Meet Teddy, the adorable Chow Chow/Husky mix who loves to play but faced a tough battle with severe arthritis in his right hip. Getting up from a lying down had become a struggle, and his family was worried. Luckily, they turned to Dr. Mitch Luce at Live Oak Veterinary Hospital, who offered them a couple of treatment options: hip replacement surgery or VetStem Cell Therapy. Teddy’s owners opted for the stem cell therapy, hoping it would be a gentler route for their aging buddy.

To begin the process, Dr. Luce collected a small sample of fat from Teddy’s abdomen. The fat was then sent off to VetStem’s lab for processing. Just 48 hours later, Teddy received his first injection of his own stem cells directly into his hip, along with an IV dose.

Fast forward five months, and Teddy is thriving! His owner can’t believe the transformation: “Remarkable recovery!! He runs, jumps, and plays with our other dogs and can get up from a down position easily. He does every once in a while have a slight limp issue but only after playing or running way too hard. And that is progressively getting better as well. So glad we chose VetStem Cell Therapy for him!” The difference is so impressive that they even shared a before-and-after video to showcase Teddy’s amazing comeback. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXpmwHD37XE

Arthritis is a common issue for many dogs, and it can really impact their quality of life. But innovative treatments like VetStem Cell Therapy provide hope for your furry friend. Stem cells can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and help to regenerate damaged tissues. According to surveys, over 80% of dogs treated with VetStem report a better quality of life, so it’s no wonder Teddy’s family is over the moon with their decision. Here’s to many more happy, pain-free adventures for Teddy!

Teddy

Earlier this week, the VetStem Sales and Marketing Team exhibited at the annual Fetch Coastal veterinary conference in Atlantic City, NJ. This marks our second time sponsoring this event. Veterinary conferences are a valuable opportunity to connect with our fellow veterinary professionals, share knowledge, and strengthen our industry relationships.

This year, one of VetStem’s experienced small animal users, Dr. Alistair Chapnick of Spot On Veterinary Hospital, delivered two talks at the conference. His first lecture explored the expanding role of stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine. While many are familiar with its use in orthopedics for conditions like osteoarthritis and tendon injuries, recent advancements have highlighted its potential in treating more complex diseases, including kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. Numerous patients have experienced significant benefits from VetStem Cell Therapy for these challenging conditions.

In his second lecture, Dr. Chapnick focused on the diverse applications of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in veterinary medicine. As a cell-based therapy, PRP has shown remarkable success in promoting healing in areas such as orthopedics, wound care, and corneal ulcers. Dr. Chapnick reviewed current literature, presented case studies, and assessed the safety and effectiveness of PRP. He also introduced VetStem’s latest innovation, PrecisePRP™, an off-the-shelf freeze-dried PRP solution. In last week’s blog, we covered some outcome data for PrecisePRP Canine. You can check it out here.

If you missed us in Atlantic City, be sure to catch us at Fetch Long Beach in December or Western Veterinary Conference in March 2025!

VetStem’s latest development, PrecisePRP, is an off-the-shelf freeze-dried platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PrecisePRP is a donor derived, shelf stable product, which is unique in the market. It is also the only FDA-reviewed PRP available to veterinarians. PrecisePRP is available for both dogs and horses.

In contrast to existing PRP kits, which are autologous and require the animal to serve as both donor and recipient, PrecisePRP eliminates the need for a blood draw and processing. Typically, the current process involves drawing blood from the animal, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP back into the animal to treat conditions such as joint disease and soft tissue injuries.

However, this traditional method can lead to inconsistencies. The concentration of platelets depends on the individual animal’s platelet count, which can vary due to several factors, potentially resulting in an insufficient therapeutic dose. Additionally, the blood processing itself can be susceptible to error and contamination, which can impact the final platelet concentration and sterility.

With PrecisePRP, these concerns are bypassed. PrecisePRP guarantees a consistent platelet dose with every use, as each batch undergoes rigorous quality and sterility testing. Additionally, donor animals are screened according to FDA CVM guidance 254. Moreover, PrecisePRP is hassle-free, requiring no blood draw or processing, making it a convenient option for veterinarians and their patients alike.

With the help of our veterinary clients, we have recently compiled additional outcome data for PrecisePRP Canine. A total of 59 dogs were enrolled and completed approximately 60-90 days post-injection evaluation using a 5-point quality of life score. Below are the outcomes per type of lesion treated in this study:

As the data shows above, the efficacy using a 5-point QOL score was demonstrated with 47/59 (79.66%) of the dogs significantly improved and 10/59 (16.95%) of the dogs mildly improved. One dog worsened in the 90-day time period due to reinjury. You can learn more about PrecisePRP and read the entire safety and efficacy study here: https://vetstem.com/pprp.php.

As we celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week, it’s the perfect time to grab that leash and hit the trails with your furry friend! This week isn’t just about getting outside; it’s a fantastic opportunity to focus on your dog’s health. One of the best forms of exercise for our canine companions is walking, which is especially beneficial for their joint health. Regular walks help keep those joints flexible and can help to prevent or alleviate issues like arthritis.

Walking is a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for dogs of all sizes and ages. Unlike high-energy activities like running or jumping, a leisurely stroll allows your dog to stretch their legs without putting too much stress on their joints. A few short walks a day can help keep your dog’s muscles toned and their joints lubricated, leading to happier, healthier movements.

October is also National Pet Obesity Awareness Month and walking is a great way to keep your dog’s weight in check, which is crucial for maintaining joint health. So, let’s celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week (and National Pet Obesity Awareness Month) by prioritizing those daily walks. Grab your shoes, leash up your furry buddy, and enjoy the great outdoors together! Your dog’s joints will thank you.