Did you know that cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common reasons for hind limb lameness, pain, and subsequent knee arthritis in dogs? While there are multiple treatment options available, both surgical and non-surgical, treatment with stem cells may accelerate and improve healing within the joint. Numerous dogs have received VetStem Cell Therapy for cruciate ligament injuries. Generally speaking, stem cells are more effective when the ligament is only partially torn. In many cases, a full tear will still require surgery.

Leo’s Stem Cell Story

Leo is a 92-pound German Shepherd. One day, after jumping out of his owner’s SUV, he yelped and held his right rear leg up. Two veterinarians confirmed that Leo had partially torn his cruciate ligament in his right knee. While dogs of any size can be affected by this injury, large breed dogs tend to be more at risk.

Initially, Leo’s owners took a conservative approach to manage his condition. Non-surgical treatment usually involves some combination of anti-inflammatory and pain medications, exercise modifications, joint supplements, rehabilitation, and possibly braces/supports. Unfortunately, conservative medical management is not always successful, and after months of leash walks only, Leo’s symptoms worsened.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Cruciate Ligament Tear

After months of research, Leo’s owners elected to try VetStem Cell Therapy as opposed to surgical repair of the injured ligament. Stem cells are regenerative cells that can reduce pain and inflammation, reduce the formation of scar tissue, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament, and joint tissues. Additionally, according to surveys answered by owners and veterinarians, greater than 80% of dogs showed an improved quality of life after receiving VetStem Cell Therapy for orthopedic conditions.

To begin the process, Leo’s veterinarian, Dr. Chris Forstall of SouthShore Animal Hospital, collected fat tissue from his abdomen during a minimally-invasive anesthetic procedure. The cells were aseptically packaged and shipped to the VetStem processing laboratory. Lab technicians processed the fat to isolate and concentrate the stem and regenerative cells contained therein. These cells were packaged into separate stem cell doses, two of which were shipped to Leo’s veterinarian for treatment, while the rest were put into cryopreservation for potential future use.

Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection, Leo received one injection of his own stem cells into each knee. You may be wondering why Leo’s veterinarian injected both knees, as opposed to just his injured knee. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 40-60% of dogs who injure one cruciate ligament will go on to injure the other cruciate ligament in the future. Because of this, many veterinarians choose to treat both knees with stem cells, even when there is only one injured knee. This prophylactic approach may reduce or delay the possibility of injuring the second knee.

Leo Improves after VetStem Cell Therapy

According to his owner, Leo showed improvement just one month after treatment. His owner stated, “Leo is improving every day. We are thrilled that VetStem banked Leo’s stem cells for future use. I’m looking forward to him improving even more. Thank you for offering this cutting-edge therapy!”

Leo’s initial stem cell process yielded several additional doses that are currently cryopreserved. Cryopreservation of stem cells allows them to maintain their functional properties so that they can be used in the future should Leo require them.

If your dog has suffered from a partial cruciate ligament tear, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common reasons for hind limb lameness, pain, and subsequent knee arthritis in dogs. Additionally, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 40-60% of dogs who injure one cruciate ligament will go on to injure the other cruciate ligament in the future. While there are multiple treatment options available, both surgical and non-surgical, treatment with stem cells may accelerate and improve healing within the joint.

Risk Factors for Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Unfortunately, no dog is completely safe from a cruciate ligament tear. However, there are certain risk factors that make cruciate ligament tears more likely. The cause of canine cruciate tears is likely multi-factorial and include breed, activity level, reproductive status, body weight, body condition, conformation, and even immune system variables. Canine cruciate ligament rupture ultimately results in degradation of the joint structures which leads to degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.

Treatment Options for Cruciate Ligament Tears

There are several treatment options for cruciate ligament tears which may depend on the severity of the injury. Common treatment recommendations include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical rehabilitation, and surgical repair. While surgery may be indicated for complete tears, partial tears can sometimes heal without surgical intervention. Unfortunately, degradation of the joint and subsequent osteoarthritis will likely still occur with or without surgery.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Cruciate Ligament Injuries

The goal of using VetStem Cell Therapy for cruciate ligament tears in addition to surgery and other standard treatments is to halt or reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and thereby improve the dog’s condition long-term. By halting or reducing the development of osteoarthritis in the knee, a dog will experience less discomfort and better functional ability. Stem cells help to achieve this by migrating to areas of inflammation and reducing inflammation, stimulating tissue repair, and reducing scar tissue formation.

If your dog has experienced a cruciate ligament tear, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon story. A dog is running and playing and suddenly starts limping or holding one of their back legs up as if hurt. Usually, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. That’s exactly what happened to Belle, a mixed-breed dog, who was approximately 9 years old when she injured her knee. A trip to her veterinarian revealed that she had partially torn her cruciate ligament and also had osteoarthritis in her left knee.

Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs

Cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common reasons for hind limb lameness, pain, and subsequent knee arthritis in dogs. Additionally, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 40-60% of dogs who injure one cruciate ligament will go on to injure the other cruciate ligament in the future. While there are multiple treatment options available, both surgical and non-surgical, treatment with stem cells may accelerate and improve healing within the joint.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Partial Cruciate Ligament Tears

Though full cruciate ligament tears often require surgical repair, partial tears can sometimes be treated successfully without surgery. Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types, reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament, and joint tissues. Many dogs have received VetStem Cell Therapy for partial cruciate ligament tears and have experienced a better quality of life. Thus, Belle’s veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Tate of Timberstone Vet, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Belle Receives Treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy

To begin the process, Dr. Tate collected fat tissue from Belle’s abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat tissue was shipped to the VetStem laboratory where lab technicians extracted and concentrated Belle’s stem and regenerative cells. Two stem cell injections were shipped to Dr. Tate for treatment while the rest were put into cryostorage. Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection procedure, Belle received one stem cell injection into her affected knee as well as one intravenous injection.

According to her owner, Belle had a great response to treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Her owner stated, “Choosing to do stem cell therapy for Belle was the best choice we could’ve made. Within a few months of treatment and recovery, she was back to her old self running and playing and patrolling her kingdom.” Approximately one year later, Belle received a similar stem cell treatment for her opposite knee. Using some of her stored stem cell doses from the initial procedure, Belle received one dose into her right knee and one intravenous dose. She recovered well from that procedure and, according to her owner, is a happy girl with great mobility.

If your dog has an injured cruciate ligament, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of treating with VetStem Cell Therapy. Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

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

Dr. Jeff Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions has been one of VetStem’s standout small animal practitioners for more than a decade. A board-certified veterinary surgeon, he first began incorporating VetStem Cell Therapy into his practice in 2012 and has now completed over 400 stem cell cases. That milestone reflects both his extensive experience and his long-standing commitment to bringing regenerative medicine into everyday clinical care.

Regenerative therapies are a key part of Dr. Christiansen’s treatment approach. He uses stem cell therapy alongside surgical procedures when appropriate, but also as a standalone option for non-surgical cases. While osteoarthritis and cruciate ligament injuries are common indications in his practice, his experience goes much further, including patellar instability, fractures, spinal disorders, kidney disease, and more complex conditions. His work has even extended beyond companion animals, including a collaboration with a local zoo where he used VetStem Cell Therapy to help improve mobility in an arthritic black bear.

He also frequently incorporates VetStem platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into his treatment plans, both for orthopedic and wound healing cases and in more unusual applications. From helping support fracture healing in a kangaroo to aiding recovery after tumor removal in an ostrich, his case history highlights just how versatile regenerative medicine can be. As Dr. Christiansen puts it, “I recommend stem cell therapy with any orthopedic surgery or as a treatment option for arthritis. I also recommend stem cell therapy for cases with spinal problems as well as for issues with kidneys and intestines.” His experience reflects a broader goal of improving comfort, mobility, and long-term quality of life for his patients.

Dr. Jeff Christiansen

Mr. Pickles, a boxer, was just four years old when he tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee, a painful injury that significantly affected both his mobility and quality of life. His veterinarian, Amie Csiszer of Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates, recommended surgery along with VetStem Cell Therapy to help support his recovery.

VetStem Cell Therapy has been used in thousands of animals to treat orthopedic injuries by helping reduce pain and inflammation while supporting the body’s natural healing process. When combined with surgery, stem cells can accelerate healing, minimize scar tissue formation, and potentially slow the progression of arthritis. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life.

According to his owner, Mr. Pickles healed quickly after surgery and stem cell treatment. Unfortunately, only a few months later, he tore the cruciate ligament in his other knee, something that’s actually very common in dogs with this injury. But this time, his family already had his stem cells banked and ready to use, allowing his veterinarian to move forward with treatment quickly. His owner shared, “This helped expedite Mr. Pickles’ healing and now down the road we have the cells stored. Very thankful for this service to support his wellbeing.”

Cruciate ligament tears are one of the leading causes of hind limb pain and lameness in dogs and often lead to arthritis over time, even after surgery. When used alongside surgical repair, VetStem Cell Therapy may help support healing, improve comfort, and potentially reduce the progression of arthritis. For Mr. Pickles and his family, having access to stem cell therapy provided added peace of mind during a challenging recovery journey.

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

Mr. Pickles

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a condition that affects countless pets, especially as they age. Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that leads to inflammation, pain, and decreased mobility. While it’s commonly associated with senior pets, younger animals can also be affected, particularly those with prior injuries or joint conditions like hip dysplasia. Pets may show subtle signs at first, like stiffness after rest, hesitation to jump or climb stairs, or a decreased interest in activity. Because these changes can come on gradually, arthritis often goes unnoticed until it begins to significantly impact quality of life.

Certain factors can increase a pet’s risk of developing arthritis. Large and giant breed dogs are more prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis over time. Excess weight, repetitive high-impact activity, and previous orthopedic injuries, like cruciate ligament tears, also contribute to joint degeneration. Early recognition and proactive management are key. Routine veterinary exams, maintaining a healthy weight, and appropriate exercise can all play an important role in protecting long-term joint health.

And let’s not forget, cats get arthritis too, though it’s often underdiagnosed because they tend to hide signs of discomfort better than dogs. Instead of obvious limping, cats with arthritis may simply jump less, hesitate before climbing, groom less, or become less interactive. These changes are sometimes mistaken for “normal aging,” but they can be signs of chronic joint pain. Because cats are so good at masking discomfort, it’s especially important for owners to pay attention to small behavioral shifts and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian.

For pets already experiencing arthritis, there are several treatment options available to help manage pain and improve mobility. In addition to traditional approaches like anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, regenerative medicine has become an increasingly popular option. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a pet’s own stem cells to help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes. Many pets treated with stem cells have experienced improved comfort and activity levels, leading to a better quality of life. If you notice signs of arthritis in your pet, talk to your veterinarian about the best plan to keep them active, comfortable, and thriving. Or if you’re interested in having your pet treated with VetStem Cell Therapy, use our Locate a Vet tool for a list of VetStem providers near you.

March 3^rd was Tripawd Awareness Day, a project of Tripawds.com and the nonprofit Tripawds Foundation. According to their website, Tripawds shares helpful resources for pet parents coping with pet limb amputation, and Tripawd Awareness Day is a day to celebrate “animal amputees and the people who care for them by celebrating pet amputation awareness among pet lovers and the veterinary community.”

While tripawd pets often adapt remarkably well after limb amputation, their bodies do face unique physical challenges. With only three limbs bearing weight, the remaining joints, muscles, and soft tissues take on increased mechanical stress. Over time, this can contribute to increased wear and tear on the joints which can lead to earlier onset of osteoarthritis and/or increase the risk of soft tissue strain or injury. For these reasons, proactive joint support becomes especially important for these pets to help protect their long-term comfort and quality of life.

VetStem Cell Therapy has proven especially helpful for multiple three-limbed pets. One such example is Everest who lost her right front leg as a puppy. When she was approximately 6 years old, she suffered partial tears in both cruciate ligaments in her knees. With only three legs, she was not considered a good surgical candidate, so her veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

After receiving injections of her own stem cells into both knees, the change was dramatic. According to her owner, Everest went from struggling to stand and walk to running and having her zoomies again. Now, years later, she continues to thrive and has additional stem cells stored for future use to help keep her comfortable and active.

Everest is just one of several tripawd stem cell success stories we have heard! Mandy received stem cell therapy for hip and ankle arthritis after her front limb was amputated due to a bad break and multiple failed surgeries. Kingsley, a sweet tripawd boy owned by a veterinarian, received multiple treatments for elbow arthritis and far exceeded his life expectancy with the help of VetStem Cell Therapy. Jackson, a rear-leg amputee, was treated with his own stem cells for a partial cruciate ligament tear and arthritis in multiple joints. And Reggie, who lost his front limb due to cancer, was able to get back to playing after receiving stem cell therapy in his hips, knees, and remaining elbow and shoulder.

If you have a tripawd (or four-legged!) pet who is struggling with arthritis or other orthopedic issues, VetStem Cell Therapy may help! Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

Everest

In last week’s blog, we shared the story of Gemini, a puppy who was able to avoid hip replacement surgery with the use of VetStem Cell Therapy. While that’s wonderful for Gemini and her family, we also want to point out that surgery absolutely has its place in orthopedics. There are times when surgical repair is the best option to produce the desired outcome. When that is the case, pet owners may want to consider VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with surgery.

Stem cell therapy can be a valuable addition to many surgical procedures to help enhance healing and improve outcomes. While surgery can repair structural damage, such as torn ligaments and fractured bones, adding VetStem Cell Therapy can help address inflammation and support the body’s natural repair processes. Together, surgery and stem cells offer a more comprehensive approach to healing for pets recovering from injury or managing orthopedic conditions.

Stem cells are known for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. They can also help reduce pain, minimize scar tissue formation, and promote healthy tissue regeneration. When used in conjunction with surgery, such as cruciate ligament repair, VetStem Cell Therapy may help speed up recovery, improve comfort, and reduce the risk of future arthritis. Many veterinarians have found that pets receiving stem cells in conjunction with surgery experience smoother recoveries and regain mobility more quickly.

At VetStem, we’ve seen numerous success stories where stem cells were used alongside surgery to enhance healing. From cruciate ligament repairs to arthroscopy, combining VetStem Cell Therapy with surgical treatment has helped pets get back to doing what they love, faster and with less discomfort. If your veterinarian has recommended surgery for your pet, ask whether adding stem cell therapy might be a good option. You can also request a list of VetStem providers in your area through our Locate a Vet form.

Earlier this week, we shared a VetStem success story about Maisey, a sweet pup who initially received VetStem Cell Therapy to help heal a torn cruciate ligament. While her orthopedic recovery went well, Maisey later required a second stem cell treatment—but this time for a very different and unexpected reason. Though we don’t currently have substantial clinical data for this type of application, cases like Maisey’s offer valuable anecdotal evidence that may help guide future research and therapeutic possibilities. Read on to hear a firsthand account from Maisey’s owner.

In September, while my family and I were away, Maisey stayed with a caretaker. Unfortunately, a terrible house fire occurred. After rescuing the dogs, the fire department sent Maisey, along with several other dogs, to Cornell Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, CT. Chest X-rays indicated smoke inhalation injuries, and blood work showed high levels of carbon monoxide. We ordered her VetStem treatment as soon as she was released. Before the treatment, Maisey had bloodshot eyes, red gums, and a persistent cough that lasted day and night. A few days after her treatment, her eyes were clear, her gums returned to normal, and her cough had completely resolved. Everyone believes her recovery was much quicker because of the treatments—other dogs who did not receive the therapy experienced lingering symptoms for weeks afterward. We couldn’t have been happier to know that choosing the VetStem treatment was the right decision!

WOW!! Though VetStem has not conducted studies on the use of stem cells for smoke inhalation, we do know that stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties and support tissue regeneration. These effects may have contributed to Maisey’s swift recovery. We’re thankful she had her cells banked ahead of time, allowing for rapid access to this potentially life-saving therapy when she needed it most.

Maisey