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 Changes in behavior: Pain can cause pets to become withdrawn, irritable, restless, or less interested in interacting with their family.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.

Immune-mediated diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and disease-related side effects. In dogs and cats, these conditions can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, intestines, blood cells, and more. Common examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), feline chronic gingivostomatitis, and certain inflammatory skin conditions. While traditional treatment often relies on immunosuppressive medications such as steroids, some pets continue to experience persistent symptoms or medication-related side effects.

Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising regenerative medicine option for select immune-mediated conditions because of the unique immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells. Rather than simply replacing damaged tissue, these cells help regulate the immune response by reducing excessive inflammation and promoting a healthier balance within the immune system. This may help decrease ongoing tissue damage while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Research has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells can influence the activity of multiple immune cell types, making them an area of growing interest for a variety of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.

One of the most promising veterinary applications is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs and cats. Studies have reported improvements in clinical signs, including reduced vomiting and diarrhea, weight gain, and improved quality of life following stem cell therapy. At VetStem, we have also seen encouraging outcomes in pets with IBD and other immune-mediated conditions, particularly those that have not responded well to conventional treatments alone. While stem cell therapy is not considered a cure, it may provide meaningful improvement for carefully selected patients when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan.

As research into regenerative medicine continues to expand, stem cell therapy may become an increasingly valuable tool for managing immune-mediated diseases in veterinary medicine. By helping regulate the immune system rather than simply suppressing it, stem cells offer a different approach to treating chronic inflammatory conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with an immune-mediated disease, talk with your veterinarian to determine whether VetStem Cell Therapy may be an appropriate addition to their treatment plan. You can also contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Shoulder injuries are a common cause of front limb lameness in dogs, particularly active and sporting breeds. One of the most frequently affected structures is the biceps tendon, which helps stabilize the shoulder joint and flex the elbow. Because tendons have a limited blood supply, they tend to heal slowly, and chronic inflammation can lead to persistent pain and reduced function. While rest, rehabilitation, and anti-inflammatory medications may provide relief, some dogs continue to experience lameness despite conservative treatment.

For these challenging cases, regenerative medicine may offer another option. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a dog’s own adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells, which are processed from a small sample of fat tissue and injected into the injured area. These cells have shown to downregulate inflammation, support tissue regeneration, and promote healing.

Published research provides encouraging evidence for the use of adipose-derived stem cells in tendon injuries across multiple species. In one retrospective study of 55 dogs with supraspinatus tendinopathy (a shoulder tendon injury similar in nature to biceps tendinopathy) dogs treated with adipose-derived regenerative cells combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) demonstrated significant improvements in limb function and ultrasound appearance of the tendon. Ninety days after treatment, 88% of dogs showed normal limb function, and ultrasound exams revealed healthier tendon tissue and reduced swelling.

At VetStem, we have treated numerous dogs with biceps tendon injuries as part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed by their veterinarian. While every patient is unique, stem cell therapy is often considered alongside rehabilitation and other treatment modalities to help support tendon healing and improve comfort. Think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

For active dogs, orthopedic injuries can happen more than once over a lifetime. Sunny, a young, energetic Labrador retriever, is a perfect example. After partially tearing his cruciate ligament and being diagnosed with luxating patellas in both knees, Sunny’s veterinarian, Dr. Kim Carlson of Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with TPLO surgery. Having previously seen the success of VetStem Cell Therapy with their other Labrador, Lucky, who was treated for elbow dysplasia, Sunny’s owners felt confident moving forward with regenerative medicine once again.

During the procedure, a small sample of fat was collected from Sunny’s abdomen and sent to the VetStem laboratory, where his stem and regenerative cells were processed. Several doses were prepared for immediate treatment while the remaining cells were cryopreserved, or banked, for future use. Sunny received stem cell injections in both knees, an intravenous dose, and preventative injections in his hips and elbows to help support long-term joint health.

Sunny recovered quickly from surgery, but his journey was far from over. Later, he developed a chronic wound that was slow to heal despite conventional treatments. Because his stem cells had been banked, Dr. Carlson was able to incorporate them into his treatment plan, and the wound ultimately healed after other therapies had provided limited improvement. Not long afterward, Sunny suffered another setback when he injured his right rear iliopsoas muscle, a painful injury that affected his ability to run, play, and even swim, his favorite activity.

Although laser therapy and other treatments provided little relief, Dr. Carlson once again turned to Sunny’s banked stem cells. The results were dramatic. Sunny’s owner stated, “I was skeptical, but literally within a week of the treatment, he was walking without shuffling, and a few weeks later, he was jumping around and playing like a puppy again, running full speed! I almost could not believe it!” After multiple surgeries and injuries, Sunny was finally able to return to the active lifestyle he loved, including getting back to the beach and the water.

Sunny’s story highlights one of the greatest advantages of VetStem Cell Therapy: cryopreservation of extra stem cells. Rather than undergoing another fat collection procedure each time a new injury occurred, his stored stem cells were readily available whenever they were needed. His owner summed it up best: “We are so glad we have stem cells banked for Sunny for his lifetime, since we have already used them several times in three years.” For young, active dogs that may experience multiple orthopedic injuries throughout their lives, VetStem Cell Therapy provides veterinarians and pet owners with a valuable regenerative medicine option that is ready when future needs arise.

Think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Sunny

During National Farriers Week, we recognize the skilled professionals who play a vital role in equine health and performance. Farriers do much more than trim and shoe hooves. They are essential members of a horse’s healthcare team. Through regular hoof care, early detection of abnormalities, and collaboration with veterinarians, farriers help maintain proper balance, movement, and overall soundness in horses of all ages and disciplines.

At VetStem, we understand that optimal equine health often requires a multimodal approach. Just as farriers help support horses from the ground up, VetStem Cell Therapy can play an important role in addressing orthopedic conditions that affect mobility and performance. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat horses with osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and ligament injuries, helping many return to comfort and activity. In fact, according to VetStem survey data, 66% of horses treated for osteoarthritis returned to their previous level of performance, while 77% of horses with tendon injuries and 76% with ligament injuries did the same.

National Farriers Week is an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between farriers, veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners. By working together, these professionals help horses stay healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best. We thank farriers for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to equine welfare, and we are proud to support the collaborative care that helps horses thrive.