When your pet is dealing with an injury, joint problem, or another condition that affects their comfort and mobility, your veterinarian may recommend regenerative medicine as part of their treatment plan. Two commonly used regenerative therapies are stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). While both work with the body’s natural healing processes, they do so in different ways and may be used separately or together depending on your pet’s condition.

Stem cell therapy uses cells that can respond to signals from damaged or inflamed tissue. Once administered, stem cells can help regulate inflammation and support the body’s natural repair processes. Stem cell therapy may be considered for conditions such as osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries. Stem cells may also be helpful for systemic issues, including organ failure and immune-mediated or inflammatory conditions.

PRP works in a different way. Platelets contain growth factors and other substances that can enhance healing. PRP concentrates these platelets so they can be delivered to a specific area of concern. PRP may be used for conditions such as joint, tendon and ligament injuries, wound healing, and other situations where supporting the body’s natural healing response may be beneficial.

In some cases, veterinarians may recommend using stem cells and PRP together. Because the two therapies support healing through different mechanisms, they may complement one another as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Whether your pet may benefit from stem cells, PRP, or both depends on their specific condition, overall health, and treatment goals. Your veterinarian can help determine which regenerative therapy, or combination of therapies, may be appropriate for your pet.

The first week of October is National Walk Your Dog Week, making it a great time to grab the leash and get moving with your four-legged friend. Regular walks are an easy way to support your dog’s overall health, and they can be especially beneficial for maintaining healthy joints. Walking provides low-impact exercise that helps keep joints moving while supporting the muscles and soft tissues that help stabilize them.

Regular, controlled exercise may be particularly helpful for dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Staying active can help with muscle strength, weight maintenance, and can also help to keep the joints lubricated. While dogs with joint problems may not be able to participate in high-impact activities, gentle walks can provide an opportunity to keep their bodies moving without putting unnecessary stress on their joints.

Every dog has different exercise needs, so the right amount of walking will depend on factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health. Dogs with joint pain or mobility issues may benefit from shorter, more frequent walks rather than longer outings. Pay attention to signs that your dog may be uncomfortable, such as limping, stiffness, reluctance to walk, or difficulty getting up after exercise. If you notice these changes, talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate exercise routine and ways to support your dog’s joint health.

For some dogs, however, walking may not be enough, especially if they are already dealing with osteoarthritis or significant joint discomfort. That’s where VetStem Cell Therapy may be an option. Stem cell therapy may help regulate inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes, which may help improve comfort and mobility. For dogs dealing with joint problems, supporting their comfort and mobility can make it easier to participate in regular, gentle exercise and continue enjoying their daily walks.

This National Walk Your Dog Week, make time for a walk and give your dog the benefits of regular, gentle movement. Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood or a longer adventure, those walks can be an important part of helping your dog stay active and comfortable throughout life. And if your dog needs a bit more support, speak to your veterinarian about treating with VetStem Cell Therapy. Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

As our final blog for Animal Pain Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the story of Maggie, a young Rottweiler whose experience demonstrates why recognizing and addressing joint disease early can be so important. At just five months old, Maggie was diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia, including osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and fragmented coronoid process (FCP). She underwent surgery on both elbows at seven months of age, but because of the severity of the damage to her joints, her veterinary team was concerned about her long-term prognosis.

Although Maggie recovered from surgery and was not showing obvious signs of pain or lameness, her owners wanted to take a proactive approach to her joint health. Her veterinarian recommended VetStem Cell Therapy, which uses regenerative cells collected from the patient’s own fat tissue. These cells have demonstrated the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, reduce scar tissue formation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Research has also shown improvements in lameness and range of motion following stem cell treatment in dogs with chronic elbow osteoarthritis.

Maggie received stem cell injections into both elbows as well as an intravenous dose. At the same time, she also received platelet-rich plasma (PRP), another regenerative medicine modality that can support healing. Given the severity of her joint conditions, Maggie received additional stem cell treatments approximately three and seven months later. Her owners report that Maggie is now two years old and has not shown signs of lameness or pain. She enjoys daily two-mile walks, participates in scent work, and lives an active life on her family’s farm. Her owner stated, “It is our firm belief that Maggie would not be the same without stem cell therapy, and we believe in doing it prophylactically, why wait until she’s symptomatic when we already know she has arthritis?”

Maggie’s story is a reminder that pain management is not always about waiting until an animal is visibly painful. For pets with significant joint disease or a history of injury, veterinarians may consider a proactive, multimodal approach to help manage pain and support joint health. VetStem Cell Therapy may be one part of that approach, providing regenerative cells that can help address inflammation and support damaged joint tissues. If your pet has arthritis, an orthopedic injury, or another painful condition, talk with your veterinarian about whether stem cell therapy may be appropriate. You can also contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

Maggie

Managing pain in pets is rarely about finding a single solution. Pain can have multiple causes and affect each animal differently. For this reason, many veterinarians may use a multimodal approach that combines different therapies to address pain from multiple angles.

For pets experiencing pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis or orthopedic injuries, a multimodal treatment plan may include medications, physical rehabilitation, weight management, acupuncture, laser therapy, and other therapies. VetStem Cell Therapy may also be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan. Rather than simply masking pain, stem cell therapy addresses some of the underlying processes associated with pain, including inflammation and tissue damage.

One way stem cells may help manage pain is by reducing inflammation. After administration, stem cells release a variety of signaling molecules that can help regulate the inflammatory and immune response. This may help reduce inflammation while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Research has also explored how stem cells may directly influence pain. Studies have found that stem cells release small proteins called cytokines that can have pain-relieving effects. Interestingly, some of these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

The goal of multimodal pain management is to help pets remain as comfortable and active as possible while addressing the factors contributing to their pain. For some pets, VetStem Cell Therapy may be one component of that approach. If your pet is showing signs of pain, talk with your veterinarian about the cause of the pain and which combination of treatments may be appropriate. You can also contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Throughout Animal Pain Awareness Month, VetStem is highlighting the importance of recognizing pain and exploring options that may help pets enjoy a better quality of life.

Pets can’t tell us when something hurts, so recognizing pain often depends on noticing changes in their behavior and daily routines. While some signs of pain, such as crying out, limping, or obvious difficulty moving, may be easy to recognize, other signs can be much more subtle. This is especially true with chronic pain, which can develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging. Knowing what to look for can help pet owners recognize potential problems and seek veterinary care sooner.

So, what are some of the signs that your pet may be experiencing pain? Somt things to watch out for include:

1. Less activity: Your pet may be sleeping more or no longer seem interested in walks, play, or other favorite activities.
2. Difficulty getting up or lying down: Stiffness or hesitation when changing positions can be a sign of discomfort.
3. Reluctance to jump or use stairs: A dog that suddenly avoids the couch or stairs or a cat that no longer jumps in the cat tree may be experiencing pain.
4. Changes in behavior: Pain can cause pets to become withdrawn, irritable, restless, or less interested in interacting with their family.
5. Changes in grooming: Cats, in particular, may groom less when they are uncomfortable, while excessive licking of a particular area can also indicate a problem.
6. Changes in appetite or sleep: Pain may affect eating habits or make it difficult for a pet to get comfortable and sleep normally.
7. Changes in movement: Limping is an obvious sign, but shorter walks, an altered gait, stiffness, or simply moving differently can also indicate pain.

For more information and resources to help determine if your pet is in pain, visit the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) website here: https://www.ivapm.org/copy-of-are-you-concerned-that-your-pet-is-in-pain

It is important to remember that these signs do not necessarily mean your pet is in pain, and animals may respond to pain differently. However, any noticeable change from your pet’s normal behavior or activity level is worth paying attention to. Keeping track of when the changes occur and discussing them with your veterinarian can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment is needed. Pain should not simply be considered a normal part of getting older.

Throughout Animal Pain Awareness Month, the VetStem blog will continue exploring different aspects of pain in animals, including approaches to pain management and treatment options that may help pets live more comfortable, active lives. Follow along throughout September to learn more about recognizing and managing pain in our animal companions.

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, an annual campaign established by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to raise awareness about pain in animals and the importance of effective pain management. Animals experience many of the same types of pain as people, including pain associated with injury, surgery, arthritis, and other medical conditions. While acute pain is often easier to recognize, chronic pain can be much more difficult to identify and may be mistaken for normal signs of aging. As IVAPM emphasizes, getting older is not a disease, and pain should not simply be considered a normal part of aging.

Recognizing pain is the first step toward helping an animal feel better. Pets cannot tell us when something hurts, so they often communicate through changes in their behavior and daily routines. A pet that is less active, reluctant to climb stairs or jump, having difficulty getting up, sleeping more, or showing less interest in activities they once enjoyed may be experiencing pain. These changes can be gradual, making them easy to overlook. Paying attention to what is normal for an individual pet, and noticing when that changes, can help owners identify potential problems earlier and seek veterinary care.

Animal Pain Awareness Month is also an opportunity to recognize that pain management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the underlying cause and individual needs of the patient, veterinarians may recommend a combination of treatments, including medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and even VetStem Cell Therapy. That’s right, stem cells have demonstrated the ability to directly modulate pain. More on this later.

This Animal Pain Awareness Month, take time to learn the signs of pain and talk with your veterinarian if you notice changes in your pet’s comfort, mobility, or behavior. Throughout September, follow the VetStem blog as we explore different aspects of animal pain, from recognizing the signs to understanding pain management options and how stem cell therapy may help.

VetStem CEO Dr. Bob Harman recently joined Dr. Jamie Gaynor for an episode of Ask Dr. Gaynor, where they discussed the history of VetStem, the evolution of stem cell therapy, and where the field is headed.

VetStem has a long history with Dr. Gaynor, who is board certified in veterinary anesthesiology and a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner. He is also certified in veterinary acupuncture and is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management. His connection with VetStem dates back to the company’s early years, when we were conducting some of our initial studies evaluating stem cell therapy in dogs with hip arthritis and elbow arthritis. As one of the lead investigators, Dr. Gaynor played an important role in helping shape the science and clinical foundation of what VetStem is today.

During their conversation, Dr. Harman shares how the idea for VetStem originated and the steps that brought the company to where it is today. What began with treating tendon injuries in horses evolved to treating joint disease in dogs and eventually expanded to the use of VetStem Cell Therapy for conditions such as organ failure and immune-mediated diseases.

Dr. Harman also discusses how the extensive body of animal data generated through VetStem helped lay the foundation for his work in human regenerative medicine and the development of VetStem’s sister company, Personalized Stem Cells, Inc.

Click the image below to watch the video.

Building off our recent blog about stem cell therapy for cats, National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day on August 22 is a great reminder of something every cat owner should prioritize: routine veterinary care.

Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness. A cat may continue eating, grooming, and going about its normal routine even when an underlying health problem is developing. Regular veterinary examinations allow veterinarians to monitor changes over time and identify potential problems earlier.

Unfortunately, cats receive veterinary care less often than dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats visit the veterinarian an average of 0.7 times per year, compared with 1.5 times for dogs. In 2024, 28% of cat-owning households reported no veterinary spending, compared with 16% of dog-owning households. These differences have continued to be documented in more recent research.

Routine examinations aren’t only about treating illness, they’re an opportunity to catch subtle changes before they become bigger problems. Veterinary visits can include assessments of a cat’s weight, dental health, mobility, behavior, and overall condition, with additional diagnostic testing recommended based on the cat’s age and individual needs.

Regular care becomes especially important as cats get older. Common conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, and more can affect a cat’s comfort and quality of life and may require ongoing management. As we discussed in our recent blog, VetStem Cell Therapy may be considered as part of a veterinarian’s treatment plan for cats with certain chronic and inflammatory conditions. But whether a cat needs advanced treatment or simply a wellness examination, maintaining a relationship with a veterinarian is an important first step.

Itchy Pet Awareness Month is a reminder that allergies are more than just a skin problem, they are often the result of an overactive immune response. In pets with atopic dermatitis, the immune system can overreact to normally harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or mold, triggering inflammation, itching, and discomfort. While allergies are common, managing the underlying immune response is an important part of helping affected pets maintain a better quality of life.

In a recent blog, we discussed how immune-mediated diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and disease-related side effects. In dogs with atopy, a defective skin barrier allows allergens to penetrate deeper into the skin, where they interact with immune cells and trigger an allergic reaction. Because of their unique ability to regulate immune activity, stem cells are being investigated as a potential therapy to help rebalance an overactive immune response.

Stem cells have demonstrated immunomodulatory properties, allowing them to help regulate immune activity, reduce excessive inflammation, and support a more balanced immune environment. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used in several dogs and cats with atopy, and veterinarians and owners have reported improvements in clinical signs when routine treatments are incorporated into the pet’s ongoing management plan. Additionally, studies involving dogs treated with stem cells for atopic dermatitis have also shown encouraging results; however, additional research is needed to further explore and confirm the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for this condition.

While we cannot say that stem cells will help every pet with atopic dermatitis, the responses reported by veterinarians and owners suggest that some patients may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. As with any medical treatment, every patient responds differently, and results cannot be guaranteed. Veterinarians should evaluate each individual pet to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their unique needs.

Interested in VetStem Cell Therapy for your pet? Speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

Tomorrow is International Cat Day and, well, we can never pass up an opportunity to share information about VetStem Cell Therapy for cats.

While cats are often experts at hiding signs of illness or discomfort, many feline health conditions can significantly impact their quality of life. Research into regenerative medicine continues to explore how stem cells may help support cats with a variety of challenging conditions by helping regulate inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

One area where VetStem Cell Therapy has shown promise is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is associated with inflammation and a gradual decline in kidney function, and treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and helping maintain quality of life. Veterinarians have treated hundreds of feline patients with CKD using VetStem Cell Therapy, with many reporting favorable outcomes. Additionally, clinical studies have explored the use of stem cells in cats with CKD, suggesting that stem cell therapy may help slow disease progression and support overall quality of life.

VetStem Cell Therapy has also been explored for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other immune-mediated conditions. In IBD, an overactive immune response causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Unlike traditional therapies that broadly suppress the immune system, stem cells work by helping modulate immune activity and encourage a more balanced inflammatory response. Veterinarians and pet owners have reported reductions in symptoms and improvements in quality of life following VetStem Cell Therapy.

Another painful inflammatory condition affecting cats is feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a severe oral disease characterized by inflammation of the gums and oral tissues. Cats with this condition may experience significant discomfort, difficulty eating, and decreased quality of life. Because stem cells are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, researchers have investigated their potential role in helping cats with FCGS. In one study, 5 out of 7 cats experienced complete remission or substantial improvement after treatment with stem cells.

And yes, cats get osteoarthritis (OA) too! While stem cells are often associated with canine arthritis treatment, our feline friends can also develop painful joint changes as they age. Cats may not limp or show obvious signs of arthritis like dogs often do. Instead, they may become less active, stop jumping to favorite spots, groom less, or show changes in behavior. While pain medications are commonly used to manage OA in dogs, long-term pain management options for cats can be more limited. Instead, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative medicine option to help support cats with OA by addressing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural repair processes.