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.

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”

Every year, National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day serves as an important reminder of how vital regular veterinary care is for our feline companions. Despite this, statistics show that cats are brought in for routine check-ups far less frequently than dogs. One major reason? Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness, often showing no outward signs until a condition has significantly progressed.

That’s why routine veterinary visits are so crucial. They give your vet the opportunity to detect early warning signs of disease and recommend proactive treatments that can improve your cat’s comfort and quality of life. One such innovative treatment option is VetStem Cell Therapy, which uses your cat’s own stem cells to promote healing and reduce inflammation. At VetStem, we’ve seen great results helping cats with osteoarthritis regain mobility and reduce pain.

Beyond arthritis, stem cells have shown promise in treating chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis (a painful oral disease), and inflammatory bowel disease. Check out our recent blog for more information about VetStem Cell Therapy for these hard-to-treat conditions in cats.

If you’re considering VetStem Cell Therapy for your cat, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s a quick overview of how the process works:

1. Collection: Your veterinarian collects a sample of fat tissue from your cat during a minor procedure performed under anesthesia.
2. Processing: The sample is sent overnight in a temperature-controlled container to our VetStem lab, where technicians isolate and concentrate your cat’s stem cells.
3. Treatment: Stem cell doses are then shipped back to your veterinarian for immediate injection. Any remaining cells will be cryopreserved for potential future use.

The entire procedure is designed to be minimally invasive and focused on your cat’s comfort and safety.

Our cats may not always tell us when something is wrong, but regular veterinary care, and staying informed about treatment options like VetStem Cell Therapy, can make a world of difference in their well-being. This National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, consider scheduling your cat for a check-up and ask your vet if stem cell therapy could be right for your feline friend.

Need a list of VetStem providers near you? Contact us today!

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!”

In honor of International Cat Day, we’re spotlighting some of the ways VetStem Cell Therapy is helping our feline companions live healthier, more comfortable lives. While many pet parents associate stem cell therapy with orthopedic conditions in dogs, cats can also benefit from this advanced treatment for a variety of serious health issues. At VetStem, we’ve seen promising results in cats treated for osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life by limiting mobility and activity. Stem cells may reduce inflammation and pain and promote the healing of damaged joint tissues, thereby improving mobility and overall quality of life. In a recent blog, we shared Zo’s VetStem success story. Zo, a normally social cat, began isolating and showed a marked decrease in activity. She was diagnosed with severe arthritis in her elbows. Fortunately, after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Zo returned to her typical outgoing self and even resumed jumping to perch on elevated surfaces. You can read Zo’s success story here.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and devastating conditions affecting older cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea. Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited and can be costly. However, we’ve seen encouraging outcomes in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for kidney disease. Symptoms have resolved and, perhaps more importantly, blood kidney values improved in several treated cats. To read more, check out Trinity’s and Bender’s VetStem success stories.

Similarly, cats suffering from gingivostomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the mouth, may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy. One such cat, Finn, experienced significant relief after treatment with stem cells. His owner stated that the stem cells helped control his condition and improved his quality of life. You can read Finn’s story here.

Another lesser-known use for VetStem Cell Therapy in cats is for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Gryffin, a cat who battled IBD, was treated with VetStem Cell Therapy and experienced dramatic improvement in his gastrointestinal symptoms. He began playing more, regained lost weight, and his coat quality improved significantly.

These stories are just a few examples of how stem cells may offer hope and healing for cats facing difficult diagnoses. On this International Cat Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of our feline friends and the innovative treatments that help them thrive.

Think your cat may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month, a great time to talk about one of the most common and frustrating conditions in pets: atopic dermatitis, aka allergies. Often caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold, atopy can lead to chronic itching, licking, and chewing that may significantly impact a pet’s quality of life. While treatments like steroids and antihistamines may offer temporary relief, not all pets respond well, and long-term use of some medications can have side effects.

For pets that don’t find relief with conventional therapies, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a promising alternative. Stem cells have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may help regulate the overactive immune response associated with atopy and make pets more comfortable. Several studies involving dogs treated with stem cells for atopic dermatitis have shown encouraging results. However, additional research is needed to further explore and confirm the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for this condition.

Despite the limited clinical data, some veterinarians have successfully used VetStem Cell Therapy to treat pets with atopic dermatitis. Veterinarians have reported a decrease in symptoms, and some pets have required less allergy medication after treatment with stem cells. While VetStem Cell Therapy may not help every pet with allergies, it could be a valuable option for those who have not responded well to traditional treatments.

If your pet is suffering from ongoing itchiness, ask your veterinarian whether VetStem Cell Therapy might be a suitable option or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

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.

Bruce, a talented performance horse, faced a serious setback when he was diagnosed with microtears in the deep digital flexor tendons of both front legs. The injury, caused by imbalanced shoeing, also led to damage in the navicular bursae of both front coffin joints, an issue that can significantly impact a horse’s mobility and career. Determined to help Bruce recover, his veterinarian, Dr. Martin Gardner of Western Performance Equine, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy.

A long-time VetStem provider, Dr. Gardner collected a small sample of fat from Bruce’s tailhead and sent it to the VetStem lab, where it was processed to isolate the regenerative cells contained therein. Four injectable doses of Bruce’s own stem cells were shipped to Dr. Gardner and administered into both coffin joints, the right front navicular bursa, and via intra-arterial perfusion in both front limbs. Stem cells have shown to reduce inflammation, improve healing, and regenerate damaged soft tissues, making them a valuable option for injuries like Bruce’s.

With a careful rehab plan and ongoing care, Bruce was able to rebuild his strength and eventually return to the show pen. His owner shared, “It was a slow process of rebuilding his strength and fitness, but we have been back in the show pen since. I am so grateful to have a few extra vials as well, in case I ever need them again.” Bruce’s story is one of many that highlight the potential of VetStem Cell Therapy in helping equine athletes return to performance.

Learn more about VetStem Cell Therapy for horses here: https://vetstem.com/horses.php

Bruce