As most of our readers know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used to treat orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. Cats, on the other hand, frequently receive stem cell therapy for indications such as renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. One such cat, a young Siamese named Finn, received VetStem Cell Therapy for gingivostomatitis when he was approximately one year old.

We’ve shared Finn’s stem cell success story in a previous blog. But to sum it up, Finn was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis at just five months old. Gingivostomatitis is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the affected cat’s gums. It can be very painful and lead to inappetence, reduced grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, pain medications, and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

Finn’s owners tried several medications in an effort to improve his symptoms, but nothing worked. They were determined to not have all of his teeth extracted and were willing to do whatever it took. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and just shy of his first birthday, Finn received stem cell therapy.

According to his owners, Finn responded well to the treatment. His owner stated, “[the stem cell treatment] seemed to improve and maintain his condition especially over time so that Finn is happy, healthy, and living a great life. We plan to administer cells every year or so to keep his condition manageable and hopefully keep him healthier too.”

Fast forward to the present, four years after his initial stem cell treatment, and Finn continues to do well! We recently received an update from his owner who stated, “Finn had his annual checkup recently and he’s doing great. He had some gingivitis but his stomatitis seemed to be under control. He had his annual teeth cleaning today (per his veterinarian’s recommendation) and is doing great otherwise!”

Stem cells have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and also help to modulate the immune system. This mechanism of action is particularly important for immune-mediated conditions such as gingivostomatitis. If your cat has gingivostomatitis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

Happy National Dachshund Day! In this week’s VetStem blog, we’re sharing the stem cell success story about a Doxie named Floppy who was suffering from severe arthritis in his hips and knees. In a video his owner shared with us, Floppy showed extreme difficulty getting up from a down position and moved very slowly. His owner also stated that he limped and was very stiff.

Floppy was 8 years old when his veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. To begin the process, his vet extracted fat from his abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was shipped to the VetStem laboratory where lab technicians extracted and concentrated Floppy’s stem and regenerative cells. Five stem cell injections were prepared and shipped to Floppy’s veterinarian for treatment. He received one injection into each hip, each knee, and an intravenous injection.

Floppy’s results were really remarkable. His owner stated, “We are extremely pleased with the results. The level of pain/stiffness decreased dramatically. It’s almost like he’s a puppy again! There is a night and day difference in his ability to move and perform everyday tasks.” His owner also sent a video of Floppy after the treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and well…you just have to see it to believe it. Check out a short video detailing Floppy’s story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJRUBYyDtqw

If you have a dog who suffers from arthritis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Next week is Take Your Pet to Work Week! And as most of you know, VetStem is no stranger to having our furry, four-legged companions in the office. But beyond the sheer cuteness overload, there are additional benefits to bringing your pet to work that you might not have considered.

First off, let’s talk about stress relief. We all know work can get a bit overwhelming at times, but having your pet by your side can work wonders for keeping those stress levels in check. Just a quick scratch behind the ears or a cuddle session during a coffee break can help to boost your mood. Plus, having a furry coworker can instantly lift spirits and provide some fun during the workday.

Bringing your pet to work isn’t just good for your mental health, it can also boost productivity and improve office morale. One study found that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission, fully engaged with their work, and willing to recommend their employer to others. Additionally, more than three times as many employees at pet friendly workplaces report a positive working relationship with their boss and co-workers and are more likely to stay with a company long term. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to work in an office where adorable animals roam the halls?

Check out some interesting studies about pets in the workplace here. And be sure to grab the leash, pack some treats, and get ready to celebrate Take Your Pet to Work Week! Your furry friend will thank you, and your coworkers will too.

As June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month, we thought it fitting to discuss the work VetStem has done with exotic animal organizations across the United States. As most of you know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used in dogs and horses to treat orthopedic conditions. We also do a lot of work with cats to treat alternative conditions such as chronic kidney disease and gingivostomatitis. But did you know VetStem Cell Therapy has also helped to improve the lives of several exotic species?

VetStem has worked with numerous zoos, aquariums, and exotic animal refuges to provide stem cell therapy for multiple species. One of our biggest exotic programs has been with elephants who are infected with a virus known as Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). EEHV is a lethal viral infection that can cause a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease. Stem cells have numerous mechanisms of action, including the secretion of molecules that are anti-viral. VetStem has provided stem cell doses to several zoos in the United States who had elephants with EEHV and has gathered some promising data. While there is still research to be done, we are optimistic that stem cell therapy may be a viable treatment option for elephants with EEHV.

We have also seen success using stem cells in a couple of bears. Francis is a sun bear from the San Diego Zoo that received VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis in several joints. According to his keepers, Francis’ symptoms improved and he was climbing more after receiving stem cell therapy. Brody, a black bear in Florida, was a juvenile when he received VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with surgery for a condition that is similar to hip dysplasia in dogs. Dr. Jeff Christiansen, a board-certified veterinary surgeon and longtime VetStem proponent, performed his surgery and stem cell therapy. Check out a video of Brody from the Brevard Zoo to get more details about his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGu4siQNNnU

VetStem has also been used in numerous aquatic species. We have provided cell therapy services for dolphins, whales, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and more. Aquatic animals have received stem cells for various conditions including arthritis, corneal conditions, and acute injuries such as this sea turtle who was injured by a propeller.

These are just a few examples of the many exotic species that have received VetStem Cell Therapy. We have provided stem cell services for over 60 species! As leaders in the field of regenerative veterinary medicine, we take our job very seriously when it comes to the research and development of innovative regenerative medicine treatments for animals and diseases that have minimal treatment options. Maintaining the health and well-being of endangered exotic animals is particularly crucial and has become a community effort, bringing together veterinarians, scientists, and those in the animal health field across the globe. We are happy to contribute to the mission and will continue our own research to develop potentially life-saving stem cell treatments for these animals.