Walter Beaux is a dedicated working service dog who works alongside Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Military teams across the U.S. specializing in psychological debriefs, physical therapy, and training. Unfortunately, Walter began experiencing gastrointestinal issues that disrupted his career. After consulting with his veterinarian, Dr. Robert Landry of CCAPM Veterinary Care Center, Walter was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, and weight loss.

Dr. Landry, an experienced regenerative medicine provider, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy under our IBD clinical research program. Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to migrate to areas of inflammation, down-regulate inflammation, modulate the immune system, stimulate neoangiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and repair damaged tissue. Additionally, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that intravenous administration of adipose derived stem cells could ameliorate the clinical signs of IBD.

Walter was initially treated with one intravenous (IV) dose of his own stem cells, followed by a second IV dose two weeks later. Since his initial treatment, Walter has been receiving additional IV injections every 3 to 4 months as part of an “aggressive” treatment protocol designed for patients with severe cases of IBD.

Walter’s owner reported that the stem cell treatments were successful, and since the first treatment, he has been able to return to his career. His mom stated, “His gastro issues are in full remission and no longer dominating his life. He fetches his work pack on days off and is eager to deploy. At home he is back to hiking. Life is wonderful again!”

Walter is not our only IBD success story! Check out the stories of Casey, Finn, and Gryffin, who all saw an improvement in their symptoms following treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

If your dog (or cat!) has IBD VetStem Cell Therapy may help! Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Walter

July 21^st is World Collie Day so we thought it fitting to share Casey’s VetStem success story. Casey is a Rough Collie who began experiencing symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease when he was around 4 months old. At first, he was not eating regularly. This was followed by frequent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. After trying multiple diets and medications with no success, numerous diagnostics including X-rays, bloodwork, ultrasound, and biopsies of his GI tract led to a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

IBD is a gastrointestinal disease that can affect both dogs and cats. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight loss. IBD can be a frustrating disease because a definitive diagnosis can be time-consuming and costly, traditional treatments are life-long and can be complex, and the animal often continues to experience symptoms of the disease despite treatment.

Though Casey was on a special diet and multiple medications, his symptoms were minimally controlled. This went on for about three years until his bloodwork revealed elevated liver enzymes, which was a result of his steroid medication. It was at this time that his veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to down regulate inflammation, modulate the immune system, and repair damaged tissue. Multiple animals have been treated with stem cell therapy for IBD and experienced a relief in symptoms and an improved quality of life. After some research, Casey’s owners agreed to move forward with VetStem Cell Therapy.

To begin the process, Casey had fat collected from his abdomen in a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was 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. Therapeutic doses were then prepared for treatment.

Over the course of 10 months, Casey received 5 separate intravenous doses of his own stem cells. According to his owner, his symptoms improved greatly. He began interacting more and playing with his family and other dogs. He started rolling over for belly rubs, which he had not done in the first 3 years of his life. His appetite improved and he was able to get off all but one of his medications, including being completely off steroids. He has occasional IBD flare ups but nothing to the degree he experienced previously.

Approximately 15 months after his 5^th stem cell treatment, Casey received a 6^th intravenous dose (along with intra-articular doses to treat a few arthritic joints) and hasn’t required additional treatments for over year now. He does, however, have numerous doses left in his stem cell bank, should he ever require future treatments.

If your pet has Inflammatory Bowel Disease, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Casey

Hi all! Veronika here, VetStem’s Customer Service Manager. I’m taking over the blog this week to tell you the story of Gryffin, my cat who received VetStem Cell Therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Gryffin is an eleven-year-old Ragdoll who rules our house! He has many nicknames including Gryffindorable and the Handsomest of Handsomes! If you haven’t guessed, he has me wrapped around his little fluffy paw.

But recently, he has been experiencing some symptoms that warranted a trip to the vet. My normally floofy boy lost a lot of his beautiful coat. He was vomiting 2-3 times a week, had a reduced appetite and weight loss. Though normally full of catitude, he was acting lethargic and not playing or engaging much with the family or my crazy Frenchie, Darby, and was often isolating.

Gryffin was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a gastrointestinal disease that can affect both cats and dogs. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Numerous cats have received VetStem Cell Therapy for IBD and I’ve heard great results firsthand from some of their owners so I knew exactly what I needed to do.

Gryffin received his first stem cell treatment in February. About a week after that first intravenous injection, I noticed small positive changes. His appetite increased and he was generally a little more upbeat. He was coming out of his shell a little bit and even started climbing to the top of his cat tree again.

He received a second intravenous stem cell treatment in early March, three weeks after his first treatment. That is when I began to notice more obvious improvements. He now voluntarily plays (by himself or with us). He’s also begun doing “racetrack” around the house again and annoying Darby. His stools have firmed up and he has not vomited in probably a month or more. I even bought him $30 worth of cat toys because I was so excited he wants to play again! His coat has started to come back and he has gained some weight.

I know without a doubt that stem cells helped my sweet boy feel better. I’m so fortunate to work for VetStem and to know about this amazing technology. I want to spread the word to all pet owners who are dealing with IBD, which can be such a frustrating and debilitating disease. If you think VetStem might help your furry friend, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can bring it up to your veterinarian (print out this blog if you want!) or use our Locate a Vet page to find a VetStem vet near you: https://vetstem.com/locatevet.php.  

Check out a video of Gryffin playing with his toy mouse now that he’s feeling better:

Tomorrow is International Cat Day and, well, we can never pass up an opportunity to share information about VetStem Cell Therapy for cats.

While cats are often experts at hiding signs of illness or discomfort, many feline health conditions can significantly impact their quality of life. Research into regenerative medicine continues to explore how stem cells may help support cats with a variety of challenging conditions by helping regulate inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

One area where VetStem Cell Therapy has shown promise is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is associated with inflammation and a gradual decline in kidney function, and treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and helping maintain quality of life. Veterinarians have treated hundreds of feline patients with CKD using VetStem Cell Therapy, with many reporting favorable outcomes. Additionally, clinical studies have explored the use of stem cells in cats with CKD, suggesting that stem cell therapy may help slow disease progression and support overall quality of life.

VetStem Cell Therapy has also been explored for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other immune-mediated conditions. In IBD, an overactive immune response causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Unlike traditional therapies that broadly suppress the immune system, stem cells work by helping modulate immune activity and encourage a more balanced inflammatory response. Veterinarians and pet owners have reported reductions in symptoms and improvements in quality of life following VetStem Cell Therapy.

Another painful inflammatory condition affecting cats is feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a severe oral disease characterized by inflammation of the gums and oral tissues. Cats with this condition may experience significant discomfort, difficulty eating, and decreased quality of life. Because stem cells are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, researchers have investigated their potential role in helping cats with FCGS. In one study, 5 out of 7 cats experienced complete remission or substantial improvement after treatment with stem cells.

And yes, cats get osteoarthritis (OA) too! While stem cells are often associated with canine arthritis treatment, our feline friends can also develop painful joint changes as they age. Cats may not limp or show obvious signs of arthritis like dogs often do. Instead, they may become less active, stop jumping to favorite spots, groom less, or show changes in behavior. While pain medications are commonly used to manage OA in dogs, long-term pain management options for cats can be more limited. Instead, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative medicine option to help support cats with OA by addressing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural repair processes.

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.

Every year on March 13th, we celebrate National K9 Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring the incredible military, police, search and rescue, and working dogs who serve alongside their human partners. These dogs put their lives on the line to protect and support us. This day recognizes not only their service, but also their sacrifice.

At VetStem, we have been fortunate to be a small part of several working dogs’ journeys. Over the years, we have worked alongside dedicated veterinarians and handlers who are committed to keeping their canine partners comfortable, active, and able to do the jobs they were trained to do. In fact, a published study involving police K9s treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for semitendinosus myopathy, a muscle injury that can significantly impact performance, showed that stem cell treatment supported healing and helped these dogs return to full duty. It is always an honor to support these teams and witness firsthand the impact regenerative medicine can have on dogs who give so much of themselves in service to others.

One such unforgettable hero is Lex, a military working dog who served in Iraq as a bomb detection dog. After losing his handler, Corporal Dustin Lee, in combat, Lex sustained injuries and later developed degenerative joint disease. As he aged, mobility became more difficult. With VetStem Cell Therapy, Lex received injections of his own stem cells to help address joint inflammation and discomfort. Following treatment, he experienced improved mobility and comfort, an outcome we are always honored to be part of.

We have also seen stem cell therapy make a difference for dogs like Jax, a working explosive detection dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia at a young age. Hip pain could have ended his career early, but after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Jax’s lameness resolved and he was able to continue working. For Yana, a dedicated search and rescue K9 who suffered a muscle injury, stem cell therapy supported healing so she could return to the job she loves. In another inspiring story, a hardworking service dog named Walter Beaux who struggled with inflammatory bowel disease was able to return to his daily duties after stem cell therapy helped resolve his symptoms.

On National K9 Veterans Day, we are proud to celebrate these remarkable dogs and to support veterinarians and handlers with regenerative medicine options that can help improve quality of life and, in many cases, help these heroes get back to work.

Officer Washington with K-9 Jago, who received VetStem Cell Therapy for semitendinosus myopathy

National Cat Health Month is a perfect reminder that cats are masters at hiding pain and illness. By the time a problem becomes obvious, it’s often been present for quite a while. Fortunately, advances in regenerative medicine are giving veterinarians new ways to support feline health and comfort. Many veterinarians have used VetStem Cell Therapy to help manage a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions commonly seen in cats.

Osteoarthritis is far more common in cats than many people realize, especially as they age. Subtle changes like reluctance to jump, decreased grooming, or a change in litter box habits can all be signs of joint pain. Stem cell therapy may help by reducing inflammation within affected joints and supporting the body’s natural repair processes, potentially improving mobility and comfort in affected cats.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects a significant percentage of senior cats and can be challenging to manage long-term. While not a cure, many vets have incorporated VetStem Cell Therapy as a supportive option aimed at modulating inflammation and supporting kidney function. Some cats receiving stem cells have shown improvements in appetite, energy levels, and overall quality of life, along with improved blood kidney values.

Inflammatory conditions such as gingivostomatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Gingivostomatitis causes painful oral inflammation, often leading to difficulty eating, while IBD can result in chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Stem cell therapy may help regulate the immune response driving these conditions, offering relief for cats that don’t respond well to conventional treatments alone.

As we recognize National Cat Health Month, it’s a great time to remember how important early awareness and proactive care can be for a cat’s comfort and quality of life. For cats living with chronic inflammatory conditions, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a supportive option when traditional treatments alone are not enough. If you think your cat may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

In honor of National Cat Lovers’ Month, we’re highlighting how VetStem Cell Therapy can help improve quality of life for cats facing common chronic conditions. Using your cat’s own regenerative cells collected from a small sample of fat, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a natural way to reduce inflammation, support healing, and promote long-term comfort.

Orthopedic Issues

Arthritis and orthopedic injuries can greatly affect a cat’s mobility and quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve joint comfort, and support tissue repair. Many cat owners report better mobility, increased playfulness, and an overall happier cat following treatment with stem cells.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is one of the most common illnesses in older cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea. Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited. Stem cells have shown promise in supporting kidney function by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. While not a cure, VetStem Cell Therapy may help slow progression and improve symptoms in some cats with CKD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Cats with IBD often struggle with chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Stem cells may help calm the immune system and decrease gastrointestinal inflammation in cats with IBD. Many veterinarians consider this therapy when traditional treatments aren’t enough or cause unwanted side effects. Numerous cats (and dogs!) have shown remarkable improvement after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, with some even experiencing a full resolution of their symptoms.

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS)

This painful oral inflammatory condition can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy is a promising option for cats who don’t fully respond to dental extractions or medications. And some cats have been able to avoid full mouth extractions after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells can help regulate the immune response and reduce severe inflammation in the mouth, thereby improving symptoms and quality of life.

If your cat is struggling with any of these conditions, talk to your veterinarian to see whether VetStem Cell Therapy may help or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Stem cell therapy has become a powerful tool in veterinary medicine, offering pets relief from degenerative conditions such as arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and even certain internal medicine conditions such as kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease. One of VetStem’s most valuable services is stem cell banking. By storing your pet’s stem cells after the initial collection, you ensure that additional treatments can be performed easily in the future without the need for another collection procedure. Banking stem cells provides peace of mind, knowing that your pet’s cells are readily available whenever a retreatment is needed.

Pets with degenerative conditions such as arthritis may greatly benefit from routine stem cell treatments. Retreatments can be an essential part of maintaining your pet’s mobility and comfort. As pets age or as certain conditions progress, a single stem cell treatment may not be enough to maintain optimal results long-term. With banked cells, retreatments are easy and efficient. Veterinarians can quickly access the stored cells and administer additional doses to support ongoing healing and joint health.

Even if your pet uses up their initial supply of stem cell doses, VetStem has you covered. VetStem has the ability to culture more of your pet’s stem cells to provide additional doses for treatment. With one fat collection procedure, VetStem has the ability to provide a lifetime supply of stem cells for your pet. By planning for retreatments and utilizing our stem cell banking service, pet owners can take a proactive approach in managing their pet’s quality of life, helping them stay active, comfortable, and happy for years to come.

In honor of International Cat Day, we’re spotlighting some of the ways VetStem Cell Therapy is helping our feline companions live healthier, more comfortable lives. While many pet parents associate stem cell therapy with orthopedic conditions in dogs, cats can also benefit from this advanced treatment for a variety of serious health issues. At VetStem, we’ve seen promising results in cats treated for osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life by limiting mobility and activity. Stem cells may reduce inflammation and pain and promote the healing of damaged joint tissues, thereby improving mobility and overall quality of life. In a recent blog, we shared Zo’s VetStem success story. Zo, a normally social cat, began isolating and showed a marked decrease in activity. She was diagnosed with severe arthritis in her elbows. Fortunately, after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Zo returned to her typical outgoing self and even resumed jumping to perch on elevated surfaces. You can read Zo’s success story here.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and devastating conditions affecting older cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea. Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited and can be costly. However, we’ve seen encouraging outcomes in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for kidney disease. Symptoms have resolved and, perhaps more importantly, blood kidney values improved in several treated cats. To read more, check out Trinity’s and Bender’s VetStem success stories.

Similarly, cats suffering from gingivostomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the mouth, may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy. One such cat, Finn, experienced significant relief after treatment with stem cells. His owner stated that the stem cells helped control his condition and improved his quality of life. You can read Finn’s story here.

Another lesser-known use for VetStem Cell Therapy in cats is for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Gryffin, a cat who battled IBD, was treated with VetStem Cell Therapy and experienced dramatic improvement in his gastrointestinal symptoms. He began playing more, regained lost weight, and his coat quality improved significantly.

These stories are just a few examples of how stem cells may offer hope and healing for cats facing difficult diagnoses. On this International Cat Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of our feline friends and the innovative treatments that help them thrive.

Think your cat may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.