When we think of pain in pets, we often look for obvious physical signs like limping or stiffness. But many animals, especially cats, are masters at hiding discomfort. Instead of showing visible signs, they may simply behave differently, becoming withdrawn, irritable, less playful, or even anxious and fearful. These behavioral shifts can be subtle but important clues that your pet isn’t feeling their best.

Pain doesn’t just come from injuries or arthritis. Chronic conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), inflammatory bowel disease, gingivostomatitis, or even kidney disease can cause ongoing discomfort that affects your pet’s mood and behavior. If your normally social dog is avoiding interaction, or your cat is hiding more than usual, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about what’s going on beneath the surface.

VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative approach to managing pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions. By using your pet’s own stem cells, VetStem can help reduce pain, support healing, and improve overall quality of life, not just for orthopedic issues, but also for chronic internal conditions. If you’ve noticed recent changes in your pet’s behavior, don’t dismiss them. It could be their way of asking for help. And if you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Bruce, a talented performance horse, faced a serious setback when he was diagnosed with microtears in the deep digital flexor tendons of both front legs. The injury, caused by imbalanced shoeing, also led to damage in the navicular bursae of both front coffin joints, an issue that can significantly impact a horse’s mobility and career. Determined to help Bruce recover, his veterinarian, Dr. Martin Gardner of Western Performance Equine, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy.

A long-time VetStem provider, Dr. Gardner collected a small sample of fat from Bruce’s tailhead and sent it to the VetStem lab, where it was processed to isolate the regenerative cells contained therein. Four injectable doses of Bruce’s own stem cells were shipped to Dr. Gardner and administered into both coffin joints, the right front navicular bursa, and via intra-arterial perfusion in both front limbs. Stem cells have shown to reduce inflammation, improve healing, and regenerate damaged soft tissues, making them a valuable option for injuries like Bruce’s.

With a careful rehab plan and ongoing care, Bruce was able to rebuild his strength and eventually return to the show pen. His owner shared, “It was a slow process of rebuilding his strength and fitness, but we have been back in the show pen since. I am so grateful to have a few extra vials as well, in case I ever need them again.” Bruce’s story is one of many that highlight the potential of VetStem Cell Therapy in helping equine athletes return to performance.

Learn more about VetStem Cell Therapy for horses here: https://vetstem.com/horses.php

Bruce

Each year during National Farriers Week, we recognize and celebrate the vital work of farriers—skilled professionals who are essential to the health, soundness, and performance of horses. Proper hoof care and shoeing are critical not only for maintaining healthy movement but also for preventing a variety of lameness issues and soft tissue injuries.

Farriers work closely with veterinarians and horse owners to ensure that horses receive individualized hoof care based on their conformation, workload, and lifestyle. Corrective shoeing and regular trimming can help balance the hoof, support joints and tendons, and reduce the risk of common injuries such as tendonitis, ligament strains, and joint stress. In performance horses especially, the expertise of a knowledgeable farrier can mean the difference between staying in the arena or needing time off due to injury.

That said, even with the best hoof care, injuries can still occur. That’s where VetStem comes in. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat thousands of horses with tendon, ligament, and joint injuries. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, stem cell therapy may help accelerate healing and improve outcomes—potentially getting horses back to work faster and more comfortably.

So this National Farriers Week, we tip our hats to the farriers who keep our equine partners on their feet. Their dedication to hoof care plays a key role in a horse’s overall health and performance. And when injuries do happen, VetStem Cell Therapy is here to help.