Every year, National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day serves as an important reminder of how vital regular veterinary care is for our feline companions. Despite this, statistics show that cats are brought in for routine check-ups far less frequently than dogs. One major reason? Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness, often showing no outward signs until a condition has significantly progressed.

That’s why routine veterinary visits are so crucial. They give your vet the opportunity to detect early warning signs of disease and recommend proactive treatments that can improve your cat’s comfort and quality of life. One such innovative treatment option is VetStem Cell Therapy, which uses your cat’s own stem cells to promote healing and reduce inflammation. At VetStem, we’ve seen great results helping cats with osteoarthritis regain mobility and reduce pain.

Beyond arthritis, stem cells have shown promise in treating chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis (a painful oral disease), and inflammatory bowel disease. Check out our recent blog for more information about VetStem Cell Therapy for these hard-to-treat conditions in cats.

If you’re considering VetStem Cell Therapy for your cat, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s a quick overview of how the process works:

1. Collection: Your veterinarian collects a sample of fat tissue from your cat during a minor procedure performed under anesthesia.
2. Processing: The sample is sent overnight in a temperature-controlled container to our VetStem lab, where technicians isolate and concentrate your cat’s stem cells.
3. Treatment: Stem cell doses are then shipped back to your veterinarian for immediate injection. Any remaining cells will be cryopreserved for potential future use.

The entire procedure is designed to be minimally invasive and focused on your cat’s comfort and safety.

Our cats may not always tell us when something is wrong, but regular veterinary care, and staying informed about treatment options like VetStem Cell Therapy, can make a world of difference in their well-being. This National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, consider scheduling your cat for a check-up and ask your vet if stem cell therapy could be right for your feline friend.

Need a list of VetStem providers near you? Contact us today!

At 14 years old, Callie, a Flat-coated retriever mix, was facing serious mobility challenges. Diagnosed with spondylosis and severe arthritis in her hips and knees, Callie struggled with pain and stiffness, often requiring help just to stand. Her discomfort became so intense that she began snapping at her owners.

Determined to improve her quality of life, Callie’s owners turned to board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Tim McCarthy, who had extensive experience with regenerative medicine. Dr. McCarthy recommended VetStem Cell Therapy in an effort to decrease Callie’s pain and inflammation while promoting healing and tissue repair.

After a small fat sample was collected from Callie’s abdomen, VetStem lab techs isolated and concentrated her stem cells. Just two days later, Callie received injections in her hips, knees, and via IV. Just a few days after treatment, Callie was showing signs of improvement. As her symptoms improved, she began getting up on her own and regained her energy and zest for life. Her family shared, “She had her energy back, she was running around, and she stopped snapping at us. It gave her life back.”

Callie enjoyed over two more active and happy years before she crossed the rainbow bridge. Her story is one of many that highlights how VetStem Cell Therapy may help dogs suffering from arthritis. In fact, more than 80% of surveyed pet owners and veterinarians reported improved quality of life for older dogs following stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. As Callie’s family put it best, “We are so very thankful for her stem cell therapy!”

In honor of International Cat Day, we’re spotlighting some of the ways VetStem Cell Therapy is helping our feline companions live healthier, more comfortable lives. While many pet parents associate stem cell therapy with orthopedic conditions in dogs, cats can also benefit from this advanced treatment for a variety of serious health issues. At VetStem, we’ve seen promising results in cats treated for osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life by limiting mobility and activity. Stem cells may reduce inflammation and pain and promote the healing of damaged joint tissues, thereby improving mobility and overall quality of life. In a recent blog, we shared Zo’s VetStem success story. Zo, a normally social cat, began isolating and showed a marked decrease in activity. She was diagnosed with severe arthritis in her elbows. Fortunately, after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Zo returned to her typical outgoing self and even resumed jumping to perch on elevated surfaces. You can read Zo’s success story here.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and devastating conditions affecting older 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. However, we’ve seen encouraging outcomes in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for kidney disease. Symptoms have resolved and, perhaps more importantly, blood kidney values improved in several treated cats. To read more, check out Trinity’s and Bender’s VetStem success stories.

Similarly, cats suffering from gingivostomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the mouth, may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy. One such cat, Finn, experienced significant relief after treatment with stem cells. His owner stated that the stem cells helped control his condition and improved his quality of life. You can read Finn’s story here.

Another lesser-known use for VetStem Cell Therapy in cats is for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Gryffin, a cat who battled IBD, was treated with VetStem Cell Therapy and experienced dramatic improvement in his gastrointestinal symptoms. He began playing more, regained lost weight, and his coat quality improved significantly.

These stories are just a few examples of how stem cells may offer hope and healing for cats facing difficult diagnoses. On this International Cat Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of our feline friends and the innovative treatments that help them thrive.

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

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month, a great time to talk about one of the most common and frustrating conditions in pets: atopic dermatitis, aka allergies. Often caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold, atopy can lead to chronic itching, licking, and chewing that may significantly impact a pet’s quality of life. While treatments like steroids and antihistamines may offer temporary relief, not all pets respond well, and long-term use of some medications can have side effects.

For pets that don’t find relief with conventional therapies, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a promising alternative. Stem cells have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may help regulate the overactive immune response associated with atopy and make pets more comfortable. Several studies involving dogs treated with stem cells for atopic dermatitis have shown encouraging results. However, additional research is needed to further explore and confirm the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for this condition.

Despite the limited clinical data, some veterinarians have successfully used VetStem Cell Therapy to treat pets with atopic dermatitis. Veterinarians have reported a decrease in symptoms, and some pets have required less allergy medication after treatment with stem cells. While VetStem Cell Therapy may not help every pet with allergies, it could be a valuable option for those who have not responded well to traditional treatments.

If your pet is suffering from ongoing itchiness, ask your veterinarian whether VetStem Cell Therapy might be a suitable option or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

When we think of pain in pets, we often look for obvious physical signs like limping or stiffness. But many animals, especially cats, are masters at hiding discomfort. Instead of showing visible signs, they may simply behave differently, becoming withdrawn, irritable, less playful, or even anxious and fearful. These behavioral shifts can be subtle but important clues that your pet isn’t feeling their best.

Pain doesn’t just come from injuries or arthritis. Chronic conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), inflammatory bowel disease, gingivostomatitis, or even kidney disease can cause ongoing discomfort that affects your pet’s mood and behavior. If your normally social dog is avoiding interaction, or your cat is hiding more than usual, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about what’s going on beneath the surface.

VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative approach to managing pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions. By using your pet’s own stem cells, VetStem can help reduce pain, support healing, and improve overall quality of life, not just for orthopedic issues, but also for chronic internal conditions. If you’ve noticed recent changes in your pet’s behavior, don’t dismiss them. It could be their way of asking for help. And if you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Bruce, a talented performance horse, faced a serious setback when he was diagnosed with microtears in the deep digital flexor tendons of both front legs. The injury, caused by imbalanced shoeing, also led to damage in the navicular bursae of both front coffin joints, an issue that can significantly impact a horse’s mobility and career. Determined to help Bruce recover, his veterinarian, Dr. Martin Gardner of Western Performance Equine, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy.

A long-time VetStem provider, Dr. Gardner collected a small sample of fat from Bruce’s tailhead and sent it to the VetStem lab, where it was processed to isolate the regenerative cells contained therein. Four injectable doses of Bruce’s own stem cells were shipped to Dr. Gardner and administered into both coffin joints, the right front navicular bursa, and via intra-arterial perfusion in both front limbs. Stem cells have shown to reduce inflammation, improve healing, and regenerate damaged soft tissues, making them a valuable option for injuries like Bruce’s.

With a careful rehab plan and ongoing care, Bruce was able to rebuild his strength and eventually return to the show pen. His owner shared, “It was a slow process of rebuilding his strength and fitness, but we have been back in the show pen since. I am so grateful to have a few extra vials as well, in case I ever need them again.” Bruce’s story is one of many that highlight the potential of VetStem Cell Therapy in helping equine athletes return to performance.

Learn more about VetStem Cell Therapy for horses here: https://vetstem.com/horses.php

Bruce

Each year during National Farriers Week, we recognize and celebrate the vital work of farriers—skilled professionals who are essential to the health, soundness, and performance of horses. Proper hoof care and shoeing are critical not only for maintaining healthy movement but also for preventing a variety of lameness issues and soft tissue injuries.

Farriers work closely with veterinarians and horse owners to ensure that horses receive individualized hoof care based on their conformation, workload, and lifestyle. Corrective shoeing and regular trimming can help balance the hoof, support joints and tendons, and reduce the risk of common injuries such as tendonitis, ligament strains, and joint stress. In performance horses especially, the expertise of a knowledgeable farrier can mean the difference between staying in the arena or needing time off due to injury.

That said, even with the best hoof care, injuries can still occur. That’s where VetStem comes in. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat thousands of horses with tendon, ligament, and joint injuries. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, stem cell therapy may help accelerate healing and improve outcomes—potentially getting horses back to work faster and more comfortably.

So this National Farriers Week, we tip our hats to the farriers who keep our equine partners on their feet. Their dedication to hoof care plays a key role in a horse’s overall health and performance. And when injuries do happen, VetStem Cell Therapy is here to help.

Earlier this week, we shared a VetStem success story about Maisey, a sweet pup who initially received VetStem Cell Therapy to help heal a torn cruciate ligament. While her orthopedic recovery went well, Maisey later required a second stem cell treatment—but this time for a very different and unexpected reason. Though we don’t currently have substantial clinical data for this type of application, cases like Maisey’s offer valuable anecdotal evidence that may help guide future research and therapeutic possibilities. Read on to hear a firsthand account from Maisey’s owner.

In September, while my family and I were away, Maisey stayed with a caretaker. Unfortunately, a terrible house fire occurred. After rescuing the dogs, the fire department sent Maisey, along with several other dogs, to Cornell Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, CT. Chest X-rays indicated smoke inhalation injuries, and blood work showed high levels of carbon monoxide. We ordered her VetStem treatment as soon as she was released. Before the treatment, Maisey had bloodshot eyes, red gums, and a persistent cough that lasted day and night. A few days after her treatment, her eyes were clear, her gums returned to normal, and her cough had completely resolved. Everyone believes her recovery was much quicker because of the treatments—other dogs who did not receive the therapy experienced lingering symptoms for weeks afterward. We couldn’t have been happier to know that choosing the VetStem treatment was the right decision!

WOW!! Though VetStem has not conducted studies on the use of stem cells for smoke inhalation, we do know that stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties and support tissue regeneration. These effects may have contributed to Maisey’s swift recovery. We’re thankful she had her cells banked ahead of time, allowing for rapid access to this potentially life-saving therapy when she needed it most.

Maisey

Today is Take Your Dog to Work Day, and at VetStem, we think it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special bond we share with our canine companions. Whether your dog is a seasoned office pup or a first-time visitor, studies have shown that bringing your furry friend to work can add joy, reduce stress, and promote a more relaxed and connected workplace environment.

But did you know that it can also be a great time to observe your dog’s health and mobility? With the extra time spent together, you may notice signs of discomfort that might not be obvious during your usual routine. Things like stiffness after resting, hesitation to jump or climb stairs, or limping after activity could be subtle signs of osteoarthritis or orthopedic injury, conditions that VetStem Cell Therapy may be able to help.

VetStem has treated thousands of dogs with stem cell therapy for arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and other degenerative conditions. If your dog is showing signs of joint pain, now might be a good time to talk to your veterinarian about whether VetStem Cell Therapy is a good option (or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you).

So, as you enjoy the tail wags and extra cuddles this Take Your Dog to Work Day, remember to keep an eye on your pup’s well-being. A healthy, happy dog makes the best coworker!

When most people hear about stem cell therapy for pets, they immediately think of arthritis. And for good reason! VetStem Cell Therapy has helped thousands of animals find relief from painful, degenerative joint disease. But did you know stem cell therapy can also help with a range of other medical conditions?

Stem cells are commonly used to treat soft tissue injuries, including tears in ligaments, tendons, and muscles. One of the most frequently addressed conditions with VetStem Cell Therapy is a cruciate ligament tear. Stem cells can aid in the healing process and help minimize scar tissue formation, whether used alone or in conjunction with surgery. In addition to promoting tissue repair, stem cells have the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, offering pets a better quality of life during recovery. This regenerative approach may be especially helpful for animals that have shown limited improvement with conventional treatments, offering a more effective option for long-term recovery and potentially decreasing the risk of future arthritis development.

In addition to orthopedic applications, VetStem Cell Therapy has demonstrated potential in treating various internal medicine conditions. For instance, stem cell therapy has shown encouraging results in managing chronic kidney disease as well as gingivostomatitis in cats. It has also been used with some success in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a challenging condition affecting both cats and dogs. Furthermore, promising outcomes have been observed in cases involving allergic skin conditions and immune-mediated diseases.

If your pet is facing a health challenge beyond arthritis, stem cell therapy may still be an option. Talk to your veterinarian to learn whether VetStem Cell Therapy could play a role in your pet’s care plan. You can also contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.