When your pet is facing surgery or a significant diagnosis, the focus is usually on treating the immediate issue. But that same moment can also be an opportunity to plan ahead. Stem cell storage, or banking, allows pet owners to preserve their pet’s own regenerative cells for future use.

In many cases, a small sample of fat tissue can be collected during a planned procedure while the pet is already under anesthesia. The tissue is processed to isolate stem cells and stored for later use. This avoids the need for an additional procedure down the road and ensures that treatment options are readily available if new conditions arise.

One dog owner shared their experience after their dog, Hines, was diagnosed with fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and underwent surgery:

“After our working line GSD was diagnosed with Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) in his elbows, we proceeded with surgical intervention to remove the fragmented bone and alleviate his discomfort. During the surgery, we opted to have adipose (fat) tissue harvested and sent to VetStem for stem cell processing and storage. This decision was based on our veterinary surgeon’s recommendation and our own research into regenerative medicine and its growing success in orthopedic conditions.

The primary reason we chose to harvest stem cells at the time of surgery was to take advantage of a single anesthesia event and to ensure we had access to regenerative treatment options both for his current condition and any future joint issues. Having his stem cells banked also gives us peace of mind, knowing we can access additional doses in the future if needed—whether for his joints or for other age-related conditions where stem cell therapy is applicable.

We are incredibly grateful for the regenerative option VetStem provided. It gives our dog a better chance at long-term comfort and mobility, and we highly recommend considering stem cell therapy as part of a comprehensive orthopedic treatment plan. We make sure to mention this therapy to all in the Schutzhund world to have as a resource and tool in the toolkit.”

Storing stem cells creates flexibility for the future. Cells collected when a pet is younger and healthier can be used later for conditions involving inflammation, degeneration, or injury. For active and working dogs in particular, this can be a valuable part of a long-term health plan.

Speak to your veterinarian about VetStem Cell Therapy options for your pet. Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

During Hines’ elbow surgery, adipose (fat) tissue was collected for stem cell processing and storage for future use.