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.

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.

While arthritis is often associated with aging dogs, many cat owners are surprised to learn that arthritis is also very common in cats. In fact, studies suggest that up to 90% of cats over the age of 10 have some degree of arthritis in at least one joint. Despite its prevalence, feline arthritis is significantly underdiagnosed, largely because cats are masters at hiding pain and discomfort. Without obvious limping or vocal signs of distress, arthritis in cats can easily go unnoticed.

Signs to Watch For

Recognizing arthritis in cats requires close observation. Rather than limping, arthritic cats may exhibit more subtle behavioral changes. These can include weight loss, loss of appetite, decreased activity, hesitation to jump or climb stairs, changes in grooming habits, irritability, and even litter box avoidance if climbing into the box becomes painful. Many pet parents mistake these signs for normal aging, but they may be indicators of joint pain that can be addressed with veterinary care. Fortunately, several organizations have created various resources and checklists to help determine if your cat may be in pain.

Limited Conventional Treatment Options

When it comes to treating feline arthritis, options are unfortunately limited. Unlike in dogs, there are no non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are approved for long-term use in cats due to their sensitivity to these medications. Other treatments like joint supplements and weight management can offer some relief, but they may not be enough for cats with moderate to severe arthritis. This gap in effective long-term treatment options has left many cat owners searching for alternative therapies.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Feline Arthritis

VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy offers a promising alternative for cats suffering from arthritis. This innovative treatment uses the cat’s own fat-derived stem cells to help reduce inflammation and promote healing within the affected joints. After a simple fat collection procedure performed by a veterinarian, the stem cells are processed and injected into the painful joints. Many veterinarians and cat owners have reported improved mobility, reduced pain, and a better quality of life following treatment with stem cells. For arthritic cats with limited treatment options, VetStem Cell Therapy may provide new hope.

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.

At VetStem, we’re joining the conversation this May for Arthritis Awareness Month—but with a twist: we’re putting pets in the spotlight. Just like humans, our beloved animals can suffer from the aches and stiffness of arthritis. In fact, it’s one of the most common chronic conditions diagnosed in dogs with approximately one in five dogs being affected. As for cats, it is estimated that 90% of cats over the age of 10 years experience arthritis in at least one joint.

Unfortunately, our furry companions can’t tell us when they’re hurting. And cats are especially good at hiding their pain. Instead, they may show subtle signs: limping, difficulty climbing stairs, decreased activity, or even changes in mood. That’s why awareness is so important! Check out our previous blog in which we discuss signs of pain and provide several resources to help pet owners determine if their pet may be in pain.

The good news? There are treatment options that go beyond pain medications, which often come with negative side-effects. At VetStem, we specialize in regenerative veterinary medicine, including stem cell therapy, and have helped thousands of pets experience relief from joint pain and regain mobility. Many pets have even been able to reduce or discontinue their use of anti-inflammatory medications. If you think your pet may benefit from treatment with stem cells, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

So this month, take a moment to check in with your pet. If you notice signs of arthritis, talk to your vet about treatment options—because they deserve to feel their best, too. Let’s make Arthritis Awareness Month about all members of the family—two-legged and four.

We frequently hear about osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. And for good reason! OA affects approximately 1 in 5 dogs and can greatly reduce a dog’s quality of life. What we don’t hear about as much is osteoarthritis in cats. But, perhaps surprisingly, a high percentage of cats are affected by OA. In fact, 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.

Recognizing Arthritis in Cats

Unlike dogs, cats with pain from arthritis do not typically present with symptoms like limping and lameness. Instead, they will be less willing to jump and/or have shorter jumps. You may also notice a loss of appetite and weight loss, depression or a change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, and urination or defecation outside the litter box.

Case Report: Clyde’s Treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy

One example is Clyde, a cat who suffered from arthritis in multiple joints. According to his owner he could not go up and down stairs, his coat was unkempt, and he no longer climbed in the cat tree. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. At the time of treatment, Clyde was approximately 15 years old.

To begin the process, Clyde’s veterinarian collected fat during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was shipped to VetStem where it was processed in our laboratory to extract and concentrate Clyde’s stem cells. One dose of Clyde’s own stem cells was shipped back to his veterinarian for intravenous treatment.

Clyde responded wonderfully to VetStem Cell Therapy. According to his owner, he was able to run up and down the stairs and enjoyed playing with his cat siblings. He also began climbing the cat tree again to watch the birds. Additionally, both his appetite and grooming improved, his coat became shiny and smooth once again.

The Important of Regular Vet Visits for Cats

In this instance, Clyde had symptoms that led his owner to pursue veterinary care. But many cats are masters at hiding their pain. As we approach National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day next week, this is a good reminder that cats need routine veterinary care just as much as dogs. And if you think your cat may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Clyde

January is Walk Your Pet Month! This month-long celebration serves to remind pet owners of the benefits of regular exercise. Walking your dog (or your cat!) can be an easy way to provide your pet with consistent, low-impact exercise, which can lead to improvements in joint health.

Benefits of Regular Exercise

Like people, pets may benefit from regular exercise. Walking is a low-impact exercise that may contribute to weight loss and may delay the onset and/or severity of osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking comes with several benefits which may lead to healthier joints including muscle strengthening, joint fluid circulation, and weight loss. Weight loss is an important factor when it comes to managing pain and lameness associated with osteoarthritis. One study found that weight loss significantly decreased lameness in obese dogs with OA.

How to Exercise Your Pet

Different pets require different exercise regimens, which vary based on several factors. One of your best resources is your veterinarian. He/She can help you build an exercise plan tailored specifically to your pet. That being said, it appears that regular, moderate exercise may be beneficial in comparison to intermittent, intense exercise.

According to Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Regular physical activity is paramount in the treatment of osteoarthritis both in humans and animals. A lifestyle of regular activity that is moderated away from intermittent extremes of exercise (such as long hikes on the weekends) and activities to which the pet is not conditioned is essential. Ideally, multiple shorter walks are better than one long one. The same activity every day (or slightly increasing if tolerated) is ideal.”

Cats Need Exercise Too!

When we think of walking our pet, most of us immediately think of dogs. But cats suffer from osteoarthritis too and may benefit from routine exercise. Of course, it is not quite as easy with cats as it is with dogs. Some cats may like to walk on the leash. Others may prefer to play with a toy. Speak to your veterinarian about appropriate ways to exercise your cats to help keep them as healthy as possible.

At VetStem, one of our goals is to educate pet owners about the prevalence and potential severity of osteoarthritis (OA) in our pets.  Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can be debilitating.  It has even been identified as the number 2 reason for euthanasia.  Though 1 in 5 dogs in the U.S. are affected by OA, there are some steps you can take to potentially reduce or delay the symptoms of OA in your pet. 

In a previous blog, we shared some steps you can take to help reduce or delay the symptoms of OA in your pet.  One of those steps is to provide your pet with regular exercise.  While pets require varying amounts and different types of exercise, your veterinarian can help you to develop an exercise routine tailored specifically to your pet.

Since January is Walk Your Pet month, we thought it important to highlight the potential effects that regular walks can have on your pet’s joint health.  Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine states, “Regular physical activity is paramount in the treatment of osteoarthritis both in humans and animals.  A lifestyle of regular activity that is moderated away from intermittent extremes of exercise and activities to which the pet is not conditioned is essential.  Ideally, multiple shorter walks are better than one long one.  The same activity every day (or slightly increasing if tolerated) is ideal.” 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking comes with several benefits which may lead to healthier joints including muscle strengthening, joint fluid circulation, and weight loss.  Weight loss is an important factor when it comes to managing pain and lameness associated with osteoarthritis.  One study found that weight loss significantly decreased lameness in obese dogs with OA.  If you’re concerned that your pet may be overweight, you can refer to this blog or contact your veterinarian. And don’t forget, cats get OA too!  Cats with OA may also benefit from exercise.  Speak to your veterinarian about the best way to exercise your cat.

It is officially November, which happens to be Senior Pet Month!  We wanted to highlight senior pets in this week’s blog as we all know that senior pets may be more at risk of developing osteoarthritis.  While dogs and cats of all ages may develop osteoarthritis, studies have indicated that senior dogs are more often diagnosed with osteoarthritis, in part due to the age-related break down of joint tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, and bone.

There is also speculation that senior pets are more often diagnosed with osteoarthritis because symptoms become more prevalent as the disease worsens.  Therefore, owners are more likely to notice symptoms such as limping and stiffness as their pet ages, which often leads to a trip to the veterinarian for diagnosis/treatment.

Maverick, a Golden Retriever, was adopted at 8 years old with osteoarthritis.  Fortunately, his new parents sought VetStem Cell Therapy for his condition and he experienced an improved quality of life.

It is important to note however that dogs and cats may develop osteoarthritis at any age.  For instance, if a dog is born with joint dysplasia (malformed joints), he is more likely to develop osteoarthritis at a younger age than a dog born with properly formed joints.  One example is Jack who was showing symptoms of osteoarthritis before he was even a year old.

The good news is, VetStem Cell Therapy has shown to help pets, both young and old, with osteoarthritis.  Stem cells have been demonstrated to regenerate joint tissues and reduce inflammation.  They also have pain blocking mechanisms that may lead to increased comfort for painful pets.  If your pet, no matter their age, has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or is showing signs of the disease, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.  Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

I have devoted previous posts to the important subject of pet obesity and the effects on canine and feline arthritis.  I would like to revisit the subject again with some great new information  from veterinarian and author Dr Ernie Ward.  I pulled some interesting facts out of the article but if you would like to read it in it’s entirety click here.  Dr Ward is passionate about educating pet owners about pet obesity. Why is obesity in pets on the uprise?  Part of the obesity problem is lack of exercise and poor portion control.  According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), when it comes to expressing our affections with food, we are doing our animals a lot more harm than good. Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s not forget about cats. Cats too are living longer healthier lives, but what is not
commonly known is that cats also suffer from osteoarthritis. In fact in a retrospective
study conducted at a major veterinary school, radiographs from 100 cats that were
presented to the teaching hospital for illnesses unrelated to arthritis were re-evaluated.
90% of the cats had radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease. These cats
represented a variety of purebred and mixed breed cats.

How do you know if your cat has arthritis? Read the rest of this entry »