Every year on March 13th, we celebrate National K9 Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring the incredible military, police, search and rescue, and working dogs who serve alongside their human partners. These dogs put their lives on the line to protect and support us. This day recognizes not only their service, but also their sacrifice.

At VetStem, we have been fortunate to be a small part of several working dogs’ journeys. Over the years, we have worked alongside dedicated veterinarians and handlers who are committed to keeping their canine partners comfortable, active, and able to do the jobs they were trained to do. In fact, a published study involving police K9s treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for semitendinosus myopathy, a muscle injury that can significantly impact performance, showed that stem cell treatment supported healing and helped these dogs return to full duty. It is always an honor to support these teams and witness firsthand the impact regenerative medicine can have on dogs who give so much of themselves in service to others.

One such unforgettable hero is Lex, a military working dog who served in Iraq as a bomb detection dog. After losing his handler, Corporal Dustin Lee, in combat, Lex sustained injuries and later developed degenerative joint disease. As he aged, mobility became more difficult. With VetStem Cell Therapy, Lex received injections of his own stem cells to help address joint inflammation and discomfort. Following treatment, he experienced improved mobility and comfort, an outcome we are always honored to be part of.

We have also seen stem cell therapy make a difference for dogs like Jax, a working explosive detection dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia at a young age. Hip pain could have ended his career early, but after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Jax’s lameness resolved and he was able to continue working. For Yana, a dedicated search and rescue K9 who suffered a muscle injury, stem cell therapy supported healing so she could return to the job she loves. In another inspiring story, a hardworking service dog named Walter Beaux who struggled with inflammatory bowel disease was able to return to his daily duties after stem cell therapy helped resolve his symptoms.

On National K9 Veterans Day, we are proud to celebrate these remarkable dogs and to support veterinarians and handlers with regenerative medicine options that can help improve quality of life and, in many cases, help these heroes get back to work.

Officer Washington with K-9 Jago, who received VetStem Cell Therapy for semitendinosus myopathy

March 3^rd was Tripawd Awareness Day, a project of Tripawds.com and the nonprofit Tripawds Foundation. According to their website, Tripawds shares helpful resources for pet parents coping with pet limb amputation, and Tripawd Awareness Day is a day to celebrate “animal amputees and the people who care for them by celebrating pet amputation awareness among pet lovers and the veterinary community.”

While tripawd pets often adapt remarkably well after limb amputation, their bodies do face unique physical challenges. With only three limbs bearing weight, the remaining joints, muscles, and soft tissues take on increased mechanical stress. Over time, this can contribute to increased wear and tear on the joints which can lead to earlier onset of osteoarthritis and/or increase the risk of soft tissue strain or injury. For these reasons, proactive joint support becomes especially important for these pets to help protect their long-term comfort and quality of life.

VetStem Cell Therapy has proven especially helpful for multiple three-limbed pets. One such example is Everest who lost her right front leg as a puppy. When she was approximately 6 years old, she suffered partial tears in both cruciate ligaments in her knees. With only three legs, she was not considered a good surgical candidate, so her veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

After receiving injections of her own stem cells into both knees, the change was dramatic. According to her owner, Everest went from struggling to stand and walk to running and having her zoomies again. Now, years later, she continues to thrive and has additional stem cells stored for future use to help keep her comfortable and active.

Everest is just one of several tripawd stem cell success stories we have heard! Mandy received stem cell therapy for hip and ankle arthritis after her front limb was amputated due to a bad break and multiple failed surgeries. Kingsley, a sweet tripawd boy owned by a veterinarian, received multiple treatments for elbow arthritis and far exceeded his life expectancy with the help of VetStem Cell Therapy. Jackson, a rear-leg amputee, was treated with his own stem cells for a partial cruciate ligament tear and arthritis in multiple joints. And Reggie, who lost his front limb due to cancer, was able to get back to playing after receiving stem cell therapy in his hips, knees, and remaining elbow and shoulder.

If you have a tripawd (or four-legged!) pet who is struggling with arthritis or other orthopedic issues, VetStem Cell Therapy may help! Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

Everest

Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week is a great excuse to celebrate the people who do a little bit of everything in the clinic. From patient care to clinic support to customer care, vet assistants often wear many hats throughout a typical day in the clinic. The job isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely essential and this is a week to give our thanks to all veterinary assistants.

This week is especially meaningful to us at VetStem because several of our team members started their careers as veterinary assistants, gaining hands-on experience in clinics long before stepping into their current roles. That background shapes how we do what we do every day. It keeps us connected to the realities of clinical life and reminds us how important teamwork, compassion, and attention to detail truly are.

On top of everything else, veterinary assistants often handle the coordination of stem cell shipments for pets! They make sure forms are filled out and submitted correctly and stay in touch with the VetStem team to keep procedures on schedule. We truly couldn’t do what we do without them!

So this week, we just want to say thank you. To every veterinary assistant past and present, including those who helped shape VetStem along the way, we see you and we appreciate everything you bring to the profession.

VetStem was thrilled to exhibit at WVC 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. This year, we shared a booth with our distribution partner, PetVivo Animal Health. Together, we highlighted a multimodal approach to osteoarthritis treatment through regenerative medicine products.

Throughout the conference, we showcased how VetStem Cell Therapy, our off-the-shelf PrecisePRP, and PetVivo’s Spryng can work together to provide a tailored, effective approach for managing osteoarthritis. Attendees learned how these therapies can complement one another and enhance patient outcomes.

It was great to connect with veterinarians, answer questions, and demonstrate how a multimodal osteoarthritis protocol can fit into a practice. WVC 2026 was an exciting opportunity to share the latest advances in regenerative care and we’re already looking forward to continuing these conversations in the future!

When it comes to stem cell therapy, timing matters. While most people think about treatment after a dog starts showing signs of pain or injury, the VetStem StemInsure is all about planning ahead. It allows pet owners to bank their dog’s own stem cells while they’re young and healthy, so those cells are ready if they’re ever needed later in life. It’s a simple way to be proactive about your pet’s future care.

VetStem’s StemInsure process fits easily into a routine procedure like a spay, neuter, or dental. A small amount of fat is collected, sent to VetStem’s lab, and the stem cells are processed and cryopreserved for long-term storage. Those stored cells can be expanded and used when the time is right. That means no extra fat collection procedure down the road.

What pet owners like most about the VetStem StemInsure is the peace of mind. Instead of scrambling for options after an injury or diagnosis, the cells are already there. For dogs that may be prone to orthopedic issues or age-related joint problems, having stem cells banked early can make future treatment simpler and less stressful for both pets and their people.

Speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

National Cat Health Month is a perfect reminder that cats are masters at hiding pain and illness. By the time a problem becomes obvious, it’s often been present for quite a while. Fortunately, advances in regenerative medicine are giving veterinarians new ways to support feline health and comfort. Many veterinarians have used VetStem Cell Therapy to help manage a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions commonly seen in cats.

Osteoarthritis is far more common in cats than many people realize, especially as they age. Subtle changes like reluctance to jump, decreased grooming, or a change in litter box habits can all be signs of joint pain. Stem cell therapy may help by reducing inflammation within affected joints and supporting the body’s natural repair processes, potentially improving mobility and comfort in affected cats.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects a significant percentage of senior cats and can be challenging to manage long-term. While not a cure, many vets have incorporated VetStem Cell Therapy as a supportive option aimed at modulating inflammation and supporting kidney function. Some cats receiving stem cells have shown improvements in appetite, energy levels, and overall quality of life, along with improved blood kidney values.

Inflammatory conditions such as gingivostomatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Gingivostomatitis causes painful oral inflammation, often leading to difficulty eating, while IBD can result in chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Stem cell therapy may help regulate the immune response driving these conditions, offering relief for cats that don’t respond well to conventional treatments alone.

As we recognize National Cat Health Month, it’s a great time to remember how important early awareness and proactive care can be for a cat’s comfort and quality of life. For cats living with chronic inflammatory conditions, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a supportive option when traditional treatments alone are not enough. If you think your cat may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

At just one and a half years old, Hex, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, was already proving herself as a standout in the agility world. In only a few short months, she advanced rapidly through the Novice, Open, and Excellent levels of AKC agility and was just about ready to start competing against more experienced dogs at the Master level of competition. Then, just one week before her first Master-level competition, Hex came in from the yard limping.

Although initial treatment with NSAIDs provided some relief, Hex continued to show reduced range of motion in her left front leg. Her owner sought out Dr. Sherman Canapp of Canapp Sports Medicine, a board-certified veterinary surgeon internationally recognized for diagnosing and treating complex soft tissue and orthopedic injuries in canine athletes. After a thorough evaluation, he diagnosed Hex with multiple soft tissue injuries in her left shoulder, along with abnormalities in both elbows.

Dr. Canapp recommended arthroscopy of both elbows and the left shoulder, followed by VetStem Cell Therapy to support healing and recovery. After completing the surgical repairs and subsequent stem cell injections, Hex began a carefully structured rehabilitation program with a veterinary physical therapist. About three months later, she was cleared to return to agility training.

Her owner reported, “I am grateful and excited to report that Hex is back running agility at the highest levels! One year after her injury, we returned to agility competition. We took things slowly, but she has never looked back – running better than before with a visible improvement in her jumping form and in her performance of the obstacles. Agility is a tough sport and can be even harder for dogs (like Corgis) that aren’t really built for lots of jumping or running up and down A-frames at high speed, but with careful strength and fitness training and stem cells from VetStem, Hex is holding her own competitively, trialing almost every weekend. Hex completed her Master Agility Champion title (MACH) and she will be competing in the AKC Agility Invitational. Most importantly, though, Hex is happy and sound. I know that VetStem Cell Therapy has been a critical part of Hex’s return to sport and I sleep better at night knowing that Hex’s stem cells are banked and ready should we need to use them in the future.”

Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types and release growth factors and proteins that help reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue repair, and promote healing. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, arthritis, and tendon and ligament damage in dogs, cats, and horses. By helping injured animals heal, stem cells can improve quality of life and, in many cases, allow canine athletes like Hex to return to competition.

Whether your dog is a competitive athlete or a beloved companion, VetStem Cell Therapy may help with a variety of conditions and injuries. Speak with your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Hex

One Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to reflect on the connection between animal and human health. Treating animals can lead to breakthroughs for people, which is exactly what happened with VetStem and our sister company, Personalized Stem Cells (PSC). For more than two decades, VetStem has led the way in regenerative medicine for animals, pioneering the use of a patient’s own stem cells to support healing, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life. Along the way, the success we saw in veterinary patients led directly to the formation of PSC, which now brings the same personalized, cell-based approach to people.

This One Health connection is especially clear in the story of Erin Taormino. Erin is one of the world’s most accomplished trainers of reined cow horses. She became the first woman ever to win the World’s Greatest Horseman title, and in 2024 she joined the NRCHA Million Dollar Rider club, cementing her place in the history of the sport. But years of riding, training, and competing at the highest level took a toll. Erin developed severe osteoarthritis in both hips, leaving her facing the very real prospect of double hip surgery, a procedure that could sideline her career and limit her ability to ride, train, and compete.

Fortunately for Erin, she was already familiar with stem cell therapy, having seen her horses benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy. She stated, “I’ve seen firsthand how stem cells helped my horses recover and perform. When it came to my own body, I wanted to see if there was a way to avoid surgery and stay in the saddle.” Following PSC’s Right-to-Try pathway, Erin received injections with her own stem cells into each hip. After treatment, Erin was able to avoid hip replacement and continue competing at the highest level of her sport, including again this year entering and placing in the Run for a Million competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. She stated, “Stem cells allowed me to keep riding, training, and doing what I love. I don’t know if I’d be here today, competing at this level, if I had gone through double hip surgery. For me, it’s incredible that the same science helping my horses could also help me. We’re both athletes, and stem cells have been a game-changer.”

Erin’s story is a powerful example of how advancements in veterinary medicine can translate into meaningful breakthroughs for people. One Health Awareness Month is a reminder that progress in veterinary medicine can reach far beyond animals. At VetStem, we’re proud that our experience caring for animals has helped shape the future of regenerative medicine for humans too.

Photography Credit: Carolyn Simancik: instagram.com/carolyn_simancik
instagram.com/taorminoperformancehorses

January is Walk Your Dog Month, a perfect reminder that one of the simplest activities you can do with your dog is also one of the most beneficial, especially for their joints. Regular, controlled walks help keep joints healthy and may actually reduce the symptoms or delay the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Read on to learn how you can keep your dog feeling and moving their best.

You may already know that nearly 1 in 5 dogs will be diagnosed with OA during their lifetime. That’s why prioritizing joint care from an early age is so important. While there are many ways to support canine joint health, research shows that consistent, low-impact exercise, like daily walks, can help maintain joint function and mobility in dogs both with and without OA.

Walking plays a key role in maintaining joint health by promoting the circulation of joint fluid, which helps nourish cartilage and keep joints moving smoothly. Regular walks also support healthy weight management, reducing excess stress on joints that can accelerate wear and tear. In addition, walking strengthens the muscles surrounding the joints, improving stability and helping protect against injury and long-term degeneration.

When it comes to exercise, consistency matters more than intensity. Dogs who are mostly sedentary during the week and then pushed into long, strenuous activities on the weekend are at higher risk for joint strain, soreness, and injury. Sudden bursts of activity can overload joints and soft tissues that aren’t conditioned for the demand. Daily walks, even if they’re shorter, provide steady, low-impact exercise that helps dogs build and maintain strength safely over time.

All of that being said, walking is not a foolproof method for stopping or curing OA altogether. Your veterinarian can offer advice in terms of supplements and other ways to support your dog’s joint health. Additionally, VetStem Cell Therapy has been shown to reduce pain and lameness associated with arthritis in dogs, thereby leading to a better quality of life.

Today, January 9^th, is National Australian Shepherd Day and we wanted to share the story of a special Aussie who was treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for a non-standard indication: sebaceous adenitis. We haven’t discussed this topic much on our blog however a few patients have received VetStem Cell Therapy for this condition and have experienced good results overall.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Sebaceous adenitis is a challenging immune mediated skin disease in dogs in which the immune system attacks the sebaceous glands. These glands help to maintain skin and coat health. Dogs with this disease often experience dry and brittle fur, hair loss, scaling, skin lesions, and potentially secondary skin infections.

Unfortunately, like most immune mediated conditions, treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and is not curative. This means that lifelong treatments such as frequent bathing with medicated shampoos, along with supplements and medications will be necessary to help keep pets with this disease comfortable. As you can imagine, treatment can be labor intensive and not all pets respond.

Nikita’s Story

Nikita, an Australian Shepherd, was diagnosed with sebaceous adenitis after her owner noticed patchy fur with poor skin and coat quality. Nikita’s case was so bad that she was on heavy doses of steroids and other immunosuppressive medication. Her dedicated owner sought treatment with stem cell therapy, hoping to achieve a better quality of life for Nikita.

Nikita’s initial treatment included three separate intravenous doses spaced approximately one week apart. After her first two doses, both her veterinarian and her owner noticed slight improvement in her skin. Approximately thirty days after her initial treatment, her owner noticed that her fur was growing back, her skin was healthy, and she was off 75% of her medication. Nikita was also more social and willing to play again. It was clear she was feeling much better!

Following Nikita’s initial stem cell treatment, she continued to receive retreatments once to twice a year to help keep her symptoms under control. Prior to stem cell therapy, her condition had progressively worsened, and her owner shared that the disease was slowly but surely taking her life. One family member recalled, “Unless you had seen Nikita so close to dying, you can’t appreciate what a gift stem cells have been. She is such a happy, naughty, loving, and lovable little dog now.”

Stem Cells for Immune Mediated Diseases

While stem cells are still being studied for the treatment of immune mediated diseases, we do know that stem cells play a key role in not only managing pain but also in down-regulating inflammation. Perhaps most importantly for these conditions, stem cells have demonstrated immunomodulatory characteristics and the ability to help balance a patient’s immune system.  By addressing immune imbalance rather than solely managing symptoms, stem cell therapy may serve as a valuable treatment for dogs with sebaceous adenitis, particularly those that are difficult to manage with conventional therapies alone.

The Takeaway

Though stem cell therapy did not cure Nikita’s disease, it played a meaningful role in improving her comfort and overall quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy is not the answer for every condition and may not help every patient the way it helped Nikita. That being said, if your pet is struggling with an immune mediated disease that is not well controlled by standard treatment, speak to your vet about stem cell therapy. Or reach out to us for more information and a list of VetStem providers in your area.

Dr. Bernadine Cruz administering intravenous stem cells to Nikita