It is easy to rely on diagnostic tools like the x-ray as the whole story when evaluating a dog with arthritis.  But x-rays are only part of a complete examination and often the x-rays do not really tell the whole story.  Arthritis in dogs is a serious and complicated disease that can be caused by many factors.  Hip dysplasia is a conformational problem with the shape of the hip bones and a shallow “socket” for the ball and socket joint.  This can be seen on x-rays and helps a veterinarian determine if the hip shape is causing abnormal wear and tear on the joint surfaces. Read the rest of this entry »

Chronic arthritis can be very debilitating and painful.  The story of Ruggles, a Deutsch Drahthaar (a rough-haired pointer dog) illustrates the common dilemma for an owner in deciding whether to subject their buddy to a lifetime of pain drugs or a new procedure.  I present here the complete story of Ruggles as told by her owner, Byron Dashnaw, so you can get the complete picture. Read the rest of this entry »

If you read my two preceding posts, you know that Vet-Stem Cell Therapy can improve your older dog’s quality of life, even if his arthritis has reached an advanced stage. So now you may be asking whether your older dog will need to be re-treated at some time in the future after getting stem cell therapy.  Read the rest of this entry »

In my previous post, I discussed the fact that many of our patients are older dogs, and that the vast majority of owners who completed voluntary surveys considered their pets’ quality of life to have been improved following Vet-Stem Cell Therapy. Now that you know older dogs have been treated successfully, you may wonder whether your dog’s arthritis may be too advanced to see such gains. According to the veterinarians treating these older dogs, 76% of them were considered to be arthritic to a severe or “last resort” degree.  So even with advanced or severe arthritis, older dogs often benefit by undergoing stem cell therapy. Again, to see the survey results, click here: Osteoarthritis and the Older Dog. Read the rest of this entry »

As they age, many dogs lose that spring in their step. Sometimes it’s a gradual decline, and other times it seems like one day the dog who always leapt into the car before the door was even all the way open suddenly needs a boost to get in. One of the most common questions we are asked by owners is whether their dog might be too old for treatment.   Read the rest of this entry »

Meet Tango (right), a 9-year old Beagle with severe arthritis who, we are happy to report, is doing great 9 months after stem cell therapy changed his life.  Flutter, his English Setter buddy, is glad to have him back.

“In his 9^th year, Tango’s arthritis had progressed to the point where he could barely walk.  Multiple tests, x-rays, and alternative therapies had no effect, and pain medications were barely keeping him mobile.  Sadly, I could see his days winding down dramatically. Read the rest of this entry »

Recognizing the signs of aging is important if we want our pets to have a good quality of life in their golden years.

A visit to the vet may be needed if you notice any of the following in order to know if your dog is aging normally or if there are things you can do to help them:

•   Change in energy level, gets tired more easily, not as playful

•   Personality change- more grumpy towards dogs and or humans Read the rest of this entry »

“Nash had chronic degenerative arthritis in both elbows.  Walking more than 10 minutes would make him lame,” Kristie remembers. 

For those of us who have experienced it or have even seen it take its toll on relatives or pets, we know how debilitating arthritis can be.  Arthritis involves anything from joint inflammation to depletion of the smooth articular cartilage that allows our bones to glide smoothly against each other.  Swelling, stiffness, and pain typically perpetuate the cycle of more swelling, more stiffness, and more pain.  Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes you just need to see a video that makes you laugh out loud!  This YouTube of a Pug that had severe arthritis shows you how much energy and enthusiasm can be unleashed by stem cell therapy.  This cute little Pug was treated at Olathe Animal Hospital in Kansas.  It will make your heart soar to see how much fun this little guy is having now just 60 days after he was treated with his own adipose stem cells.  Enjoy the video.

You want the best for your companion when it comes to health care.  Your veterinarian has recommended Stem Cell Therapy as the best treatment for your dog with arthritis.  The pain from your dog’s arthritis has not been controlled very well with his regular pain medications and he just is not able to enjoy life.  He may be older, but clearly he has a lot of life to live!  This is a common scenario and one in which you need to evaluate the costs and how to afford the best treatment.  Luckily, there are now a number of great options to help with financing this treatment if you can’t just write the check today.

Always discuss the options available through your veterinarian and see what the clinic provides.  Veterinarians are kind-hearted and want to see that your pet gets the very best of care. Read the rest of this entry »