National Border Collie Day is November 24^th so we thought it fitting to share a VetStem success story about a Border Collie named Hannah. Hannah had arthritis in her hips as a result of hip dysplasia. Her veterinarian described it as some of the worst she’d ever seen. As a certified therapy dog who visited patients that were in the hospital, it was important for Hannah to be able to stand on her hind legs so she could be pet by those patients who were unable to get out of bed. Unfortunately, her arthritic hips made it so she was unable to do this seemingly simple task.

In an effort to avoid hip replacement surgery, her veterinarian recommended trying VetStem Cell Therapy. To begin the process, Hannah’s veterinarian collected fat from her abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was sent to the VetStem laboratory where lab technicians processed and extracted Hannah’s stem and regenerative cells. Three stem cell injections were prepared and shipped for treatment. Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection, Hannah received injections of her own stem cells into each hip as well as an intravenous injection.

According to her owner, Hannah had a remarkable response to stem cell therapy. She was finally able to stand on her back legs so she could reach bed-ridden hospital patients. And at the one year mark, her X-rays showed great improvement in her hip joints. Her owners believed her to be pain free for the first time in her life, stating, “My husband and I (and Hannah) cannot tell you how much Hannah’s life has changed since her surgery. The results were better than we ever hoped for and are nothing short of amazing.”

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

Hannah

November 17^th is National Take a Hike Day, and we love any opportunity to talk about the benefits of low-impact exercise on joint health! Hiking is a great way to get some low-impact exercise and can be one of the best activities for dogs with joint issues. Whether your dog is young or a little older, hitting the trails together can help keep them active and comfortable, especially if they’re dealing with joint issues like arthritis.

Low-impact activities like hiking can be especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis and tend to be easier on their joints compared to high-impact exercises like running or jumping. For dogs with arthritis or other joint concerns, regular hikes (at a pace that’s right for them) can reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and even help manage pain. Hiking can help to build muscle mass, thereby shifting weight from the joints to the muscles. Regular movement also encourages joint fluid circulation, which can lubricate stiff joints. And of course, keeping our pets at a healthy weight can reduce the stress on their joints.

While hiking is fun and beneficial for both dogs and owners, experts recommend regular, short sessions of exercise rather than one long, strenuous activity on weekends. Consistent, moderate exercise is key to maintaining your dog’s health and fitness. It is also important to note that different pets require different exercise regimens. One of your best resources is your veterinarian. He/She can help you build an exercise plan tailored specifically to your pet.

So, this National Take a Hike Day, take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your dog while also doing something great for their joint health. Regular, low-impact exercise like hiking can make a big difference in keeping your dog mobile, comfortable, and happy.

Cooper is a lovable Labrador who faced some serious health hurdles. Diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia as a puppy, his journey was marked by joint pain that eventually led to osteoarthritis. For years, his owner managed his condition with medications and supplements, but at 8 years old, Cooper started limping badly. His vet recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy in an effort to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.

The process started with a quick, minimally invasive procedure where Cooper’s vet collected some fat from his abdomen. That fat was sent off to our lab in Poway, California, where our team worked to extract and concentrate Cooper’s stem cells. Just 48 hours later, Cooper had both of his elbows injected with his own stem cells.

Just one week post-treatment, Cooper stopped limping, and after a month, he was off his anti-inflammatory meds. His owner couldn’t be happier, stating, “He seems happy and thriving. We slowly increased our walks again and happy to report he can walk 3-4 miles a day without any consequence. He also loves going back to hiking. Stem cell therapy brought my happy boy back. Thank you.”

But the story doesn’t end there. We also cryo-preserved some of Cooper’s stem cells for future use, ensuring that he’ll have access to treatment whenever he needs it. Cooper’s journey shows just how powerful stem cell therapy can be in giving our furry friends a second chance at life. Here’s to many more happy, pain-free adventures for Cooper

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

Cooper

One Health Day, celebrated on November 3rd each year, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. According to www.onehealthday.com, “One Health Day answers the urgent need for a One Health trans-disciplinary approach towards solving today’s critical global health challenges.” By fostering collaboration between veterinary and human medicine, we can develop innovative solutions that benefit all species.

Translational medicine plays a crucial role in this integration by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and research findings from animal studies to human applications. This approach has been particularly evident in the field of regenerative medicine, where advances in veterinary practices have paved the way for groundbreaking treatments in humans. VetStem has been at the forefront of stem cell therapy for veterinary patients for the last two decades. Our research and successful treatments in animals have informed human medical practices, showcasing how innovations in veterinary medicine can lead to significant breakthroughs in human health.

VetStem’s commitment to translational medicine culminated in the establishment of Personalized Stem Cells Inc., a company that focuses on developing stem cell therapies for human patients. By harnessing the advancements made in veterinary medicine, Personalized Stem Cells aims to create personalized treatment options for a variety of human ailments, including degenerative diseases and injuries, through their cell banking programs. This transition highlights the value of veterinary research as a vital resource for human healthcare advancements, underscoring the principle of One Health—where health solutions are derived from a comprehensive understanding of biological systems across species.