Immune-mediated diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and disease-related side effects. In dogs and cats, these conditions can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, intestines, blood cells, and more. Common examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), feline chronic gingivostomatitis, and certain inflammatory skin conditions. While traditional treatment often relies on immunosuppressive medications such as steroids, some pets continue to experience persistent symptoms or medication-related side effects.

Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising regenerative medicine option for select immune-mediated conditions because of the unique immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells. Rather than simply replacing damaged tissue, these cells help regulate the immune response by reducing excessive inflammation and promoting a healthier balance within the immune system. This may help decrease ongoing tissue damage while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Research has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells can influence the activity of multiple immune cell types, making them an area of growing interest for a variety of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.

One of the most promising veterinary applications is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs and cats. Studies have reported improvements in clinical signs, including reduced vomiting and diarrhea, weight gain, and improved quality of life following stem cell therapy. At VetStem, we have also seen encouraging outcomes in pets with IBD and other immune-mediated conditions, particularly those that have not responded well to conventional treatments alone. While stem cell therapy is not considered a cure, it may provide meaningful improvement for carefully selected patients when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan.

As research into regenerative medicine continues to expand, stem cell therapy may become an increasingly valuable tool for managing immune-mediated diseases in veterinary medicine. By helping regulate the immune system rather than simply suppressing it, stem cells offer a different approach to treating chronic inflammatory conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with an immune-mediated disease, talk with your veterinarian to determine whether VetStem Cell Therapy may be an appropriate addition to their treatment plan. You can also contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Shoulder injuries are a common cause of front limb lameness in dogs, particularly active and sporting breeds. One of the most frequently affected structures is the biceps tendon, which helps stabilize the shoulder joint and flex the elbow. Because tendons have a limited blood supply, they tend to heal slowly, and chronic inflammation can lead to persistent pain and reduced function. While rest, rehabilitation, and anti-inflammatory medications may provide relief, some dogs continue to experience lameness despite conservative treatment.

For these challenging cases, regenerative medicine may offer another option. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a dog’s own adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells, which are processed from a small sample of fat tissue and injected into the injured area. These cells have shown to downregulate inflammation, support tissue regeneration, and promote healing.

Published research provides encouraging evidence for the use of adipose-derived stem cells in tendon injuries across multiple species. In one retrospective study of 55 dogs with supraspinatus tendinopathy (a shoulder tendon injury similar in nature to biceps tendinopathy) dogs treated with adipose-derived regenerative cells combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) demonstrated significant improvements in limb function and ultrasound appearance of the tendon. Ninety days after treatment, 88% of dogs showed normal limb function, and ultrasound exams revealed healthier tendon tissue and reduced swelling.

At VetStem, we have treated numerous dogs with biceps tendon injuries as part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed by their veterinarian. While every patient is unique, stem cell therapy is often considered alongside rehabilitation and other treatment modalities to help support tendon healing and improve comfort. Think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

For active dogs, orthopedic injuries can happen more than once over a lifetime. Sunny, a young, energetic Labrador retriever, is a perfect example. After partially tearing his cruciate ligament and being diagnosed with luxating patellas in both knees, Sunny’s veterinarian, Dr. Kim Carlson of Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with TPLO surgery. Having previously seen the success of VetStem Cell Therapy with their other Labrador, Lucky, who was treated for elbow dysplasia, Sunny’s owners felt confident moving forward with regenerative medicine once again.

During the procedure, a small sample of fat was collected from Sunny’s abdomen and sent to the VetStem laboratory, where his stem and regenerative cells were processed. Several doses were prepared for immediate treatment while the remaining cells were cryopreserved, or banked, for future use. Sunny received stem cell injections in both knees, an intravenous dose, and preventative injections in his hips and elbows to help support long-term joint health.

Sunny recovered quickly from surgery, but his journey was far from over. Later, he developed a chronic wound that was slow to heal despite conventional treatments. Because his stem cells had been banked, Dr. Carlson was able to incorporate them into his treatment plan, and the wound ultimately healed after other therapies had provided limited improvement. Not long afterward, Sunny suffered another setback when he injured his right rear iliopsoas muscle, a painful injury that affected his ability to run, play, and even swim, his favorite activity.

Although laser therapy and other treatments provided little relief, Dr. Carlson once again turned to Sunny’s banked stem cells. The results were dramatic. Sunny’s owner stated, “I was skeptical, but literally within a week of the treatment, he was walking without shuffling, and a few weeks later, he was jumping around and playing like a puppy again, running full speed! I almost could not believe it!” After multiple surgeries and injuries, Sunny was finally able to return to the active lifestyle he loved, including getting back to the beach and the water.

Sunny’s story highlights one of the greatest advantages of VetStem Cell Therapy: cryopreservation of extra stem cells. Rather than undergoing another fat collection procedure each time a new injury occurred, his stored stem cells were readily available whenever they were needed. His owner summed it up best: “We are so glad we have stem cells banked for Sunny for his lifetime, since we have already used them several times in three years.” For young, active dogs that may experience multiple orthopedic injuries throughout their lives, VetStem Cell Therapy provides veterinarians and pet owners with a valuable regenerative medicine option that is ready when future needs arise.

Think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Sunny

During National Farriers Week, we recognize the skilled professionals who play a vital role in equine health and performance. Farriers do much more than trim and shoe hooves. They are essential members of a horse’s healthcare team. Through regular hoof care, early detection of abnormalities, and collaboration with veterinarians, farriers help maintain proper balance, movement, and overall soundness in horses of all ages and disciplines.

At VetStem, we understand that optimal equine health often requires a multimodal approach. Just as farriers help support horses from the ground up, VetStem Cell Therapy can play an important role in addressing orthopedic conditions that affect mobility and performance. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat horses with osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and ligament injuries, helping many return to comfort and activity. In fact, according to VetStem survey data, 66% of horses treated for osteoarthritis returned to their previous level of performance, while 77% of horses with tendon injuries and 76% with ligament injuries did the same.

National Farriers Week is an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between farriers, veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners. By working together, these professionals help horses stay healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best. We thank farriers for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to equine welfare, and we are proud to support the collaborative care that helps horses thrive.