When Auggie, a Great Pyrenees, was adopted at around three years old, his family quickly noticed he didn’t seem very comfortable. He was panting more than usual and struggling to make it around the block on walks. His veterinarian diagnosed him with bilateral hip osteoarthritis resulting from hip dysplasia, a condition commonly seen in large and giant breed dogs.

To help improve his comfort and mobility, Auggie’s veterinarian, board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Kim Carlson of Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support the repair of damaged joint tissue. Auggie’s owners were also relieved to learn the procedure was covered by their pet insurance, making the decision to move forward an easy one.

Auggie responded very well to treatment. According to his owner, “Auggie went from not being able to walk around the block, to playing with our Newfoundlands and increasing his mileage to a 45-minute walk.” Since his initial treatment, Auggie has also received several follow-up injections using his own cryopreserved stem cells, allowing for convenient retreatment without the need for another fat collection procedure.

Unfortunately, 1 out of 5 dogs experience joint pain and mobility issues. As a giant breed, Auggie was predisposed to joint dysplasia/arthritis. With VetStem Cell Therapy, however, pet owners have another option to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support a better quality of life for dogs dealing with osteoarthritis. 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.

Auggie