National Border Collie Day is November 24^th so we thought it fitting to share a VetStem success story about a Border Collie named Hannah. Hannah had arthritis in her hips as a result of hip dysplasia. Her veterinarian described it as some of the worst she’d ever seen. As a certified therapy dog who visited patients that were in the hospital, it was important for Hannah to be able to stand on her hind legs so she could be pet by those patients who were unable to get out of bed. Unfortunately, her arthritic hips made it so she was unable to do this seemingly simple task.

In an effort to avoid hip replacement surgery, her veterinarian recommended trying VetStem Cell Therapy. To begin the process, Hannah’s veterinarian collected fat from her abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was sent to the VetStem laboratory where lab technicians processed and extracted Hannah’s stem and regenerative cells. Three stem cell injections were prepared and shipped for treatment. Approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection, Hannah received injections of her own stem cells into each hip as well as an intravenous injection.

According to her owner, Hannah had a remarkable response to stem cell therapy. She was finally able to stand on her back legs so she could reach bed-ridden hospital patients. And at the one year mark, her X-rays showed great improvement in her hip joints. Her owners believed her to be pain free for the first time in her life, stating, “My husband and I (and Hannah) cannot tell you how much Hannah’s life has changed since her surgery. The results were better than we ever hoped for and are nothing short of amazing.”

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

Hannah

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

In last week’s blog, we talked about how VetStem Cell Therapy can help reduce pain. While pain can come from many different sources, one area where stem cells may really make a difference is in managing post-surgical pain. When combined with procedures like joint replacements or cruciate ligament repairs, VetStem Cell Therapy not only supports long-term recovery but also helps ease the immediate pain after surgery.

One example is Lucy, an energetic Golden Retriever who loves to run and play. Unfortunately, she injured her knee and was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament. Her veterinarian, Dr. Kim Carlson at Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care, recommended surgery to stabilize her knee, but she also suggested adding VetStem Cell Therapy to speed up healing and manage post-surgery pain.

Cruciate ligament injuries in dogs can lead to long-term issues like arthritis, even after surgery. The surgery fixes the problem mechanically, but it doesn’t completely restore the joint to its former state. That’s where stem cells come in. Stem cells help reduce pain and inflammation, inhibit the formation of scar tissue, and encourage the regeneration of damaged tissues. Although stem cell therapy won’t cure arthritis, it can slow its progression and improve the dog’s quality of life.

After stem cell therapy, Lucy’s owner was thrilled with the results, noting that Lucy healed quickly and was back to running and hiking in no time. Almost a year later, Lucy is her happy, healthy self, free from pain and with no sign of a limp. According to Dr. Carlson, the combination of surgery and stem cell therapy worked wonders for her recovery.

For dogs like Lucy, stem cell therapy offers a way to manage pain and support healing post-surgery, ensuring they can return to their playful, active lives. If you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

Lucy

When our pets suffer from chronic or acute pain due to conditions like arthritis or injuries, it can be heartbreaking to see them struggle. The good news is that, with the help of the IVAPM, a focus on pain management in veterinary medicine has gained significant traction over the last decade. Newer and more natural techniques to manage pain that don’t involve long term use of medications have become more mainstream such as rehabilitation, acupuncture, and even stem cell therapy!

As we know, stem cells utilize numerous mechanisms of action to improve a painful pet’s quality of life. One of their most important mechanisms of action is their ability to reduce inflammation. Through cellular communication, stem cells are able to limit inflammatory responses and actually shift from a pro-inflammatory environment to an anti-inflammatory environment.

Reducing inflammation can of course lead to greater comfort, but current 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, more recent 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.

This insight clarifies why pet owners and veterinarians frequently report that pets undergoing VetStem Cell Therapy for conditions like osteoarthritis or injured cruciate ligaments experience notable improvements in comfort just days after treatment. By directly alleviating pain, the therapy enhances the pet’s overall comfort while the stem cells continue their healing work.

Veterinarians encounter and address pain in their patients daily and utilize a range of treatment options that include medications, devices, various integrative therapies, and surgery. Stem cell therapy offers an additional approach for addressing pain in pets. VetStem Cell Therapy provides a natural, readily available source of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving cells, which can be particularly advantageous for cats and certain dogs that may not respond well to conventional anti-inflammatory medications.

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.

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.

VetStem patient, Bella, receives her own stem cells via intravenous infusion

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Many of us have probably experienced an itchy or allergic dog. And if you haven’t, consider yourself lucky! Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD), also known as allergic dermatitis or atopy, is a condition that affects approximately 10-15% of the dog population. While there is still much to learn about this disease, we have learned that atopic dermatitis occurs due to a skin barrier defect, which allows allergens to absorb deeper into the skin where the immune system can access them. Thus, when an atopic dog comes into contact with the offending allergen(s), their body creates a skewed immune response leading to an allergic reaction.

The primary symptom of atopic dermatitis is itchiness, usually in the feet, face, ears, armpits, front legs, and/or abdomen. Scratching and licking can lead to hair loss, hotspots or other irritations, skin thickening and more. Secondary skin infections and/or ear infections can develop and make symptoms worse.

Traditional treatments for CAD are generally aimed at controlling symptoms, and do not cure the disease. Frequent bathing can help remove allergens, and allergy desensitization injections are tailored for individual pets after extensive testing. However, these treatments are time-consuming and may not be feasible for everyone. Unfortunately, CAD requires lifelong management.

VetStem Cell Therapy has shown success for various diseases beyond orthopedic conditions, but results can vary. At VetStem, we evaluate each case individually to see if stem cell therapy is a viable option, especially for challenging conditions like CAD where traditional treatments may not effectively control the disease. One tool that stem cells utilize is immunomodulation, or the ability to modify the immune response. Since there is an immune component to atopic dermatitis, it is theorized that stem cells can down-regulate a dog’s immune response thereby making his/her body less reactive to specific allergens.

Multiple veterinarians have utilized VetStem Cell Therapy to treat atopy in both dogs and cats. While the research is limited in this disease, there is some promising anecdotal evidence. Some veterinarians have reported an improvement in symptoms after treatment with stem cells. In some cases, patients have required less allergy medication than before stem cell therapy.

While we can’t say that stem cells will help every dog with atopic dermatitis, we do believe that some may benefit from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy based on the responses reported from the veterinarians and owners who have implemented it. As with most medical treatment options, each patient will respond differently so results cannot be guaranteed.

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

July 21^st is World Collie Day so we thought it fitting to share Casey’s VetStem success story. Casey is a Rough Collie who began experiencing symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease when he was around 4 months old. At first, he was not eating regularly. This was followed by frequent bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. After trying multiple diets and medications with no success, numerous diagnostics including X-rays, bloodwork, ultrasound, and biopsies of his GI tract led to a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

IBD is a gastrointestinal disease that can affect both dogs and cats. It is characterized by inflammation of the intestines and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight loss. IBD can be a frustrating disease because a definitive diagnosis can be time-consuming and costly, traditional treatments are life-long and can be complex, and the animal often continues to experience symptoms of the disease despite treatment.

Though Casey was on a special diet and multiple medications, his symptoms were minimally controlled. This went on for about three years until his bloodwork revealed elevated liver enzymes, which was a result of his steroid medication. It was at this time that his veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to down regulate inflammation, modulate the immune system, and repair damaged tissue. Multiple animals have been treated with stem cell therapy for IBD and experienced a relief in symptoms and an improved quality of life. After some research, Casey’s owners agreed to move forward with VetStem Cell Therapy.

To begin the process, Casey had fat collected from his abdomen in a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was aseptically packaged and shipped to the VetStem processing laboratory. Lab technicians processed the fat to isolate and concentrate the stem and regenerative cells contained therein. Therapeutic doses were then prepared for treatment.

Over the course of 10 months, Casey received 5 separate intravenous doses of his own stem cells. According to his owner, his symptoms improved greatly. He began interacting more and playing with his family and other dogs. He started rolling over for belly rubs, which he had not done in the first 3 years of his life. His appetite improved and he was able to get off all but one of his medications, including being completely off steroids. He has occasional IBD flare ups but nothing to the degree he experienced previously.

Approximately 15 months after his 5^th stem cell treatment, Casey received a 6^th intravenous dose (along with intra-articular doses to treat a few arthritic joints) and hasn’t required additional treatments for over year now. He does, however, have numerous doses left in his stem cell bank, should he ever require future treatments.

If your pet has Inflammatory Bowel Disease, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Casey

A few weeks ago, we discussed VetStem’s extensive work with numerous exotic species. One example is a Sichuan Takin (rhymes with rockin’) named Xing, who resides at the Saint Louis Zoo. According to the Zoo’s website, Takin are an antelope-like goat ranging in weight from about 500 to over 800 pounds depending on their sex. They are native to China and reside in mountainous bamboo forests.

Sadly, the Sichuan Takin wild population is diminishing, and they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Fortunately, zoos such as the Saint Louis Zoo participate in the Species Survival Plan for Sichuan Takin, a cooperative breeding program that helps ensure a healthy population of animals.

When Xing was young, he sustained an injury to both his carpal (wrist) joints which predisposed him to arthritis. The Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams monitored Xing closely for the development of arthritis. Xing was eventually diagnosed with arthritis, and his symptoms included a stiff gait and decreased activity. One of the Zoo’s staff veterinarians, Dr. Rachel Ferris, reached out to us to inquire about helping Xing with stem cell therapy and of course we said yes!

Stem cells have the ability to down regulate inflammation and pain. They have also shown to help regenerate joint tissues, such as damaged cartilage. Just like the thousands of arthritic dogs, cats, and horses that have experienced an improved quality of life as a result of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, we believed stem cells could help Xing.

Over the last year, Xing has received three treatments with mesenchymal stem cells. According to Dr. Ferris, his activity level has improved significantly since starting treatment. We love to hear this news! Xing recently celebrated his 8th birthday and continues to thrive.

Xing

As most of our readers know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used to treat orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. Cats, on the other hand, frequently receive stem cell therapy for indications such as renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. One such cat, a young Siamese named Finn, received VetStem Cell Therapy for gingivostomatitis when he was approximately one year old.

We’ve shared Finn’s stem cell success story in a previous blog. But to sum it up, Finn was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis at just five months old. Gingivostomatitis is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the affected cat’s gums. It can be very painful and lead to inappetence, reduced grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, pain medications, and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

Finn’s owners tried several medications in an effort to improve his symptoms, but nothing worked. They were determined to not have all of his teeth extracted and were willing to do whatever it took. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and just shy of his first birthday, Finn received stem cell therapy.

According to his owners, Finn responded well to the treatment. His owner stated, “[the stem cell treatment] seemed to improve and maintain his condition especially over time so that Finn is happy, healthy, and living a great life. We plan to administer cells every year or so to keep his condition manageable and hopefully keep him healthier too.”

Fast forward to the present, four years after his initial stem cell treatment, and Finn continues to do well! We recently received an update from his owner who stated, “Finn had his annual checkup recently and he’s doing great. He had some gingivitis but his stomatitis seemed to be under control. He had his annual teeth cleaning today (per his veterinarian’s recommendation) and is doing great otherwise!”

Stem cells have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and also help to modulate the immune system. This mechanism of action is particularly important for immune-mediated conditions such as gingivostomatitis. If your cat has gingivostomatitis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.