellie’s abdomen, which was sent to the VetStem laboratory for processing. Technicians extracted and concentrated her stem and regenerative cells, preparing eight doses for use. Within 48 hours, Nellie received stem cell injections into each of her arthritic joints, as well as an intravenous injection.

According to her owner, the results were clear: “Stem cell therapy made a huge difference for Nellie. It gave her back a lot of mobility and reduced her pain.” Nellie’s case is a great example of how stem cells don’t just support healing, they directly reduce pain, target inflammation, and support tissue repair. By addressing pain at its source, VetStem Cell Therapy helps pets regain comfort, stay active, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Curious if your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Nellie-Jane

In this third installment of our Animal Pain Awareness Month blog series, we’re focusing on how VetStem Cell Therapy can help manage pain in pets. We know how challenging it is to watch a beloved animal struggle with discomfort, whether from arthritis, an injury, or post-surgical recovery. What makes VetStem Cell Therapy unique is that it not only supports the repair of damaged tissue but also works directly to reduce both acute and chronic pain through multiple mechanisms of action.

One of the primary ways stem cells help manage pain is by reducing inflammation, which is often a key contributor to both acute and chronic pain. After administration, stem cells migrate to areas of injury or disease and release bioactive molecules that decrease inflammation and modulate the immune response, leading to improved comfort and mobility for pets. In addition to controlling inflammation, stem cells stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. As these structures heal, the underlying source of pain is reduced, leading to improved long-term outcomes for pets.

More recent literature indicates that stem cells can also target both acute and chronic pain directly. Initially, stem cell therapy was mainly associated with healing, regeneration, and inflammation reduction. However, newer studies have explored how stem cells can directly influence pain perception. These studies reveal that stem cells release cytokines—small proteins that can act similarly to opioids in blocking pain. Interestingly, these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by Naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

As research continues to advance our understanding of pain and regenerative medicine, VetStem Cell Therapy remains a trusted option for veterinarians and pet owners alike. By addressing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and directly modulating pain signals, stem cell therapy provides a natural, targeted approach to help pets regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life. For pets dealing with arthritis, orthopedic injuries, or post-surgical discomfort, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a pathway to both relief and long-term healing.

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.

As we continue Animal Pain Awareness Month, we want to highlight an important topic: recognizing the signs of pain in dogs and cats. Both species, but especially cats, are skilled at hiding discomfort. While some signs of pain are obvious, others can be subtle, yet all may indicate that a trip to the veterinarian is needed. Identifying and addressing pain early is essential to maintaining your pet’s quality of life.

Before diving into the signs, it’s helpful to understand the difference between acute pain and chronic pain.

• Acute pain comes on suddenly and is usually short-term. It often results from an injury, illness, or surgical procedure.
• Chronic pain is more subtle and develops gradually over time. A common example is the ongoing discomfort caused by osteoarthritis.

While acute pain is typically easier to recognize, chronic pain can be much harder to detect. To help pet parents better identify when their pets may be in pain, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has compiled a list of the most common signs. This resource is especially valuable for those who may not realize their pet is suffering.

Common signs of pain in pets include:

• Decreased activity such as unwillingness to accompany on walks or play, difficulty going up or down stairs, reluctance to jump onto as higher surfaces as normal (cats), slow to stand after laying down.
• Changes in their mood, personality and everyday behavior, such as being more anxious or fearful, becoming antisocial and distant, being grumpy and intolerant to other animals and people.
• Decreased appetite and interest in food.
• Over grooming or licking a particular areas on their body or in the environment.

IVAPM has also provided checklists for both dogs and cats that may help to determine if your pet is experiencing pain.

Being able to recognize when your pet is in pain is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy. Even subtle changes in activity, behavior, or appetite may be a sign that something isn’t right. Resources like IVAPM’s pain checklists can help pet parents spot these signs early and know when it’s time to seek veterinary care. By catching pain sooner rather than later, you can help ensure your dog or cat enjoys the best possible quality of life.