This week, we are sponsoring, speaking, and exhibiting at the annual Fetch DVM360 Veterinary Conference in Kansas City, MO. This is our second time sponsoring this show in recent years. Veterinary conferences are a great way for us to get in front of our colleagues in the field to educate and further develop those relationships.

This year, Dr. Bob Harman will deliver two lectures at the conference. The first is about the many uses of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in veterinary medicine. PRP is a cell-based therapy that has been used in veterinary medicine for healing in orthopedics, wounds, corneal ulcers, and more. Dr. Harman will examine the literature and present a few case studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRP. He will also do a deep dive into our latest product, an off-the-shelf freeze-dried PRP, PrecisePRP™.

His second talk will delve into the world of stem cell therapy. Most of us know that stem cells are primarily used in orthopedics for things such as osteoarthritis and injured tendons/ligaments. But in recent years, stem cells have shown great promise in treating some complicated diseases such as kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. Numerous patients have benefited from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy for these conditions.

If you happen to be at the show, come visit the VetStem team at booth #1200!

While VetStem Cell Therapy has been around for over 20 years and used in over 16,000 animals, many pet owners are new to the idea of stem cell therapy. As pet owners explore this innovative therapeutic modality, it’s natural to have questions about its effectiveness, safety, and applications. Here, we address some common FAQs to provide clarity and insight into what stem cell therapy entails for your beloved companions.

1. What is stem cell therapy and how does it work for pets? Stem cell therapy involves using the regenerative properties of stem cells to promote healing and repair damaged tissues in pets. VetStem Cell Therapy utilizes a pet’s own stem cells from a sample of fat tissue that your veterinarian collects during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. After processing in our GMP compliant stem cell laboratory, the stem cells are prepared and shipped to your veterinarian for injection into the area(s) of injury/disease. (Learn more about the laboratory process here.) This process aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve overall mobility and quality of life in pets suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, and even certain internal medicine and immune-mediated conditions.

2. Is stem cell therapy safe for pets? Stem cell therapy is considered safe for pets when performed by trained veterinary and laboratory professionals. VetStem Cell Therapy involves minimal risk because the stem cells are sourced from the pet’s own body, reducing the likelihood of rejection or adverse reactions. Additionally, stem cells processed at VetStem are minimally manipulated and undergo strict quality assessments. VetStem employs stringent processing protocols and quality control methods to help ensure the safety and well-being of the animal. However, as with any medical treatment, potential risks and benefits should be discussed with your veterinarian before proceeding.

3. What conditions can stem cell therapy treat in pets? Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions in pets, primarily those involving musculoskeletal and joint issues. Common applications include osteoarthritis, joint dysplasia, ligament and tendon injuries, and muscle injuries. Research is ongoing to explore its potential for treating other ailments such as kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and more! While results can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual pet responses, many owners report improvements in their pet’s quality of life following stem cell treatment.

4. How much does stem cell therapy cost and is it covered by pet insurance? The cost of stem cell therapy for pets can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of condition treated, the clinic’s location, and the specific treatment protocol used. On average, pet owners can expect to invest several hundred to several thousand dollars per treatment session. It’s important to check with your veterinarian and inquire about potential financing options or payment plans that may be available. Regarding pet insurance coverage, policies can differ significantly, so it’s advisable to review your insurance policy or consult with your provider to determine if stem cell therapy is covered under your plan.

VetStem Cell Therapy has improved the lives of thousands of pets suffering from various medical conditions. By understanding the basics of this treatment option and discussing it with your veterinarian, you can make informed decisions about whether stem cell therapy is suitable for your pet’s specific needs. Click here to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

As June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month, we thought it fitting to discuss the work VetStem has done with exotic animal organizations across the United States. As most of you know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used in dogs and horses to treat orthopedic conditions. We also do a lot of work with cats to treat alternative conditions such as chronic kidney disease and gingivostomatitis. But did you know VetStem Cell Therapy has also helped to improve the lives of several exotic species?

VetStem has worked with numerous zoos, aquariums, and exotic animal refuges to provide stem cell therapy for multiple species. One of our biggest exotic programs has been with elephants who are infected with a virus known as Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). EEHV is a lethal viral infection that can cause a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease. Stem cells have numerous mechanisms of action, including the secretion of molecules that are anti-viral. VetStem has provided stem cell doses to several zoos in the United States who had elephants with EEHV and has gathered some promising data. While there is still research to be done, we are optimistic that stem cell therapy may be a viable treatment option for elephants with EEHV.

We have also seen success using stem cells in a couple of bears. Francis is a sun bear from the San Diego Zoo that received VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis in several joints. According to his keepers, Francis’ symptoms improved and he was climbing more after receiving stem cell therapy. Brody, a black bear in Florida, was a juvenile when he received VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with surgery for a condition that is similar to hip dysplasia in dogs. Dr. Jeff Christiansen, a board-certified veterinary surgeon and longtime VetStem proponent, performed his surgery and stem cell therapy. Check out a video of Brody from the Brevard Zoo to get more details about his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGu4siQNNnU

VetStem has also been used in numerous aquatic species. We have provided cell therapy services for dolphins, whales, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and more. Aquatic animals have received stem cells for various conditions including arthritis, corneal conditions, and acute injuries such as this sea turtle who was injured by a propeller.

These are just a few examples of the many exotic species that have received VetStem Cell Therapy. We have provided stem cell services for over 60 species! As leaders in the field of regenerative veterinary medicine, we take our job very seriously when it comes to the research and development of innovative regenerative medicine treatments for animals and diseases that have minimal treatment options. Maintaining the health and well-being of endangered exotic animals is particularly crucial and has become a community effort, bringing together veterinarians, scientists, and those in the animal health field across the globe. We are happy to contribute to the mission and will continue our own research to develop potentially life-saving stem cell treatments for these animals.

We are happy to announce that another small animal veterinarian has surpassed 300 VetStem Cell Therapy cases! Dr. Jeff Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions is a board-certified veterinary surgeon based in Florida. He has been providing VetStem services to his patients since 2012. He is one of just two small animal veterinarians who have provided VetStem services to over 300 patients.

Dr. Christiansen integrates regenerative medicine seamlessly into his surgical practice by using it both in conjunction with and in lieu of surgery, depending on the type and severity of injury. While Dr. Christiansen frequently addresses common ailments such as osteoarthritis and cruciate ligament tears, his stem cell expertise extends to a diverse range of injuries and diseases including patella luxation, fractures, spinal conditions, kidney disease, and more. Additionally, Dr. Christiansen has utilized VetStem services for exotic species. In collaboration with a local zoo, he delivered VetStem Cell Therapy to alleviate arthritis in a black bear.

Dr. Christiansen is also an avid user of VetStem’s platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products. While he primarily utilizes PRP for small animal orthopedics and wound healing, Dr. Christiansen has also used PRP to treat various unconventional cases. From treating a fractured limb in a kangaroo to expediting healing after tumor removal in an ostrich, his extensive experience spans a multitude of species and ailments.

We have shared the stem cell success stories of several of Dr. Christiansen’s patients including Max, a trained companion for a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and purple heart recipient, who received VetStem Cell Therapy for torn cruciate ligaments. Another one of Dr. Christiansen’s patients, an explosive detection K9, was able to get back to work after receiving VetStem Cell Therapy for hip dysplasia and arthritis. Dr. Christiansen’s dedication to integrating regenerative medicine into his surgical practice has not only transformed the lives of hundreds of furry patients but also underscored the vast potential of VetStem Cell Therapy across a spectrum of species and conditions.

We’re back with some big VetStem news! We recently reached an industry leading milestone: VetStem has processed over 16,000 patient samples resulting in over 38,000 stem cell treatments for animals across the U.S. and Canada. That makes for a lot of happy pets and owners!

For over two decades, VetStem has been leading the charge in regenerative veterinary medicine. With our patented technology, we help veterinarians tackle orthopedic and other degenerative conditions. From arthritic joints, injured tendons and ligaments, and even organ failure like kidney disease, VetStem has treated over 40 disease processes in 60 species (including people through our sister company, Personalized Stem Cells).

As you may already know, VetStem is not just helping dogs, cats, and horses. We have also teamed up with numerous exotic animal organizations to provide stem cell therapy for multiple exotic species. Like domestic animals, exotic animals have received stem cell therapy for everything from orthopedic conditions to viral diseases to organ failure to traumatic injuries and more. We take our job very seriously when it comes to the research and development of innovative regenerative medicine treatments for animals and diseases that have minimal treatment options. Just last year, we sponsored a first of its kind stem cell workshop supporting wildlife conservation.

This latest milestone is a testament to the trust that veterinarians and pet owners place in VetStem’s regenerative therapies. And for that, we are incredibly grateful. As we celebrate this achievement and our 20^th year providing lifesaving stem cell treatments, we continue to remain committed to ongoing research and development to further expand the applications of regenerative therapeutics.

National Cat Day is fast approaching, and we never miss an opportunity to talk about VetStem Cell Therapy for cats. While stem cells are primarily used for orthopedic conditions, many veterinarians have used VetStem Cell Therapy to help treat and control symptoms associated with diseases such as kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
All three of these diseases are prevalent in cats and have limited treatment options.

Stem Cells for Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of sickness and death in 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.

The good news is, based upon our own data as well as the data of others, we believe that stem cells may help improve the symptoms and quality of life in some cats with kidney disease. In fact, a review of a small number of feline patients treated with VetStem Cell Therapy showed that blood kidney values were slightly to moderately improved after treatment. Owners and veterinarians have also reported improved appetites, weight gain, and increased energy in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem Cells for Gingivostomatitis

Gingivostomatitis is another debilitating condition found in cats. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gums, which can lead to inappetence, reduce grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, and pain medications and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

A recent clinical study demonstrated that intravenous administration of adipose (fat) derived stem cells could ameliorate the clinical signs of gingivostomatitis. Additionally, veterinarians and cat owners have reported an improvement in symptoms and quality of life in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem Cells for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an intestinal disorder that affects both cats and dogs. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight loss. It is important to note however, that these symptoms can be indicative of several conditions including feline lymphoma. Since VetStem Cell Therapy is contraindicated in pets with cancer, it is essential to rule this out before pursuing treatment with stem cells.

Multiple cats have received VetStem Cell Therapy for IBD (dogs too!). And we have had reports from veterinarians and owners regarding the improvement of their patients and pets after treatment with stem cells. Additionally, in a recently published paper, 5 out of 7 IBD cats that were treated with stem cells significantly improved or had complete resolution of symptoms, whereas the 4 control cats had no improvement.

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

We spent the better part of last week attending two different veterinary conferences. We love attending these shows as they are a great way to meet with existing and potential clients to talk all things regenerative veterinary medicine. They allow us the opportunity to speak to and educate veterinarians and veterinary technicians from all over the country about VetStem Cell Therapy and how they can implement this therapeutic modality in their practice.

The first part of the week was spent in Atlantic City for the Fetch Coastal veterinary conference. This is a smaller group consisting primarily of small animal veterinarians. Many showed interest in regenerative medicine and our platelet-rich plasma options. Fetch hosts multiple shows throughout the U.S. We attended Fetch DVM360 in Kansas City in August and will attend Fetch Long Beach later this year.

Over the weekend, the team was in Memphis for the annual American Association of Feline Practitioners conference. AAFP is a great show with tons of enthusiastic cat vets. Many veterinarians at this conference show interest in our clinical research programs, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gingivostomatitis, and renal disease, as these conditions tend to be prevalent in cats and have limited treatment options.

If you missed us at these shows, don’t worry! Show season is not over yet! You can find VetStem at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) conference and Fetch Long Beach in late November/Early December. And we will of course be back in Las Vegas in February for the Western Veterinary Conference.

In last week’s blog, we discussed kidney disease in cats and how VetStem Cell Therapy may help. This week, we want to discuss osteoarthritis (OA) in cats so that cat owners know what to watch out for. That’s right, cats get OA too! In fact, a high percentage of cats will get or already have osteoarthritis. According to one study, 91% of cats between 6 months and 20 years old have OA in at least one joint, as proven by X-rays.

National Take your Cat to the Vet Day

But why two cat blogs in a row, you ask? Well August 22^nd is National Take your Cat the Vet Day. This day is meant to bring awareness to the fact that the statistics for feline veterinary care are disparagingly low compared to dogs. According to one recent academic survey, only 20% of cat owners said they took their cat to the vet more than once a year, compared to 35% of dog owners. Additionally, 7% of cat owners said they never seek veterinary care, compared to 2% of dog owners. Likewise, in a targeted survey of pet owners conducted by the AVMA, only 48% of cat owners said they sought routine veterinary care for their cat, compared to 79% of dog owners.

Cats are Masters at Hiding Their Pain

There are likely several reasons for this discrepancy, one of which may be the fact that cats tend to be masters at hiding their pain. This tendency is often linked to survival instincts. In the wild, if a cat shows weakness, this may draw unwanted attention from a predator. But in the domestic cat whose only predator is a half empty bowl of food, this tendency to hide pain just means us owners have a hard time knowing when our cat should be taken to the vet.

Preventative Veterinary Care for Cats

Thus, National Take your Cat to the Vet Day promotes the idea of once-to-twice yearly preventative veterinary exams. These types of routine check-ups are important to maintain a cat’s health. Even if nothing appears to be wrong with your cat, routine examinations by your veterinarian may uncover some ailment that your cat has been hiding. In the same way, routine bloodwork can help your veterinarian monitor for diseases such as kidney failure.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Cats

But back to OA in cats. For years, osteoarthritis in cats has been underdiagnosed when compared to dogs. One reason for this is that cats with OA present with different symptoms than what we see in dogs. Because of their smaller size and natural agility, cats tend to tolerate bone and joint problems better than dogs. But there are specific symptoms to watch out for.

According to the FDA, “Clinical signs of osteoarthritis in cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter pan, and inability to jump on and off objects.” Unlike dogs, cats do not commonly present with lameness or limping. Instead, they will be less willing to jump and/or have shorter jumps.

Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Cats

Unfortunately, there are fewer treatment options for cats with OA compared to dogs. Unlike dogs, cats do not tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications very well. While there are some NSAIDs approved for short-term post-operative use in cats, there are currently no veterinary NSAIDs approved for safe, long-term use to control osteoarthritis pain in cats. There are some non-drug options including weight loss for overweight cats, increased exercise, as well as environmental accommodations such as elevated food bowls and more easily accessible litter boxes. But these are not the only non-drug treatment options available.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis in Cats

VetStem Cell Therapy is a non-drug treatment option for osteoarthritis in cats, dogs, and horses. It can be particularly beneficial for cats, given that effective treatment options to control osteoarthritis pain are extremely limited. Stem cells have shown the ability to directly modulate pain and down-regulate inflammation. Additionally, stem cells can induce repair and stimulate regeneration of cartilage and other joint tissues. The beauty of VetStem Cell Therapy is that we are harnessing your pet’s own healing power, so it can be considered a natural and holistic approach to managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

If you are interested in having your pet treated with VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

While VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used to treat orthopedic conditions, many patients have received stem cell therapy for alternate indications such as kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conditions such as these are still in the investigational stage, as there is minimal published data to demonstrate that stem cells are effective in treating these diseases.

That being said, it is well documented that stem cells have anti-inflammatory properties, which, theoretically, may make them effective at treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases and processes. One example of an inflammatory disease is feline asthma.

Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory process involving the tracheal, bronchi, and lung fields. Cats with asthma often have a chronic cough, acute respiratory distress, and vomiting. There is currently no cure for feline asthma so traditional treatment is focused on managing the disease with oxygen, inhalers, and steroids. As one can imagine, getting a cat to cooperate with using an inhaler is not always easy. And long-term steroid use comes with several negative side effects.

That’s where VetStem Cell Therapy comes in. Stem cells have the ability to home to areas of inflammation and down-regulate that inflammation. Not only can they control inflammatory processes, stem cells can also modulate the immune system, which may play a role in reducing the number of acute asthmatic episodes in an affected cat. Some cats have received VetStem Cell Therapy for asthma, and while much of the evidence is anecdotal at this point, we have received reports of improvement in symptoms and one case where the cat went into complete remission. That being said, we still have much to learn about using VetStem Cell Therapy to treat feline asthma. And it is important to note that every patient reacts differently to treatment with stem cells.  

VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used for the treatment of orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. It is also used, with some frequency, for non-standard indications in cats such as chronic kidney disease and gingivostomatitis. Another non-standard indication that is treated in both dogs and cats, as you may remember from this previous blog, is inflammatory bowel disease.

These and other non-standard indications fall under VetStem’s clinical research department. This means that there are minimal published studies demonstrating effectiveness of stem cell therapy in the treatment of these diseases and VetStem is conducting their own research to help determine if stem cells are a viable treatment option. Clinical research cases are approved on a case-by-case basis, as stem cells are not appropriate for all disease processes.

Stem Cells Have Immunomodulatory Functions

The truth is, we don’t yet fully understand the entirety of what stem cells are capable of. That is one of the reasons why stem cell research for the treatment of various diseases is so important. While the research is ongoing, there is some evidence to suggest that stem cells have multiple immunomodulatory functions. That is, they have the ability to modulate the immune system. Thus, it makes sense that they may be helpful in controlling immune-mediated diseases.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Immune-Mediated Disease

Veterinarians have utilized VetStem Cell Therapy for a number of immune-mediated diseases. We mentioned a few of them earlier: gingivostomatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That’s right, the literature suggests that both gingivostomatitis and IBD are immune-mediated diseases. Additional immune-mediated diseases that have been treated with VetStem Cell Therapy with some success include keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS, or dry eye), immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), and immune-mediate polyarthritis (IMPA).

As we mentioned above, the research is ongoing so we can’t say with certainty that stem cell therapy will help in every case. Additionally, diseases present differently from patient to patient. Thus, treatment outcomes will also vary. Stem cell therapy is not a miracle cure-all treatment option. But it is a natural alternative to the potentially damaging immunosuppressive medications that are commonly used to treat immune-mediated diseases.

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 in your area.