At 14 years old, Callie, a Flat-coated retriever mix, was facing serious mobility challenges. Diagnosed with spondylosis and severe arthritis in her hips and knees, Callie struggled with pain and stiffness, often requiring help just to stand. Her discomfort became so intense that she began snapping at her owners.

Determined to improve her quality of life, Callie’s owners turned to board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Tim McCarthy, who had extensive experience with regenerative medicine. Dr. McCarthy recommended VetStem Cell Therapy in an effort to decrease Callie’s pain and inflammation while promoting healing and tissue repair.

After a small fat sample was collected from Callie’s abdomen, VetStem lab techs isolated and concentrated her stem cells. Just two days later, Callie received injections in her hips, knees, and via IV. Just a few days after treatment, Callie was showing signs of improvement. As her symptoms improved, she began getting up on her own and regained her energy and zest for life. Her family shared, “She had her energy back, she was running around, and she stopped snapping at us. It gave her life back.”

Callie enjoyed over two more active and happy years before she crossed the rainbow bridge. Her story is one of many that highlights how VetStem Cell Therapy may help dogs suffering from arthritis. In fact, more than 80% of surveyed pet owners and veterinarians reported improved quality of life for older dogs following stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. As Callie’s family put it best, “We are so very thankful for her stem cell therapy!”

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

As we continue Arthritis Awareness Month, we wanted to share a VetStem success story about a dog who lived a better quality of life after receiving VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis. At just 12 weeks old, Cherry Pie, a cocker spaniel, was hit by a car, breaking her right femur and knee. She underwent multiple surgeries and two rounds of stem cell treatments with another provider. Unfortunately, her initial stem cell supply ran out after just two treatments and her injuries left her with arthritis at a young age, which began to affect her quality of life.

That’s when her veterinarian recommended VetStem Cell Therapy. As we discussed in last week’s blog, stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various tissue types and have been shown to alleviate pain and inflammation, restore range of motion, and promote the regeneration of tendons, ligaments, and joint tissues. A peer-reviewed study found that stem cell treatment significantly reduced pain and lameness in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip.

Unlike her previous experience, VetStem only needs one fat collection to create a lifetime supply of your pet’s own stem cells. Cherry Pie had a small amount of fat collected from her abdomen, which was sent to the VetStem lab in California. From there, her cells were processed, packed into doses, and shipped back for treatment. Cherry Pie received one dose of her own stem cells in her knee, one in her hip, and another was given intravenously. The rest were put into cryopreservation for future use.

Over the next four years, Cherry Pie received yearly stem cell treatments using her banked cells, and the results were amazing. Her owner reported that VetStem Cell Therapy enabled Cherry Pie to remain active and maintain a good quality of life without relying on long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Remarkably, at the age of eleven, Cherry Pie returned to obedience competitions. Her owner stated, “She finished her AKC Obedience Championship and was in the top 50 at the National Obedience Championships at the age of 12. She was also the very first cocker spaniel invited to the Westminster Master Obedience Invitational at the age of 13, securing her place as one of the greatest cockers in the breed history. Without VetStem, none of that was possible.”

Cherry Pie passed away at the age of 14, surrounded by love. Thanks to the long-term benefits of VetStem Cell Therapy, she lived her golden years pain-free and full of purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder of what regenerative medicine can do, not just to manage arthritis, but to truly give our pets the best life possible.

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

Cherry Pie

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

At VetStem, our ongoing commitment to advancing stem cell research has led to the development of “Clinical Research Programs” for specific conditions where we believe stem cell therapy could offer significant benefits, yet where clinical data is still limited. These programs are designed to gather essential data to assess the effectiveness of stem cell treatments for these conditions. One of the most popular programs we offer focuses on canine back pain.

Understanding Canine Back Pain

“Canine back pain” is an umbrella term that refers to pain experienced anywhere along a dog’s back. Given the complexity of the spine, back pain in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, making diagnosis both challenging and costly. The pain could be linked to issues with spinal structures, nerves, or the surrounding soft tissues, and pinpointing the exact source of the discomfort can be difficult.

The Rise of Stem Cell Therapy for Back Pain

In recent years, cell therapy has gained attention as a treatment for lower back pain in humans. While much of the research has focused on intradiscal injections, newer, less invasive methods have emerged, including injections into the muscles surrounding the spine. Stem cells have shown promise in reducing inflammation and modulating pain, leading to improved comfort and mobility for those suffering from spinal issues.

Success Stories from VetStem’s Canine Back Pain Program

Numerous dogs have benefited from VetStem Cell Therapy for back pain, with many veterinarians and pet owners reporting significant improvements. For example:

• Sam, a German Shepherd with spinal arthritis, experienced increased mobility and improved activity levels following treatment.
• Bella and Bailee, both diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), showed positive outcomes after receiving VetStem Cell Therapy.
• Jojo, a dog with limited mobility in her back legs due to IVDD, was able to stop using her wheelchair after receiving VetStem Cell Therapy!

These success stories highlight the potential for stem cells to improve the lives of dogs suffering from back pain and related conditions.

Stem Cell Therapy for Dogs: Still Evolving

While there is a growing body of positive data supporting stem cell treatments for back and spinal conditions in humans, the use of stem cells for back pain in dogs is still in its early stages. It’s important to remember that the canine spine is a highly intricate structure, and while stem cells may help in many cases, they may not be the solution for every condition.

If your dog is experiencing back pain, we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian to determine if VetStem Cell Therapy might be a viable treatment option. With continued research and positive outcomes, we are hopeful that stem cell therapy will become an increasingly effective tool in improving the quality of life for dogs suffering from back pain.

Need to find a VetStem provider? Contact us today!

A few weeks ago, we discussed canine hip dysplasia and how VetStem Cell Therapy can help alleviate symptoms associated with the condition. Another common issue, especially in large breed dogs, is elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia occurs when the three bones of the elbow joint do not fit together perfectly, causing abnormal rubbing which results in pain, lameness, and eventually, arthritic changes.

One of the conditions associated with elbow dysplasia is fragmented coronoid process, or FCP. FCP occurs when one of the bony protrusions in the elbow, known as the coronoid processes, develops a fissure or crack and detaches from the ulna. This results in pain, inflammation, decreased mobility, and swelling. Fortunately, as we know, stem cells have the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, heal damaged joint tissues, and thereby improve quality of life.

One pup, Lucky, was only six months old when he began showing signs of discomfort and lameness. He began limping and struggled to get up from lying down. After a visit to the vet, Lucky was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and broken bone fragments in his elbows as a result of FCP.

The standard treatment for FCP is surgical removal of the bone fragments and abnormal cartilage. In Lucky’s case, his veterinarian recommended surgery in addition to VetStem Cell Therapy. Though surgery can provide some relief and joint stability to patients with FCP, most dogs will still develop some degree of arthritis. When used in conjunction with surgery, stem cells are intended to help slow the progression of arthritis and also help with post-surgical healing.

After treatment, his owner reported a dramatic improvement, noting a significant reduction in pain and a noticeable increase in Lucky’s activity level. Within six weeks, Lucky was jumping on the couch – something he had never done before, and three months later, he was happily playing at the dog park. His owner said, “Lucky was finally able to just be a puppy! Running around at the dog park with other dogs and his older brother Sunny, you can see the smile on his face and his excitement. Since this will be a lifelong condition to manage for Lucky, we are grateful to have stem cells banked for future treatments, to help him live a full life as long as possible, given his young age when this happened.”

To ensure ongoing care for his elbows and other joints, several doses of Lucky’s stem cells were stored in cryopreservation. This is especially important for dogs like Lucky, who will continue to face the challenges of arthritis as they age. In fact, about a year later, Lucky needed double knee surgery due to a partial tear in his cruciate ligament. Using his banked stem cells, Lucky received treatment for both his elbows and his knees. According to his owner, “His elbows are currently stronger than ever and were able to support him during his double knee recovery!”  With these stem cells available for future use, Lucky can continue to lead an active, pain-free life.

If you think your pet may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Lucky

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve heard the term “hip dysplasia.” According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, “Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow and results in instability or a loose fit (laxity) of the hip joint.” Essentially, the ball of the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, causing abnormal movement, which results in cartilage degeneration, scar tissue formation, and bone spurs around the joint. As you can imagine, this is a painful condition that ultimately leads to osteoarthritis.

In many cases, surgery is the recommended treatment for hip dysplasia, but this option comes with its own challenges. Surgery can be invasive, expensive, and unfortunately, many dogs still develop scar tissue and arthritis over time. Another potential treatment option is stem cell therapy. While stem cell therapy won’t cure hip dysplasia, stem cells can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Stem cells also have the unique ability to differentiate into numerous tissue types, potentially aiding in the regeneration of damaged cartilage. These combined effects can lead to increased mobility and an improved quality of life for dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Given the prevalence of hip dysplasia and arthritis in dogs, numerous veterinarians have successfully treated thousands of dogs with these conditions using VetStem Cell Therapy. And many have seen great results! One example is Artemis, a Bernese Mountain Dog, with bilateral hip dysplasia. Fortunately for Artemis, her owner sought treatment early and her veterinarian recommended VetStem Cell Therapy.

After receiving stem cell therapy, Artemis’ owner shared, “I can see improvement as she stands from lying down, as well as after extended play or walks. My hope is with continued stem cell treatments she will stay comfortable longer.” You can read Artemis’ VetStem success story here.

VetStem’s ability to cryopreserve and store stem cells from each patient is particularly valuable for patients like Artemis who will never have perfect hips. With additional cells in her cryobank, Artemis can receive a lifetime of future treatments using her own stem cells without the need for additional fat collection procedures.

If your dog is struggling with hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy may offer a promising path toward relief. In fact, surveys from both dog owners and veterinarians show that over 80% of dogs experienced an improved quality of life following treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy for osteoarthritis. Additionally, a peer-reviewed study of dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip found that treatment with stem cells reduced pain and lameness.

Contact us today to find a VetStem provider near you.

Biscuit, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, was struggling due to pain in both of her back legs. Diagnosed with a cruciate ligament tear in her right knee and arthritis in both hips, Biscuit’s owner was looking for a solution to help her dog live a better quality of life. After consulting with Dr. Kim Carlson, a board-certified surgeon and owner of Lenity Vet Specialists, it was decided that surgery would help to stabilize Biscuit’s knee, and VetStem Cell Therapy would be incorporated into her treatment plan to support her overall healing and pain management.

Dr. Carlson, who has been utilizing VetStem Cell Therapy for over 15 years, began the process by collecting a sample of Biscuit’s fat tissue during knee surgery. The fat was sent to the VetStem laboratory where stem cells were extracted and concentrated. Within 48 hours, Biscuit received multiple stem cell injections into her knee, both hips, and intravenously. Her extra stem cells were cryopreserved for potential future use.

Since her initial treatment, Biscuit has received annual follow-up injections from her stem cell bank to help manage her arthritis. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Biscuit’s owner reported that within just a week of her last injection, “she was running up stairs and acting years younger.”

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that impacts dogs’ quality of life, but VetStem Cell Therapy can be an effective option for improving mobility and reducing pain. VetStem Cell Therapy leverages the body’s natural healing ability, helping to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and regenerate damaged tissue, offering significant benefits for dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis. In fact, more than 80% of dogs treated with VetStem for osteoarthritis showed a better quality of life, making it a promising solution for pets like Biscuit.

If you think your dog would benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Biscuit

Today is National Boxer Day, so we’re celebrating with a heartwarming VetStem success story about a Boxer named Tucker. Tucker was a lively 4-year-old who, according to his owner, had explosive energy levels. He would run and play outside for 4 to 6 hours each day. His life took a turn when he followed a cat off a 12-foot embankment at a dead run, landing with a thud that caused his right rear leg to buckle.

At first, Tucker limped but could still move around, so his owners took him to the vet. He was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his hips and knees and was put on anti-inflammatory medications. Over the next year, his condition only worsened, with his leg deteriorating to the point that he could no longer climb stairs or enjoy his beloved outdoor playtime.

As time passed, Tucker became less active, only wanting to go outside for short trips to relieve himself. His owners were worried that he wouldn’t be able to walk at all within the next 6 to 12 months. Thankfully, their veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. At just over 5 years old, Tucker underwent the procedure.

The VetStem process involves a relatively simple and minimally invasive fat collection procedure. Once the fat is collected and sterilely packaged, it is shipped to the VetStem laboratory for processing. There, VetStem lab techs process the fat to extract the stem cells contained therein. Stem cell doses are shipped for treatment while any extra remaining cells are placed into cryopreservation for potential future use. Tucker received injections of his own stem cells into both hips and both knees as well as an intravenous injection.

Six months after the procedure, Tucker was back to his energetic self, running, jumping, and playing outside for hours just like he used to. It was a true transformation, and two years later, Tucker was still living life as a young, active Boxer. His owners are forever grateful to VetStem for giving him back his mobility and zest for life stating, “Thank you, VetStem, for saving his life!”

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

Tucker

National Border Collie Day is November 24^th so we thought it fitting to share a VetStem success story about a Border Collie named Hannah. Hannah had arthritis in her hips as a result of hip dysplasia. Her veterinarian described it as some of the worst she’d ever seen. As a certified therapy dog who visited patients that were in the hospital, it was important for Hannah to be able to stand on her hind legs so she could be pet by those patients who were unable to get out of bed. Unfortunately, her arthritic hips made it so she was unable to do this seemingly simple task.

In an effort to avoid hip replacement surgery, her veterinarian recommended trying VetStem Cell Therapy. To begin the process, Hannah’s veterinarian collected fat from her abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was sent to the VetStem laboratory where lab technicians processed and extracted Hannah’s stem and regenerative cells. Three stem cell injections were prepared and shipped for treatment. Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection, Hannah received injections of her own stem cells into each hip as well as an intravenous injection.

According to her owner, Hannah had a remarkable response to stem cell therapy. She was finally able to stand on her back legs so she could reach bed-ridden hospital patients. And at the one year mark, her X-rays showed great improvement in her hip joints. Her owners believed her to be pain free for the first time in her life, stating, “My husband and I (and Hannah) cannot tell you how much Hannah’s life has changed since her surgery. The results were better than we ever hoped for and are nothing short of amazing.”

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

Hannah