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 Instead of showing visible signs, they may simply behave differently, becoming withdrawn, irritable, less playful, or even anxious and fearful.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

Each year during National Farriers Week, we recognize and celebrate the vital work of farriers—skilled professionals who are essential to the health, soundness, and performance of horses. Proper hoof care and shoeing are critical not only for maintaining healthy movement but also for preventing a variety of lameness issues and soft tissue injuries.

Farriers work closely with veterinarians and horse owners to ensure that horses receive individualized hoof care based on their conformation, workload, and lifestyle. Corrective shoeing and regular trimming can help balance the hoof, support joints and tendons, and reduce the risk of common injuries such as tendonitis, ligament strains, and joint stress. In performance horses especially, the expertise of a knowledgeable farrier can mean the difference between staying in the arena or needing time off due to injury.

That said, even with the best hoof care, injuries can still occur. That’s where VetStem comes in. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat thousands of horses with tendon, ligament, and joint injuries. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, stem cell therapy may help accelerate healing and improve outcomes—potentially getting horses back to work faster and more comfortably.

So this National Farriers Week, we tip our hats to the farriers who keep our equine partners on their feet. Their dedication to hoof care plays a key role in a horse’s overall health and performance. And when injuries do happen, VetStem Cell Therapy is here to help.

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

Today is Take Your Dog to Work Day, and at VetStem, we think it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special bond we share with our canine companions. Whether your dog is a seasoned office pup or a first-time visitor, studies have shown that bringing your furry friend to work can add joy, reduce stress, and promote a more relaxed and connected workplace environment.

But did you know that it can also be a great time to observe your dog’s health and mobility? With the extra time spent together, you may notice signs of discomfort that might not be obvious during your usual routine. Things like stiffness after resting, hesitation to jump or climb stairs, or limping after activity could be subtle signs of osteoarthritis or orthopedic injury, conditions that VetStem Cell Therapy may be able to help.

VetStem has treated thousands of dogs with stem cell therapy for arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and other degenerative conditions. If your dog is showing signs of joint pain, now might be a good time to talk to your veterinarian about whether VetStem Cell Therapy is a good option (or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you).

So, as you enjoy the tail wags and extra cuddles this Take Your Dog to Work Day, remember to keep an eye on your pup’s well-being. A healthy, happy dog makes the best coworker!

When most people hear about stem cell therapy for pets, they immediately think of arthritis. And for good reason! VetStem Cell Therapy has helped thousands of animals find relief from painful, degenerative joint disease. But did you know stem cell therapy can also help with a range of other medical conditions?

Stem cells are commonly used to treat soft tissue injuries, including tears in ligaments, tendons, and muscles. One of the most frequently addressed conditions with VetStem Cell Therapy is a cruciate ligament tear. Stem cells can aid in the healing process and help minimize scar tissue formation, whether used alone or in conjunction with surgery. In addition to promoting tissue repair, stem cells have the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, offering pets a better quality of life during recovery. This regenerative approach may be especially helpful for animals that have shown limited improvement with conventional treatments, offering a more effective option for long-term recovery and potentially decreasing the risk of future arthritis development.

In addition to orthopedic applications, VetStem Cell Therapy has demonstrated potential in treating various internal medicine conditions. For instance, stem cell therapy has shown encouraging results in managing chronic kidney disease as well as gingivostomatitis in cats. It has also been used with some success in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a challenging condition affecting both cats and dogs. Furthermore, promising outcomes have been observed in cases involving allergic skin conditions and immune-mediated diseases.

If your pet is facing a health challenge beyond arthritis, stem cell therapy may still be an option. Talk to your veterinarian to learn whether VetStem Cell Therapy could play a role in your pet’s care plan. You can also contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

As pet parents, we all want to be prepared, whether it’s for an unexpected injury or a chronic condition that affects our furry friend’s comfort and quality of life. What if there was a way to plan ahead for your pet’s health, giving you access to cutting-edge treatment options before problems arise? That’s where VetStem StemInsure comes in.

VetStem’s StemInsure is a proactive stem cell banking service that allows pet owners to have their pet’s own regenerative stem cells collected and stored for future use. A small sample of fat tissue is

collected by your veterinarian, typically during a routine procedure like a spay/neuter or dental cleaning—and sent to VetStem’s lab, where stem cells are isolated and cryopreserved. These banked cells can later be used to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions like arthritis and soft tissue injuries, as well as various internal medicine and inflammatory diseases, providing a personalized and minimally invasive treatment option when it’s needed most.

The key benefit of StemInsure is that it prepares you in advance. By banking stem cells when your pet is young and healthy, you’re capturing them at their most potent and avoiding the need for future surgical collection when your pet is older or ill. Because VetStem Cell Therapy uses your pet’s own cells, it reduces the risk of reaction and allows for faster access to treatment if health issues arise down the road.

VetStem StemInsure gives peace of mind and flexibility in managing your pet’s long-term wellness. Whether your pet is an active breed, has a predisposition to joint issues, or you simply want to be ready for the unexpected, banking stem cells today ensures you’re equipped with advanced treatment options for tomorrow.

As Arthritis Awareness Month comes to an end, we wanted to share one more VetStem success story. As discussed in our recent blog, arthritis is not just a dog problem. It’s actually very common in cats as well, though it is unfortunately underdiagnosed. But, just like dogs, cats with arthritis can benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy! This is Zo’s stem cell success story, as told by her loving owner, Ruth.

Always a friendly and social cat, my thirteen-year-old tortoise shell “Zo” was now spending her days lying on my bed. Isolated, she rarely left the room even for meals. A trip to our vet revealed severe arthritis in both elbows of her front limbs. Her pain level must have been quite severe since it was on both sides and she could not favor one side or the other when moving. It was, as my vet described it, like having “a nail in both shoes.” Cats are quite stoic, but apparently she had been suffering for some time.

I couldn’t bear the thought of her spending every day in pain, and I feared the other problems that her now-limited mobility would create: loss of confidence, weight gain, muscle atrophy, and depression. Aside from the arthritis, she was a trim, healthy cat and I wanted to keep her that way. I also knew that she would never tolerate bimonthly vet visits, injections, or other treatments. Zo has never done well with going to the vet’s and the emotional stress the visits bring on would eventually further degrade her physical condition.

When my vet told me about the VetStem treatment option, I made an immediate decision to try it. While the initial cost was sobering, ultimately the treatment would be cheaper than a year or two of injections and/or laser sessions, her only other treatment options. She would be spared the trauma of repeated vet visits and I wouldn’t have to worry about her pain level increasing as each injection began wearing off. She would be able to live pain-free, active, and happy, helping her to maintain her overall good health and quality of life for the next few years.

It has now been five weeks since her surgery, and the results are quite dramatic—better than I could have ever hoped for. She is her old self again: bossy, outgoing, and engaged in family life. The other day I found her sitting on top of a mattress leaning against a wall (we have just moved). This was a height of about five and a half feet. I’m not sure how she got up there, as she may have jumped up on some other boxes to get there, but any of these acts would have been absolutely impossible for her a month ago. To slow down further deterioration of her elbow joints, I did get some pet steps for her and am trying to convince her to use them, but she is obviously able to get around fine without them.

So many times with a pet’s illness, there are simply no good treatment options. This time there was one—the VetStem treatment. I am so grateful for being spared from making, God forbid, the wrenching decision of either putting her to sleep or watching her suffer every day for the rest of her life. I am extraordinarily pleased with the results of this treatment. For us, it was definitely the best option to keep her healthy, happy, and in our lives for a little while longer.

Zo

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

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

At VetStem, we often talk about the incredible healing power of stem cells, but today let’s take a closer look at how stem cells actually help heal the body, especially when it comes to orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis in dogs and cats.

Beyond the Band-Aid: True Healing Starts at the Source

Traditional treatments for osteoarthritis, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can help manage pain and inflammation, but they’re essentially a band-aid. While these medications may provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause of the problem: the degeneration of joint tissues like cartilage.

That’s where regenerative medicine, and specifically stem cell therapy, offers something truly different.

So How Do Stem Cells Work?

Stem cells are nature’s repair system. When your pet’s own stem cells are concentrated and reintroduced into the body through VetStem Cell Therapy, they go to work in several key ways:

• Tissue Regeneration: Stem cells can transform into various cell types, helping to replace damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
• Anti-Inflammatory Action: They help calm the immune system and reduce inflammation in the joints, leading to less pain and stiffness.
• Growth Factor Release: Stem cells secrete healing molecules that stimulate tissue repair and attract other healing cells to the injured area.

In other words, stem cells don’t just cover up the pain—they help rebuild what’s broken.

Think of Stem Cells Like Paramedics

Imagine stem cells as highly skilled paramedics arriving at the scene of an injury. Once injected into an arthritic joint, these cells go straight to work: reducing inflammation, cleaning up cellular debris, and helping rebuild healthy tissue. The more concentrated the “team,” the stronger the healing response.

And once the job is done, the stem cells naturally taper off their activity. There’s no ongoing medication or artificial interference, just your pet’s own body healing itself, the way it was designed to do.

A Powerful Option for Pets in Pain

If your dog is slowing down on walks or your cat is struggling to jump like they used to, osteoarthritis might be the cause. VetStem Cell Therapy offers a powerful, drug-free way to treat the source of the pain, not just the symptoms, giving your pet a better quality of life and more mobility.

Contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.