Similar to humans, aging is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. While OA can occur in dogs of any age, one study conducted in the UK indicated that dogs over eight years old were most frequently diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Treating OA in the early stages can help to slow the progression of the disease. That being said, numerous senior pets with advanced OA have benefitted from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

One example is Jake, a senior Labrador retriever who was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in his left elbow when he was just a puppy. OCD is a developmental disease in which the cartilage in the affected joint(s) separates from the bone. Though the exact cause of OCD is unknown, it typically occurs in rapidly growing large breed dogs and can cause limping, lameness, and pain.

Jake underwent a successful surgery to correct the problem however, as with most orthopedic surgeries, it was almost guaranteed that his elbow would eventually develop arthritis. At about eight years old, Jake began limping after physical activity. His symptoms were mild at first but grew in severity over the years and when he was thirteen, it became really hard for him to walk due to pain in his left elbow. On top of this, he developed spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the spine). These challenges severely affected his quality of life.

His veterinarian, Dr. Brad Steele of Torrey Pines Animal Hospital recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament, and joint tissues.

To begin the process, Dr. Steele collected fat from Jake’s abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was processed at the VetStem laboratory, and three injectable doses of Jake’s stem cells were sent to Dr. Steele for treatment. Jake received one dose of his own stem cells into each elbow and one intravenous dose. Approximately one month later, he received an identical treatment using stem cells that were cryobanked from his initial fat tissue process.

According to Jake’s owner, it took about 5 to 6 months until they noticed a significant improvement in his mobility and reduction in his limping. His owner stated, “Before the treatment, he could barely walk more than 10-20 feet before giving up and wanting to be carried back in. After the treatment, he got back to 20+ minute walks around the neighborhood and seems close to back to normal for a dog of his age. We are grateful that the stem cell treatment brought our sweet old dog out of a life of pain and back to being a happy old man.”

If you think your senior dog may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Jake

This week, we are sponsoring, speaking, and exhibiting at the annual Fetch DVM360 Veterinary Conference in Kansas City, MO. This is our second time sponsoring this show in recent years. Veterinary conferences are a great way for us to get in front of our colleagues in the field to educate and further develop those relationships.

This year, Dr. Bob Harman will deliver two lectures at the conference. The first is about the many uses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in veterinary medicine. PRP is a cell-based therapy that has been used in veterinary medicine for healing in orthopedics, wounds, corneal ulcers, and more. Dr. Harman will examine the literature and present a few case studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRP. He will also do a deep dive into our latest product, an off-the-shelf freeze-dried PRP, PrecisePRP™.

His second talk will delve into the world of stem cell therapy. Most of us know that stem cells are primarily used in orthopedics for things such as osteoarthritis and injured tendons/ligaments. But in recent years, stem cells have shown great promise in treating some complicated diseases such as kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. Numerous patients have benefited from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy for these conditions.

If you happen to be at the show, come visit the VetStem team at booth #1200!

We frequently hear about osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. And for good reason! OA affects approximately 1 in 5 dogs and can greatly reduce a dog’s quality of life. What we don’t hear about as much is osteoarthritis in cats. But, perhaps surprisingly, a high percentage of cats are affected by OA. In fact, according to one study, 91% of cats between 6 months and 20 years old have OA in at least one joint, as proven by X-rays.

Recognizing Arthritis in Cats

Unlike dogs, cats with pain from arthritis do not typically present with symptoms like limping and lameness. Instead, they will be less willing to jump and/or have shorter jumps. You may also notice a loss of appetite and weight loss, depression or a change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, and urination or defecation outside the litter box.

Case Report: Clyde’s Treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy

One example is Clyde, a cat who suffered from arthritis in multiple joints. According to his owner he could not go up and down stairs, his coat was unkempt, and he no longer climbed in the cat tree. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. At the time of treatment, Clyde was approximately 15 years old.

To begin the process, Clyde’s veterinarian collected fat during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was shipped to VetStem where it was processed in our laboratory to extract and concentrate Clyde’s stem cells. One dose of Clyde’s own stem cells was shipped back to his veterinarian for intravenous treatment.

Clyde responded wonderfully to VetStem Cell Therapy. According to his owner, he was able to run up and down the stairs and enjoyed playing with his cat siblings. He also began climbing the cat tree again to watch the birds. Additionally, both his appetite and grooming improved, his coat became shiny and smooth once again.

The Important of Regular Vet Visits for Cats

In this instance, Clyde had symptoms that led his owner to pursue veterinary care. But many cats are masters at hiding their pain. As we approach National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day next week, this is a good reminder that cats need routine veterinary care just as much as dogs. And if you think your cat may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Clyde

While VetStem Cell Therapy has been around for over 20 years and used in over 16,000 animals, many pet owners are new to the idea of stem cell therapy. As pet owners explore this innovative therapeutic modality, it’s natural to have questions about its effectiveness, safety, and applications. Here, we address some common FAQs to provide clarity and insight into what stem cell therapy entails for your beloved companions.

1. What is stem cell therapy and how does it work for pets? Stem cell therapy involves using the regenerative properties of stem cells to promote healing and repair damaged tissues in pets. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a pet’s own stem cells from a sample of fat tissue that your veterinarian collects during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. After processing in our GMP compliant stem cell laboratory, the stem cells are prepared and shipped to your veterinarian for injection into the area(s) of injury/disease. (Learn more about the laboratory process here.) This process aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve overall mobility and quality of life in pets suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, and even certain internal medicine and immune-mediated conditions.

2. Is stem cell therapy safe for pets? Stem cell therapy is considered safe for pets when performed by trained veterinary and laboratory professionals. VetStem Cell Therapy involves minimal risk because the stem cells are sourced from the pet’s own body, reducing the likelihood of rejection or adverse reactions. Additionally, stem cells processed at VetStem are minimally manipulated and undergo strict quality assessments. VetStem employs stringent processing protocols and quality control methods to help ensure the safety and well-being of the animal. However, as with any medical treatment, potential risks and benefits should be discussed with your veterinarian before proceeding.

3. What conditions can stem cell therapy treat in pets? Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions in pets, primarily those involving musculoskeletal and joint issues. Common applications include osteoarthritis, joint dysplasia, ligament and tendon injuries, and muscle injuries. Research is ongoing to explore its potential for treating other ailments such as kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and more! While results can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual pet responses, many owners report improvements in their pet’s quality of life following stem cell treatment.

4. How much does stem cell therapy cost and is it covered by pet insurance? The cost of stem cell therapy for pets can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of condition treated, the clinic’s location, and the specific treatment protocol used. On average, pet owners can expect to invest several hundred to several thousand dollars per treatment session. It’s important to check with your veterinarian and inquire about potential financing options or payment plans that may be available. Regarding pet insurance coverage, policies can differ significantly, so it’s advisable to review your insurance policy or consult with your provider to determine if stem cell therapy is covered under your plan.

VetStem Cell Therapy has improved the lives of thousands of pets suffering from various medical conditions. By understanding the basics of this treatment option and discussing it with your veterinarian, you can make informed decisions about whether stem cell therapy is suitable for your pet’s specific needs. Click here to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

VetStem patient, Bella, receives her own stem cells via intravenous infusion

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Many of us have probably experienced an itchy or allergic dog. And if you haven’t, consider yourself lucky! Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD), also known as allergic dermatitis or atopy, is a condition that affects approximately 10-15% of the dog population. While there is still much to learn about this disease, we have learned that atopic dermatitis occurs due to a skin barrier defect, which allows allergens to absorb deeper into the skin where the immune system can access them. Thus, when an atopic dog comes into contact with the offending allergen(s), their body creates a skewed immune response leading to an allergic reaction.

The primary symptom of atopic dermatitis is itchiness, usually in the feet, face, ears, armpits, front legs, and/or abdomen. Scratching and licking can lead to hair loss, hotspots or other irritations, skin thickening and more. Secondary skin infections and/or ear infections can develop and make symptoms worse.

Traditional treatments for CAD are generally aimed at controlling symptoms, and do not cure the disease. Frequent bathing can help remove allergens, and allergy desensitization injections are tailored for individual pets after extensive testing. However, these treatments are time-consuming and may not be feasible for everyone. Unfortunately, CAD requires lifelong management.

VetStem Cell Therapy has shown success for various diseases beyond orthopedic conditions, but results can vary. At VetStem, we evaluate each case individually to see if stem cell therapy is a viable option, especially for challenging conditions like CAD where traditional treatments may not effectively control the disease. One tool that stem cells utilize is immunomodulation, or the ability to modify the immune response. Since there is an immune component to atopic dermatitis, it is theorized that stem cells can down-regulate a dog’s immune response thereby making his/her body less reactive to specific allergens.

Multiple veterinarians have utilized VetStem Cell Therapy to treat atopy in both dogs and cats. While the research is limited in this disease, there is some promising anecdotal evidence. Some veterinarians have reported an improvement in symptoms after treatment with stem cells. In some cases, patients have required less allergy medication than before stem cell therapy.

While we can’t say that stem cells will help every dog with atopic dermatitis, we do believe that some may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy based on the responses reported from the veterinarians and owners who have implemented it. As with most medical treatment options, each patient will respond differently so results cannot be guaranteed.

If you think your allergic pet may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.