Managing pain in pets is rarely about finding a single solution. Pain can have multiple causes and affect each animal differently. For this reason, many veterinarians may use a multimodal approach that combines different therapies to address pain from multiple angles.

For pets experiencing pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis or orthopedic injuries, a multimodal treatment plan may include medications, physical rehabilitation, weight management, acupuncture, laser therapy, and other therapies. VetStem Cell Therapy may also be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan. Rather than simply masking pain, stem cell therapy addresses some of the underlying processes associated with pain, including inflammation and tissue damage.

One way stem cells may help manage pain is by reducing inflammation. After administration, stem cells release a variety of signaling molecules that can help regulate the inflammatory and immune response. This may help reduce inflammation while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Research has also explored how stem cells may directly influence pain. Studies have found that stem cells release small proteins called cytokines that can have pain-relieving effects. Interestingly, some of these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

The goal of multimodal pain management is to help pets remain as comfortable and active as possible while addressing the factors contributing to their pain. For some pets, VetStem Cell Therapy may be one component of that approach. If your pet is showing signs of pain, talk with your veterinarian about the cause of the pain and which combination of treatments may be appropriate. You can also contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Throughout Animal Pain Awareness Month, VetStem is highlighting the importance of recognizing pain and exploring options that may help pets enjoy a better quality of life.

Pets can’t tell us when something hurts, so recognizing pain often depends on noticing changes in their behavior and daily routines. While some signs of pain, such as crying out, limping, or obvious difficulty moving, may be easy to recognize, other signs can be much more subtle. This is especially true with chronic pain, which can develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging. Knowing what to look for can help pet owners recognize potential problems and seek veterinary care sooner.

So, what are some of the signs that your pet may be experiencing pain? Somt things to watch out for include:

1. Less activity: Your pet may be sleeping more or no longer seem interested in walks, play, or other favorite activities.
2. Difficulty getting up or lying down: Stiffness or hesitation when changing positions can be a sign of discomfort.
3. Reluctance to jump or use stairs: A dog that suddenly avoids the couch or stairs or a cat that no longer jumps in the cat tree may be experiencing pain.
4. Changes in behavior: Pain can cause pets to become withdrawn, irritable, restless, or less interested in interacting with their family.
5. Changes in grooming: Cats, in particular, may groom less when they are uncomfortable, while excessive licking of a particular area can also indicate a problem.
6. Changes in appetite or sleep: Pain may affect eating habits or make it difficult for a pet to get comfortable and sleep normally.
7. Changes in movement: Limping is an obvious sign, but shorter walks, an altered gait, stiffness, or simply moving differently can also indicate pain.

For more information and resources to help determine if your pet is in pain, visit the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) website here: https://www.ivapm.org/copy-of-are-you-concerned-that-your-pet-is-in-pain

It is important to remember that these signs do not necessarily mean your pet is in pain, and animals may respond to pain differently. However, any noticeable change from your pet’s normal behavior or activity level is worth paying attention to. Keeping track of when the changes occur and discussing them with your veterinarian can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment is needed. Pain should not simply be considered a normal part of getting older.

Throughout Animal Pain Awareness Month, the VetStem blog will continue exploring different aspects of pain in animals, including approaches to pain management and treatment options that may help pets live more comfortable, active lives. Follow along throughout September to learn more about recognizing and managing pain in our animal companions.

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, an annual campaign established by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to raise awareness about pain in animals and the importance of effective pain management. Animals experience many of the same types of pain as people, including pain associated with injury, surgery, arthritis, and other medical conditions. While acute pain is often easier to recognize, chronic pain can be much more difficult to identify and may be mistaken for normal signs of aging. As IVAPM emphasizes, getting older is not a disease, and pain should not simply be considered a normal part of aging.

Recognizing pain is the first step toward helping an animal feel better. Pets cannot tell us when something hurts, so they often communicate through changes in their behavior and daily routines. A pet that is less active, reluctant to climb stairs or jump, having difficulty getting up, sleeping more, or showing less interest in activities they once enjoyed may be experiencing pain. These changes can be gradual, making them easy to overlook. Paying attention to what is normal for an individual pet, and noticing when that changes, can help owners identify potential problems earlier and seek veterinary care.

Animal Pain Awareness Month is also an opportunity to recognize that pain management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the underlying cause and individual needs of the patient, veterinarians may recommend a combination of treatments, including medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and even VetStem Cell Therapy. That’s right, stem cells have demonstrated the ability to directly modulate pain. More on this later.

This Animal Pain Awareness Month, take time to learn the signs of pain and talk with your veterinarian if you notice changes in your pet’s comfort, mobility, or behavior. Throughout September, follow the VetStem blog as we explore different aspects of animal pain, from recognizing the signs to understanding pain management options and how stem cell therapy may help.

In this third installment of our Animal Pain Awareness Month blog series, we’re focusing on how VetStem Cell Therapy can help manage pain in pets. We know how challenging it is to watch a beloved animal struggle with discomfort, whether from arthritis, an injury, or post-surgical recovery. What makes VetStem Cell Therapy unique is that it not only supports the repair of damaged tissue but also works directly to reduce both acute and chronic pain through multiple mechanisms of action.

One of the primary ways stem cells help manage pain is by reducing inflammation, which is often a key contributor to both acute and chronic pain. After administration, stem cells migrate to areas of injury or disease and release bioactive molecules that decrease inflammation and modulate the immune response, leading to improved comfort and mobility for pets. In addition to controlling inflammation, stem cells stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. As these structures heal, the underlying source of pain is reduced, leading to improved long-term outcomes for pets.

More recent literature indicates that stem cells can also target both acute and chronic pain directly. Initially, stem cell therapy was mainly associated with healing, regeneration, and inflammation reduction. However, newer studies have explored how stem cells can directly influence pain perception. These studies reveal that stem cells release cytokines—small proteins that can act similarly to opioids in blocking pain. Interestingly, these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by Naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

As research continues to advance our understanding of pain and regenerative medicine, VetStem Cell Therapy remains a trusted option for veterinarians and pet owners alike. By addressing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and directly modulating pain signals, stem cell therapy provides a natural, targeted approach to help pets regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life. For pets dealing with arthritis, orthopedic injuries, or post-surgical discomfort, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a pathway to both relief and long-term healing.

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 near you.

As we continue Animal Pain Awareness Month, we want to highlight an important topic: recognizing the signs of pain in dogs and cats. Both species, but especially cats, are skilled at hiding discomfort. While some signs of pain are obvious, others can be subtle, yet all may indicate that a trip to the veterinarian is needed. Identifying and addressing pain early is essential to maintaining your pet’s quality of life.

Before diving into the signs, it’s helpful to understand the difference between acute pain and chronic pain.

• Acute pain comes on suddenly and is usually short-term. It often results from an injury, illness, or surgical procedure.
• Chronic pain is more subtle and develops gradually over time. A common example is the ongoing discomfort caused by osteoarthritis.

While acute pain is typically easier to recognize, chronic pain can be much harder to detect. To help pet parents better identify when their pets may be in pain, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has compiled a list of the most common signs. This resource is especially valuable for those who may not realize their pet is suffering.

Common signs of pain in pets include:

• Decreased activity such as unwillingness to accompany on walks or play, difficulty going up or down stairs, reluctance to jump onto as higher surfaces as normal (cats), slow to stand after laying down.
• Changes in their mood, personality and everyday behavior, such as being more anxious or fearful, becoming antisocial and distant, being grumpy and intolerant to other animals and people.
• Decreased appetite and interest in food.
• Over grooming or licking a particular areas on their body or in the environment.

IVAPM has also provided checklists for both dogs and cats that may help to determine if your pet is experiencing pain.

Being able to recognize when your pet is in pain is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy. Even subtle changes in activity, behavior, or appetite may be a sign that something isn’t right. Resources like IVAPM’s pain checklists can help pet parents spot these signs early and know when it’s time to seek veterinary care. By catching pain sooner rather than later, you can help ensure your dog or cat enjoys the best possible quality of life.

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, an initiative spearheaded by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM). This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness about pain in animals and the importance of proper pain management in veterinary medicine. At VetStem, we share this mission and recognize the vital role that IVAPM plays in advancing education, research, and treatment strategies for managing animal pain.

Animals, like people, experience both acute and chronic pain. Whether from surgery, injury, or conditions such as arthritis, untreated pain can have profound effects on an animal’s health, mobility, and overall quality of life. There are many signs that a pet may be in pain, which we will cover in next week’s blog.

At VetStem, we also recognize the tremendous impact that organizations like IVAPM have on advancing veterinary care. Our mission – to improve the lives of animals through regenerative medicine – aligns closely with IVAPM’s focus on reducing pain and enhancing quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy has helped numerous dogs, cats, and horses with painful orthopedic conditions experience significant improvements in mobility and comfort. We believe that regenerative medicine is a valuable addition to the multimodal pain management approach.

Animal Pain Awareness Month also serves as an important reminder for pet owners to stay alert to subtle signs of discomfort in their pets. Limping, changes in activity, decreased appetite, or altered behavior can all be indicators of pain. If you suspect your pet may be in pain, consult your veterinarian to discuss diagnosis and treatment options.

When we think of pain in pets, we often look for obvious physical signs like limping or stiffness. But many animals, especially cats, are masters at hiding discomfort. Instead of showing visible signs, they may simply behave differently, becoming withdrawn, irritable, less playful, or even anxious and fearful. These behavioral shifts can be subtle but important clues that your pet isn’t feeling their best.

Pain doesn’t just come from injuries or arthritis. Chronic conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), inflammatory bowel disease, gingivostomatitis, or even kidney disease can cause ongoing discomfort that affects your pet’s mood and behavior. If your normally social dog is avoiding interaction, or your cat is hiding more than usual, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about what’s going on beneath the surface.

VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative approach to managing pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions. By using your pet’s own stem cells, VetStem can help reduce pain, support healing, and improve overall quality of life, not just for orthopedic issues, but also for chronic internal conditions. If you’ve noticed recent changes in your pet’s behavior, don’t dismiss them. It could be their way of asking for help. And if you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

In last week’s blog, we talked about how VetStem Cell Therapy can help reduce pain. While pain can come from many different sources, one area where stem cells may really make a difference is in managing post-surgical pain. When combined with procedures like joint replacements or cruciate ligament repairs, VetStem Cell Therapy not only supports long-term recovery but also helps ease the immediate pain after surgery.

One example is Lucy, an energetic Golden Retriever who loves to run and play. Unfortunately, she injured her knee and was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament. Her veterinarian, Dr. Kim Carlson at Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care, recommended surgery to stabilize her knee, but she also suggested adding VetStem Cell Therapy to speed up healing and manage post-surgery pain.

Cruciate ligament injuries in dogs can lead to long-term issues like arthritis, even after surgery. The surgery fixes the problem mechanically, but it doesn’t completely restore the joint to its former state. That’s where stem cells come in. Stem cells help reduce pain and inflammation, inhibit the formation of scar tissue, and encourage the regeneration of damaged tissues. Although stem cell therapy won’t cure arthritis, it can slow its progression and improve the dog’s quality of life.

After stem cell therapy, Lucy’s owner was thrilled with the results, noting that Lucy healed quickly and was back to running and hiking in no time. Almost a year later, Lucy is her happy, healthy self, free from pain and with no sign of a limp. According to Dr. Carlson, the combination of surgery and stem cell therapy worked wonders for her recovery.

For dogs like Lucy, stem cell therapy offers a way to manage pain and support healing post-surgery, ensuring they can return to their playful, active lives. If you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Lucy

When our pets suffer from chronic or acute pain due to conditions like arthritis or injuries, it can be heartbreaking to see them struggle. The good news is that, with the help of the IVAPM, a focus on pain management in veterinary medicine has gained significant traction over the last decade. Newer and more natural techniques to manage pain that don’t involve long term use of medications have become more mainstream such as rehabilitation, acupuncture, and even stem cell therapy!

As we know, stem cells utilize numerous mechanisms of action to improve a painful pet’s quality of life. One of their most important mechanisms of action is their ability to reduce inflammation. Through cellular communication, stem cells are able to limit inflammatory responses and actually shift from a pro-inflammatory environment to an anti-inflammatory environment.

Reducing inflammation can of course lead to greater comfort, but current literature indicates that stem cells can also target both acute and chronic pain directly. Initially, stem cell therapy was mainly associated with healing, regeneration, and inflammation reduction. However, more recent studies have explored how stem cells can directly influence pain perception. These studies reveal that stem cells release cytokines—small proteins that can act similarly to opioids in blocking pain. Interestingly, these pain-relieving effects can be reversed by Naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

This insight clarifies why pet owners and veterinarians frequently report that pets undergoing VetStem Cell Therapy for conditions like osteoarthritis or injured cruciate ligaments experience notable improvements in comfort just days after treatment. By directly alleviating pain, the therapy enhances the pet’s overall comfort while the stem cells continue their healing work.

Veterinarians encounter and address pain in their patients daily and utilize a range of treatment options that include medications, devices, various integrative therapies, and surgery. Stem cell therapy offers an additional approach for addressing pain in pets. VetStem Cell Therapy provides a natural, readily available source of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving cells, which can be particularly advantageous for cats and certain dogs that may not respond well to conventional anti-inflammatory medications.

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 near you.

As Animal Pain Awareness Month continues, it’s important to provide insight into signs and symptoms of pain in pets, which can often be subtle. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can be challenging for many pet owners, as animals often hide discomfort due to their instinctual nature. However, there are several key indicators that can help you determine if your pet is in pain.

One of the most noticeable signs is a change in behavior. If your typically active dog or cat becomes lethargic, hides more often, or shows a sudden aversion to being touched, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Pets may also display changes in their eating or drinking habits, such as a loss of appetite or excessive thirst, which can indicate underlying pain.

Physical symptoms are also important to watch for when assessing your pet’s well-being. Limping, difficulty standing or walking, or a change in their posture can signal that your pet is experiencing discomfort. Additionally, behavioral cues like excessive grooming of a particular area, whining, growling, or unusual aggression can also be signs of pain.

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) works to educate both pet owners and veterinary professionals on how to recognize signs of pain in pets and has included numerous resources on their website. Some valuable tools for pet parents include checklists and videos for both dogs and cats to help determine if your pet is in pain.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing your pet’s pain and improving their quality of life. Regular check-ups and being attentive to changes in your pet’s behavior can help ensure that any pain is identified and addressed promptly, allowing for the best possible care and comfort for your furry friend.