In previous blogs, we have discussed stem cell therapy for non-standard indications, or what we call “compassionate use” cases.  These are cases where there is limited data to show that stem cell therapy is effective however what results we do have, may look promising.  Examples include kidney disease, canine back pain, as well as several other diseases/conditions for which stem cells may be beneficial.  One such indication is Immune Mediated Polyarthritis, or IMPA for short. 

While IMPA is a form of arthritis, it is not the typical osteoarthritis that stem cells are used for regularly.  Rather than being caused by a malformed joint, wear and tear or trauma, IMPA is caused by the patient’s own immune system.  It is important to note that polyarthritis can be caused by an infection in the patient’s body.  Distinguishing between an infection and IMPA is imperative because treatment options are very different.  In this blog, we will discuss stem cell therapy for the treatment of IMPA.

In patients with IMPA, the immune system creates an inflammatory response and inappropriately sends white blood cells to the joints.  This in turn causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty waking.  The reason it is called “Polyarthritis” is because many of the joints may be affected in patients with IMPA.  While this condition is more common in dogs, it can affect cats as well.  IMPA is similar to Rheumatoid arthritis in humans.

Immune mediated diseases can be some of the most challenging cases for veterinarians to treat.  There are few therapeutic options when it comes to regulating an aberrant immune system.  Common treatment options include immunosuppression, often with steroids.  As most of you know, steroid use comes with several negative side effects and is not ideal for long-term use in dogs and cats.

So how may VetStem Cell Therapy help?  Well, we know that stem cells play a key role in not only managing pain but also in down-regulating inflammation.  Perhaps most importantly for these cases, stem cells have demonstrated immunomodulatory characteristics and the ability to help balance a patient’s immune system.  The study of stem cells for immune mediated diseases in both animals and humans is ongoing. 

IMPA is not the only immune mediated disease being treated with stem cells, however.  Veterinarians have utilized VetStem Cell Therapy to treat an array of immune mediated diseases, and we continue to gather data and monitor patient outcomes.  Some additional examples of immune mediated diseases that veterinarians are treating with VetStem Cell Therapy include canine dry eye, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats, as well as feline chronic gingivostomatitis.

If your dog or cat is suffering from IMPA or another immune mediated disease, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.  Or you can contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used for the treatment of orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. It is also used, with some frequency, for non-standard indications in cats such as chronic kidney disease and gingivostomatitis. Another non-standard indication that is treated in both dogs and cats, as you may remember from this previous blog, is inflammatory bowel disease.

These and other non-standard indications fall under VetStem’s clinical research department. This means that there are minimal published studies demonstrating effectiveness of stem cell therapy in the treatment of these diseases and VetStem is conducting their own research to help determine if stem cells are a viable treatment option. Clinical research cases are approved on a case-by-case basis, as stem cells are not appropriate for all disease processes.

Stem Cells Have Immunomodulatory Functions

The truth is, we don’t yet fully understand the entirety of what stem cells are capable of. That is one of the reasons why stem cell research for the treatment of various diseases is so important. While the research is ongoing, there is some evidence to suggest that stem cells have multiple immunomodulatory functions. That is, they have the ability to modulate the immune system. Thus, it makes sense that they may be helpful in controlling immune-mediated diseases.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Immune-Mediated Disease

Veterinarians have utilized VetStem Cell Therapy for a number of immune-mediated diseases. We mentioned a few of them earlier: gingivostomatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That’s right, the literature suggests that both gingivostomatitis and IBD are immune-mediated diseases. Additional immune-mediated diseases that have been treated with VetStem Cell Therapy with some success include keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS, or dry eye), immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), and immune-mediate polyarthritis (IMPA).

As we mentioned above, the research is ongoing so we can’t say with certainty that stem cell therapy will help in every case. Additionally, diseases present differently from patient to patient. Thus, treatment outcomes will also vary. Stem cell therapy is not a miracle cure-all treatment option. But it is a natural alternative to the potentially damaging immunosuppressive medications that are commonly used to treat immune-mediated diseases.

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 in your area.

Today, January 9^th, is National Australian Shepherd Day and we wanted to share the story of a special Aussie who was treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for a non-standard indication: sebaceous adenitis. We haven’t discussed this topic much on our blog however a few patients have received VetStem Cell Therapy for this condition and have experienced good results overall.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Sebaceous adenitis is a challenging immune mediated skin disease in dogs in which the immune system attacks the sebaceous glands. These glands help to maintain skin and coat health. Dogs with this disease often experience dry and brittle fur, hair loss, scaling, skin lesions, and potentially secondary skin infections.

Unfortunately, like most immune mediated conditions, treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and is not curative. This means that lifelong treatments such as frequent bathing with medicated shampoos, along with supplements and medications will be necessary to help keep pets with this disease comfortable. As you can imagine, treatment can be labor intensive and not all pets respond.

Nikita’s Story

Nikita, an Australian Shepherd, was diagnosed with sebaceous adenitis after her owner noticed patchy fur with poor skin and coat quality. Nikita’s case was so bad that she was on heavy doses of steroids and other immunosuppressive medication. Her dedicated owner sought treatment with stem cell therapy, hoping to achieve a better quality of life for Nikita.

Nikita’s initial treatment included three separate intravenous doses spaced approximately one week apart. After her first two doses, both her veterinarian and her owner noticed slight improvement in her skin. Approximately thirty days after her initial treatment, her owner noticed that her fur was growing back, her skin was healthy, and she was off 75% of her medication. Nikita was also more social and willing to play again. It was clear she was feeling much better!

Following Nikita’s initial stem cell treatment, she continued to receive retreatments once to twice a year to help keep her symptoms under control. Prior to stem cell therapy, her condition had progressively worsened, and her owner shared that the disease was slowly but surely taking her life. One family member recalled, “Unless you had seen Nikita so close to dying, you can’t appreciate what a gift stem cells have been. She is such a happy, naughty, loving, and lovable little dog now.”

Stem Cells for Immune Mediated Diseases

While stem cells are still being studied for the treatment of immune mediated diseases, we do know that stem cells play a key role in not only managing pain but also in down-regulating inflammation. Perhaps most importantly for these conditions, stem cells have demonstrated immunomodulatory characteristics and the ability to help balance a patient’s immune system.  By addressing immune imbalance rather than solely managing symptoms, stem cell therapy may serve as a valuable treatment for dogs with sebaceous adenitis, particularly those that are difficult to manage with conventional therapies alone.

The Takeaway

Though stem cell therapy did not cure Nikita’s disease, it played a meaningful role in improving her comfort and overall quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy is not the answer for every condition and may not help every patient the way it helped Nikita. That being said, if your pet is struggling with an immune mediated disease that is not well controlled by standard treatment, speak to your vet about stem cell therapy. Or reach out to us for more information and a list of VetStem providers in your area.

Dr. Bernadine Cruz administering intravenous stem cells to Nikita

As most of you know by now, there are multiple conditions for which VetStem Cell Therapy may be a beneficial treatment option. We frequently recommend that pet owners considering stem cell therapy speak to their veterinarian to determine if their pet may be a candidate for VetStem Cell Therapy. But what if your veterinarian is not familiar with VetStem or stem cell therapy?

Considering VetStem Cell Therapy for Your Pet?

You may have seen the many success stories about actual VetStem Cell Therapy recipients and wondered, “Would my pet benefit from stem cell therapy?” Or you may find that you have exhausted multiple treatment options, yet your pet’s condition hasn’t improved as much as you hoped. Whatever your situation may be, it is always important to research all of your options before you decide which therapy to proceed with. If you are considering VetStem Cell Therapy for your pet, we can help you speak to your veterinarian to get a better idea of whether or not this might be a good option to try.

Is VetStem Cell Therapy Right for Your Pet?

We firmly believe that your veterinarian is your best resource when it comes to the health of your pet. He/She is the most familiar with your pet’s health history and has likely examined your pet multiple times, whether for routine exams or sick exams. That being said, your veterinarian may not be familiar with VetStem Cell Therapy or any stem cell therapy for that matter. If you find that that is the case, below are some resources that you can share with your vet.

1. This letter is a great place to start. VetStem’s free, online educational course helps veterinarians better understand the science behind stem cell therapy and educates them on how the VetStem process works.
2. If your veterinarian would like additional information, you can refer them to the literature references on our website. We also have information about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, feline kidney disease, and immune mediated diseases (such as IMHA). For horses, we have multiple case studies on our website.
3. To help determine if your pet is a good candidate for VetStem Cell Therapy, this checklist may be useful.
4. And lastly, our staff veterinarians are available to consult with your vet to determine if VetStem Cell Therapy may help your pet, including a stem cell protocol tailored to your pet’s specific condition. Simply ask your vet to contact us at their convenience. There is no charge for this service!

We always like to remind pet owners that stem cell therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, thus some pets may not be a good candidate for VetStem Cell Therapy. Our goal is to provide as much education and information as possible so you and your vet, with our help, can make the best decision for your pet. As always, if you ever have any questions for us, feel free to reach out! And if you are in need of a VetStem provider in your area, click here and we will send you a list of vets near you.

In a previous post I listed the main causes of arthritis in dogs. (See post from November 2, 2009 on this blog).  Aside from those, there are other reasons for arthritis, deserving of their own post.  These include immune mediated arthritis (similar to the human version called Rheumatoid Arthritis) and infectious reasons for arthritis.  For example, in different parts of the country, such as the Eastern Seaboard, if you were to take your dog to the vet for limping, your veterinarian may check for infectious diseases such as Lyme and Anaplasmosis.  Lyme Disease (and not Lime Disease) is a tick borne disease that can give your dog swollen joints, shifting leg lameness and can cause them to feel pretty down and out.

Most common signs of Lyme disease:

Read the rest of this entry »

Last week, the VetStem team had the opportunity to sponsor and exhibit at the annual Fetch DVM360 conference in Kansas City. This event brings together veterinary professionals from across the country to learn, collaborate, and explore the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. We were proud to not only exhibit but also to sponsor two educational sessions presented by leaders in the field.

Our founder and CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, presented his session, Cell Shift: Transforming Vet Medicine with Regenerative Therapy. His talk explored the powerful potential of regenerative medicine in small animal practice, with a focus on the use of mesenchymal stem cells. Attendees gained a solid foundation in stem cell biology while also learning about evidence-based clinical applications for immune-mediated conditions, chronic kidney disease, and orthopedic disorders.

We also sponsored a session by Dr. Juli Goldstein, small animal technical services veterinarian for PetVivo Animal Health. Her lecture, Advancing Care for Osteoarthritis in Small Animal Practice, addressed osteoarthritis as a debilitating condition that can significantly impact quality of life. She reviewed the latest research on the degenerative process leading to OA and highlighted new treatment options, including joint injections such as PrecisePRP™, as part of a multimodal approach to OA management.

In addition to these educational sessions, our team enjoyed connecting with veterinarians and technicians in the exhibit hall. These conversations provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the benefits of VetStem Cell Therapy and how regenerative medicine can be integrated into clinical practice to improve outcomes for patients.

We’d like to thank Fetch DVM360 for hosting another successful conference and all of the veterinary professionals who stopped by our booth to learn more about stem cell therapy. We look forward to continuing the conversation and advancing the role of regenerative medicine in veterinary care.

VetStem CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, with PetVivo technical services vet, Dr. Juli Goldstein

Dr. Harman’s lecture “Cell Shift: Transforming Vet Medicine with Regenerative Therapy”

Dr. Goldstein’s lecture “Advancing Care for Osteoarthritis in Small Animal Practice”

When most people hear about stem cell therapy for pets, they immediately think of arthritis. And for good reason! VetStem Cell Therapy has helped thousands of animals find relief from painful, degenerative joint disease. But did you know stem cell therapy can also help with a range of other medical conditions?

Stem cells are commonly used to treat soft tissue injuries, including tears in ligaments, tendons, and muscles. One of the most frequently addressed conditions with VetStem Cell Therapy is a cruciate ligament tear. Stem cells can aid in the healing process and help minimize scar tissue formation, whether used alone or in conjunction with surgery. In addition to promoting tissue repair, stem cells have the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, offering pets a better quality of life during recovery. This regenerative approach may be especially helpful for animals that have shown limited improvement with conventional treatments, offering a more effective option for long-term recovery and potentially decreasing the risk of future arthritis development.

In addition to orthopedic applications, VetStem Cell Therapy has demonstrated potential in treating various internal medicine conditions. For instance, stem cell therapy has shown encouraging results in managing chronic kidney disease as well as gingivostomatitis in cats. It has also been used with some success in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a challenging condition affecting both cats and dogs. Furthermore, promising outcomes have been observed in cases involving allergic skin conditions and immune-mediated diseases.

If your pet is facing a health challenge beyond arthritis, stem cell therapy may still be an option. Talk to your veterinarian to learn whether VetStem Cell Therapy could play a role in your pet’s care plan. You can also contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

While VetStem Cell Therapy has been around for over 20 years and used in over 16,000 animals, many pet owners are new to the idea of stem cell therapy. As pet owners explore this innovative therapeutic modality, it’s natural to have questions about its effectiveness, safety, and applications. Here, we address some common FAQs to provide clarity and insight into what stem cell therapy entails for your beloved companions.

1. What is stem cell therapy and how does it work for pets? Stem cell therapy involves using the regenerative properties of stem cells to promote healing and repair damaged tissues in pets. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a pet’s own stem cells from a sample of fat tissue that your veterinarian collects during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. After processing in our GMP compliant stem cell laboratory, the stem cells are prepared and shipped to your veterinarian for injection into the area(s) of injury/disease. (Learn more about the laboratory process here.) This process aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve overall mobility and quality of life in pets suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, and even certain internal medicine and immune-mediated conditions.

2. Is stem cell therapy safe for pets? Stem cell therapy is considered safe for pets when performed by trained veterinary and laboratory professionals. VetStem Cell Therapy involves minimal risk because the stem cells are sourced from the pet’s own body, reducing the likelihood of rejection or adverse reactions. Additionally, stem cells processed at VetStem are minimally manipulated and undergo strict quality assessments. VetStem employs stringent processing protocols and quality control methods to help ensure the safety and well-being of the animal. However, as with any medical treatment, potential risks and benefits should be discussed with your veterinarian before proceeding.

3. What conditions can stem cell therapy treat in pets? Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions in pets, primarily those involving musculoskeletal and joint issues. Common applications include osteoarthritis, joint dysplasia, ligament and tendon injuries, and muscle injuries. Research is ongoing to explore its potential for treating other ailments such as kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and more! While results can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual pet responses, many owners report improvements in their pet’s quality of life following stem cell treatment.

4. How much does stem cell therapy cost and is it covered by pet insurance? The cost of stem cell therapy for pets can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of condition treated, the clinic’s location, and the specific treatment protocol used. On average, pet owners can expect to invest several hundred to several thousand dollars per treatment session. It’s important to check with your veterinarian and inquire about potential financing options or payment plans that may be available. Regarding pet insurance coverage, policies can differ significantly, so it’s advisable to review your insurance policy or consult with your provider to determine if stem cell therapy is covered under your plan.

VetStem Cell Therapy has improved the lives of thousands of pets suffering from various medical conditions. By understanding the basics of this treatment option and discussing it with your veterinarian, you can make informed decisions about whether stem cell therapy is suitable for your pet’s specific needs. Click here to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

VetStem patient, Bella, receives her own stem cells via intravenous infusion

As most of our readers know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used to treat orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. Cats, on the other hand, frequently receive stem cell therapy for indications such as renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. One such cat, a young Siamese named Finn, received VetStem Cell Therapy for gingivostomatitis when he was approximately one year old.

We’ve shared Finn’s stem cell success story in a previous blog. But to sum it up, Finn was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis at just five months old. Gingivostomatitis is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the affected cat’s gums. It can be very painful and lead to inappetence, reduced grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, pain medications, and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

Finn’s owners tried several medications in an effort to improve his symptoms, but nothing worked. They were determined to not have all of his teeth extracted and were willing to do whatever it took. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and just shy of his first birthday, Finn received stem cell therapy.

According to his owners, Finn responded well to the treatment. His owner stated, “[the stem cell treatment] seemed to improve and maintain his condition especially over time so that Finn is happy, healthy, and living a great life. We plan to administer cells every year or so to keep his condition manageable and hopefully keep him healthier too.”

Fast forward to the present, four years after his initial stem cell treatment, and Finn continues to do well! We recently received an update from his owner who stated, “Finn had his annual checkup recently and he’s doing great. He had some gingivitis but his stomatitis seemed to be under control. He had his annual teeth cleaning today (per his veterinarian’s recommendation) and is doing great otherwise!”

Stem cells have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and also help to modulate the immune system. This mechanism of action is particularly important for immune-mediated conditions such as gingivostomatitis. If your cat has gingivostomatitis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

It’s been a while since we’ve done a good overview blog on the various uses of VetStem Cell Therapy in horses. The VetStem Sales and Marketing team is currently heading to San Antonio, TX to exhibit at the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) conference so we figured no better time than the present!

Some of you may not know this but VetStem’s very first patient was a horse that was treated way back in early 2004 for a tendon injury that would have normally been career-ending. As in dogs, veterinarians most frequently use VetStem Cell Therapy to treat orthopedic conditions in horses. Though their anatomy and injuries are different than our canine friends, the treatment methods are very similar.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Equine Tendon and Ligament Injuries

In performance horses, tendon and ligament injuries are a leading cause of decreased performance. These injuries often require prolonged healing times and can be the source of reinjury. While soft tissue injuries can take many months to heal, VetStem Cell Therapy may speed up the healing process. Stem cells can reduce pain and inflammation and regenerate tendon and ligament tissues, thereby reducing the formation of scar tissue. When paired with a good rehabilitation routine, stem cell therapy may help horses get back to work faster.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Equine Joint Conditions

As with tendon and ligament injuries, VetStem Cell Therapy can be beneficial for joint conditions in horses. Horses have been treated for a wide array of conditions including osteoarthritis (OA), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), subchondral bone cysts, and meniscal tears. In one study utilizing VetStem Cell Therapy for the above conditions, there were several important findings:

1. 80% (8/10) of cyst-only cases returned to their prior level of activity
2. 95.2% (20/21) of OA cases in the study returned to prior level or lower level of work
3. The average time for horses in the study from treatment to return-to-full work at prior level of performance was 6.2 months or 5.8 months for those horses returning to a lower level of work
4. 83.3% (50/60) with joint injuries returned to prior level of performance or at least to a reduced performance level, with only 16.7% (10/60) being non-responsive to treatment.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Alternative Conditions in Horses

There’s plenty of data out there that stem cells can benefit soft tissue injuries and joint disease, but there are a few other conditions that VetStem may help as well. One of these conditions is Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH). EIPH is characterized by the presence of blood in the lungs of performance horses following strenuous exercise. Traditional therapy includes medications that can reduce the amount of hemorrhaging but don’t actually treat or cure the disease. In a clinical research program conducted by VetStem, it was determined that the majority of horses treated with VetStem Cell Therapy experienced significant improvement with little to no bleeding post racing.

Another condition that VetStem may help is uveitis. Uveitis is characterized by inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye and can be a one-time episode or recurrent. Recurrent uveitis can lead to permanent damage and even blindness. Though the cause of recurrent uveitis is unclear, there is evidence to suggest it may be immune-mediated. Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation and to modulate the immune system. Preliminary in-vitro and clinical case series results demonstrate safety and that stem cells may be effective in controlling recurrent uveitis.

Veterinarians have treated horses for numerous conditions that we have not mentioned here, some with favorable results, others not. If you think your horse may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, whether it’s for an orthopedic condition or something else, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.