Gemini, a young Golden Retriever, began struggling with mobility as early as nine months old. Her owners noticed that simple activities, like climbing stairs or getting up from a resting position, were becoming increasingly difficult for her. She also experienced intermittent lameness and discomfort. Gemini’s veterinarian diagnosed her with bilateral hip arthritis caused by hip dysplasia, a developmental condition in which the hip joint does not form properly. This joint instability can lead to painful osteoarthritis, even in very young dogs.

Because of her age, Gemini’s family hoped to avoid invasive surgical procedures. Her veterinarian, Dr. Andrea Hayes of VCA Boone Animal Hospital, recommended VetStem Cell Therapy as a less-invasive treatment option. “After her first stem cell treatment, at 10 months old, she showed significant improvement in all areas of mobility,” her owner shared. “Although her range of motion had improved, it was still not at an acceptable range, and she still showed signs of discomfort at times.”

When Gemini turned two, her owners decided to use some of the stored stem cells for a second treatment. “At the age of 24 months, we still felt she was too young to consider a surgical procedure and decided to have another stem cell treatment performed with the banked doses we had in storage at VetStem from the original procedure,” her owner explained. “After this second treatment, Gemini’s condition significantly improved. Her range of motion is almost that of a healthy dog. Although stairs are still somewhat of an issue for her, she has no other mobility issues at this time. We are grateful to have found a non-surgical option for Gemini to improve her quality of life. We are also grateful for having someone like Dr. Hayes making this type of treatment available to us. It is comforting to know that this type of treatment is still available for Gemini in the future, if needed, with the banked cells we still have at VetStem. Our hopes are to avoid ever having to put her through hip replacement or any other type of orthopedic surgery. Gemini is currently in training to become a certified therapy dog just like her brother and sister dogs.”

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs and can significantly impact mobility and overall quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy has been used to treat thousands of dogs with osteoarthritis, with over 80% of pet owners and veterinarians reporting improved comfort and function. And because osteoarthritis is often a progressive condition, VetStem’s ability to store stem cells for future treatments can be a valuable tool for long-term care.

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

Gemini

November is National Senior Pet Month, a time to celebrate our beloved older companions and to raise awareness about their unique health needs. Just like people, pets can experience age-related changes such as stiffness and slower movement, which is often a result of arthritis. But growing older doesn’t have to mean giving up the things that bring them joy. At VetStem, we believe every stage of life deserves to be lived comfortably, and that’s where VetStem Cell Therapy can help.

It’s a common misconception that regenerative medicine is only for young, athletic animals recovering from injury. In fact, many of our patients are senior dogs and cats being treated for arthritis or other degenerative conditions. VetStem Cell Therapy can help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve overall comfort and mobility. In a survey of older dogs treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis, over 80% showed improved quality of life. One example is Callie, who regained her zest for life and was able to fully enjoy her golden years after treatment with stem cells.

During National Senior Pet Month, we encourage pet owners to take a closer look at how regenerative medicine can support their aging companions. Whether your senior pet is showing early signs of arthritis or has been struggling for some time, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a safe and effective way to enhance their comfort and mobility. Talk to your veterinarian to find out if your pet is a good candidate or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

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!”

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

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

Walter Beaux is a dedicated working service dog who works alongside Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Military teams across the U.S. specializing in psychological debriefs, physical therapy, and training. Unfortunately, Walter began experiencing gastrointestinal issues that disrupted his career. After consulting with his veterinarian, Dr. Robert Landry of CCAPM Veterinary Care Center, Walter was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, and weight loss.

Dr. Landry, an experienced regenerative medicine provider, recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy under our IBD clinical research program. Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to migrate to areas of inflammation, down-regulate inflammation, modulate the immune system, stimulate neoangiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and repair damaged tissue. Additionally, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that intravenous administration of adipose derived stem cells could ameliorate the clinical signs of IBD.

Walter was initially treated with one intravenous (IV) dose of his own stem cells, followed by a second IV dose two weeks later. Since his initial treatment, Walter has been receiving additional IV injections every 3 to 4 months as part of an “aggressive” treatment protocol designed for patients with severe cases of IBD.

Walter’s owner reported that the stem cell treatments were successful, and since the first treatment, he has been able to return to his career. His mom stated, “His gastro issues are in full remission and no longer dominating his life. He fetches his work pack on days off and is eager to deploy. At home he is back to hiking. Life is wonderful again!”

Walter is not our only IBD success story! Check out the stories of Casey, Finn, and Gryffin, who all saw an improvement in their symptoms following treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

If your dog (or cat!) has IBD VetStem Cell Therapy may help! Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Walter

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve heard the term “hip dysplasia.” According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, “Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow and results in instability or a loose fit (laxity) of the hip joint.” Essentially, the ball of the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, causing abnormal movement, which results in cartilage degeneration, scar tissue formation, and bone spurs around the joint. As you can imagine, this is a painful condition that ultimately leads to osteoarthritis.

In many cases, surgery is the recommended treatment for hip dysplasia, but this option comes with its own challenges. Surgery can be invasive, expensive, and unfortunately, many dogs still develop scar tissue and arthritis over time. Another potential treatment option is stem cell therapy. While stem cell therapy won’t cure hip dysplasia, stem cells can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Stem cells also have the unique ability to differentiate into numerous tissue types, potentially aiding in the regeneration of damaged cartilage. These combined effects can lead to increased mobility and an improved quality of life for dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Given the prevalence of hip dysplasia and arthritis in dogs, numerous veterinarians have successfully treated thousands of dogs with these conditions using VetStem Cell Therapy. And many have seen great results! One example is Artemis, a Bernese Mountain Dog, with bilateral hip dysplasia. Fortunately for Artemis, her owner sought treatment early and her veterinarian recommended VetStem Cell Therapy.

After receiving stem cell therapy, Artemis’ owner shared, “I can see improvement as she stands from lying down, as well as after extended play or walks. My hope is with continued stem cell treatments she will stay comfortable longer.” You can read Artemis’ VetStem success story here.

VetStem’s ability to cryopreserve and store stem cells from each patient is particularly valuable for patients like Artemis who will never have perfect hips. With additional cells in her cryobank, Artemis can receive a lifetime of future treatments using her own stem cells without the need for additional fat collection procedures.

If your dog is struggling with hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, stem cell therapy may offer a promising path toward relief. In fact, surveys from both dog owners and veterinarians show that over 80% of dogs experienced an improved quality of life following treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy for osteoarthritis. Additionally, a peer-reviewed study of dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip found that treatment with stem cells reduced pain and lameness.

Contact us today to find a VetStem provider near you.

Biscuit, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, was struggling due to pain in both of her back legs. Diagnosed with a cruciate ligament tear in her right knee and arthritis in both hips, Biscuit’s owner was looking for a solution to help her dog live a better quality of life. After consulting with Dr. Kim Carlson, a board-certified surgeon and owner of Lenity Vet Specialists, it was decided that surgery would help to stabilize Biscuit’s knee, and VetStem Cell Therapy would be incorporated into her treatment plan to support her overall healing and pain management.

Dr. Carlson, who has been utilizing VetStem Cell Therapy for over 15 years, began the process by collecting a sample of Biscuit’s fat tissue during knee surgery. The fat was sent to the VetStem laboratory where stem cells were extracted and concentrated. Within 48 hours, Biscuit received multiple stem cell injections into her knee, both hips, and intravenously. Her extra stem cells were cryopreserved for potential future use.

Since her initial treatment, Biscuit has received annual follow-up injections from her stem cell bank to help manage her arthritis. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Biscuit’s owner reported that within just a week of her last injection, “she was running up stairs and acting years younger.”

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that impacts dogs’ quality of life, but VetStem Cell Therapy can be an effective option for improving mobility and reducing pain. VetStem Cell Therapy leverages the body’s natural healing ability, helping to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and regenerate damaged tissue, offering significant benefits for dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis. In fact, more than 80% of dogs treated with VetStem for osteoarthritis showed a better quality of life, making it a promising solution for pets like Biscuit.

If you think your dog would benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Biscuit

Cooper is a lovable Labrador who faced some serious health hurdles. Diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia as a puppy, his journey was marked by joint pain that eventually led to osteoarthritis. For years, his owner managed his condition with medications and supplements, but at 8 years old, Cooper started limping badly. His vet recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy in an effort to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.

The process started with a quick, minimally invasive procedure where Cooper’s vet collected some fat from his abdomen. That fat was sent off to our lab in Poway, California, where our team worked to extract and concentrate Cooper’s stem cells. Just 48 hours later, Cooper had both of his elbows injected with his own stem cells.

Just one week post-treatment, Cooper stopped limping, and after a month, he was off his anti-inflammatory meds. His owner couldn’t be happier, stating, “He seems happy and thriving. We slowly increased our walks again and happy to report he can walk 3-4 miles a day without any consequence. He also loves going back to hiking. Stem cell therapy brought my happy boy back. Thank you.”

But the story doesn’t end there. We also cryo-preserved some of Cooper’s stem cells for future use, ensuring that he’ll have access to treatment whenever he needs it. Cooper’s journey shows just how powerful stem cell therapy can be in giving our furry friends a second chance at life. Here’s to many more happy, pain-free adventures for Cooper

If you think your pet may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Cooper

Meet Teddy, the adorable Chow Chow/Husky mix who loves to play but faced a tough battle with severe arthritis in his right hip. Getting up from a lying down had become a struggle, and his family was worried. Luckily, they turned to Dr. Mitch Luce at Live Oak Veterinary Hospital, who offered them a couple of treatment options: hip replacement surgery or VetStem Cell Therapy. Teddy’s owners opted for the stem cell therapy, hoping it would be a gentler route for their aging buddy.

To begin the process, Dr. Luce collected a small sample of fat from Teddy’s abdomen. The fat was then sent off to VetStem’s lab for processing. Just 48 hours later, Teddy received his first injection of his own stem cells directly into his hip, along with an IV dose.

Fast forward five months, and Teddy is thriving! His owner can’t believe the transformation: “Remarkable recovery!! He runs, jumps, and plays with our other dogs and can get up from a down position easily. He does every once in a while have a slight limp issue but only after playing or running way too hard. And that is progressively getting better as well. So glad we chose VetStem Cell Therapy for him!” The difference is so impressive that they even shared a before-and-after video to showcase Teddy’s amazing comeback. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXpmwHD37XE

Arthritis is a common issue for many dogs, and it can really impact their quality of life. But innovative treatments like VetStem Cell Therapy provide hope for your furry friend. Stem cells can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and help to regenerate damaged tissues. According to surveys, over 80% of dogs treated with VetStem report a better quality of life, so it’s no wonder Teddy’s family is over the moon with their decision. Here’s to many more happy, pain-free adventures for Teddy!

Teddy