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.

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.

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.