In last week’s blog, we talked about how VetStem Cell Therapy can help reduce pain. While pain can come from many different sources, one area where stem cells may really make a difference is in managing post-surgical pain. When combined with procedures like joint replacements or cruciate ligament repairs, VetStem Cell Therapy not only supports long-term recovery but also helps ease the immediate pain after surgery.

One example is Lucy, an energetic Golden Retriever who loves to run and play. Unfortunately, she injured her knee and was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament. Her veterinarian, Dr. Kim Carlson at Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care, recommended surgery to stabilize her knee, but she also suggested adding VetStem Cell Therapy to speed up healing and manage post-surgery pain.

Cruciate ligament injuries in dogs can lead to long-term issues like arthritis, even after surgery. The surgery fixes the problem mechanically, but it doesn’t completely restore the joint to its former state. That’s where stem cells come in. Stem cells help reduce pain and inflammation, inhibit the formation of scar tissue, and encourage the regeneration of damaged tissues. Although stem cell therapy won’t cure arthritis, it can slow its progression and improve the dog’s quality of life.

After stem cell therapy, Lucy’s owner was thrilled with the results, noting that Lucy healed quickly and was back to running and hiking in no time. Almost a year later, Lucy is her happy, healthy self, free from pain and with no sign of a limp. According to Dr. Carlson, the combination of surgery and stem cell therapy worked wonders for her recovery.

For dogs like Lucy, stem cell therapy offers a way to manage pain and support healing post-surgery, ensuring they can return to their playful, active lives. If you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Lucy

When our pets suffer from chronic or acute pain due to conditions like arthritis or injuries, it can be heartbreaking to see them struggle. The good news is that, with the help of the IVAPM, a focus on pain management in veterinary medicine has gained significant traction over the last decade. Newer and more natural techniques to manage pain that don’t involve long term use of medications have become more mainstream such as rehabilitation, acupuncture, and even stem cell therapy!

As we know, stem cells utilize numerous mechanisms of action to improve a painful pet’s quality of life. One of their most important mechanisms of action is their ability to reduce inflammation. Through cellular communication, stem cells are able to limit inflammatory responses and actually shift from a pro-inflammatory environment to an anti-inflammatory environment.

Reducing inflammation can of course lead to greater comfort, but current literature indicates that stem cells can also target both acute and chronic pain directly. Initially, stem cell therapy was mainly associated with healing, regeneration, and inflammation reduction. However, more recent studies have explored how stem cells can directly influence pain perception. These studies reveal that stem cells release cytokines—small proteins that can act similarly to opioids in blocking pain. Interestingly, these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by Naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

This insight clarifies why pet owners and veterinarians frequently report that pets undergoing VetStem Cell Therapy for conditions like osteoarthritis or injured cruciate ligaments experience notable improvements in comfort just days after treatment. By directly alleviating pain, the therapy enhances the pet’s overall comfort while the stem cells continue their healing work.

Veterinarians encounter and address pain in their patients daily and utilize a range of treatment options that include medications, devices, various integrative therapies, and surgery. Stem cell therapy offers an additional approach for addressing pain in pets. VetStem Cell Therapy provides a natural, readily available source of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving cells, which can be particularly advantageous for cats and certain dogs that may not respond well to conventional anti-inflammatory medications.

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

As Animal Pain Awareness Month continues, it’s important to provide insight into signs and symptoms of pain in pets, which can often be subtle. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can be challenging for many pet owners, as animals often hide discomfort due to their instinctual nature. However, there are several key indicators that can help you determine if your pet is in pain.

One of the most noticeable signs is a change in behavior. If your typically active dog or cat becomes lethargic, hides more often, or shows a sudden aversion to being touched, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Pets may also display changes in their eating or drinking habits, such as a loss of appetite or excessive thirst, which can indicate underlying pain.

Physical symptoms are also important to watch for when assessing your pet’s well-being. Limping, difficulty standing or walking, or a change in their posture can signal that your pet is experiencing discomfort. Additionally, behavioral cues like excessive grooming of a particular area, whining, growling, or unusual aggression can also be signs of pain.

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) works to educate both pet owners and veterinary professionals on how to recognize signs of pain in pets and has included numerous resources on their website. Some valuable tools for pet parents include checklists and videos for both dogs and cats to help determine if your pet is in pain.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing your pet’s pain and improving their quality of life. Regular check-ups and being attentive to changes in your pet’s behavior can help ensure that any pain is identified and addressed promptly, allowing for the best possible care and comfort for your furry friend.

September marks Animal Pain Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked suffering of animals. While we are increasingly aware of pain management in humans, our furry companions also experience discomfort that can be just as debilitating. This month serves as a reminder to recognize the signs of pain in animals, which can be subtle and easily missed. From changes in behavior to shifts in eating habits, these signals are their way of communicating distress, urging us to pay closer attention to their well-being.

Veterinary professionals emphasize that pain management is not just about alleviating discomfort but also about enhancing the quality of life for animals. Advances in veterinary medicine have introduced more effective pain relief options, from medications to alternative therapies like acupuncture, physical therapy, and even stem cell therapy! By understanding and recognizing the signs of pain, we can advocate for better care and prompt treatment, ensuring that animals receive the relief they need.

Animal Pain Awareness Month is also an opportunity to educate ourselves so we can be proactive about our pets’ health and well-being. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) works to educate veterinary professionals and pet owners to better understand how to recognize and manage pain in pets and, in doing so, has helped the field of veterinary pain management grow tremendously in recent years. Pain management is an invaluable tool in maintaining happy and healthy pets.

Stay tuned for more pain awareness blogs all month long!