Dec 27, 2024

VetStem’s 2024 Year in Review

Posted by Bob under VetStem

We’re just about to the end of 2024, and it’s been an exciting year at VetStem. This year we were pleased to announce the commercial launch of our FDA-reviewed off-the-shelf PRP product, PrecisePRP. As we do every year, we’re wrapping up the VetStem blog with some highlights from the last 12 months. So, without further ado, here is VetStem’s 2024 year in review!

  • In early 2024, we announced that VetStem reached a significant industry leading milestone. As of February, we had processed over 16,000 patient samples resulting in over 38,000 stem cell treatments.
  • At the same time, two of our most prolific small animal users reached a milestone in stem cell cases. Drs. Jeff Christiansen and Kim Carlson both surpassed 300 cases. To date, Dr. Christiansen has performed 342 stem cell collections and Dr. Carlson has performed 326 – wow!
  • In mid April, VetStem sponsored a lab at the annual IVAPM Pain Management Forum for the third year in a row. Veterinarians at this forum have a particular interest in multi-modal pain management and were excited to learn about PrecisePRP.
  • Later in April, we were thrilled to announce that our latest platelet-rich plasma product, PrecisePRP Canine, had completed FDA review and officially became the first FDA-reviewed allogeneic off-the-shelf cell medicine product in the U.S.
  • Shortly afterward, we announced the launch of PrecisePRP Equine, the second allogeneic cell medicine product to complete FDA-review.
  • In May, the VetStem Sales and Marketing team was in Nashville where we sponsored and exhibited at the Fetch DVM360 Nashville veterinary conference. VetStem proponent and pain specialist Dr. Jamie Gaynor delivered two lectures about stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma.
  • In July, we shared a fun update about a Sichuan Takin that received VetStem Cell Therapy for arthritis.
  • August saw the VetStem Sales and Marketing team in Kansas City, MO for the annual Fetch DVM360 conference. We sponsored and exhibited at this show where our CEO, Dr. Bob  Harman, delivered two lectures about regenerative medicine.
  • In October, we released updated efficacy data for PrecisePRP Canine. Out of 59 dogs who received PrecisePRP for orthopedic conditions, 47 of them showed significant improvement!
  • Also in October, the Sales and Marketing team was back on the road at the Fetch Coastal veterinary conference in Atlantic City, NJ. VetStem proponent Dr. Alistair Chapnick delivered two lectures on stem cell therapy and PRP.
  • In early December, the Sales and Marketing team wrapped up a busy year of conferences at the final Fetch DVM360 conference in Long Beach, CA. At this show, Drs. Bob Harman and Jamie Gaynor teamed up to deliver two lectures about comprehensive management of osteoarthritis and regenerative medicine.

So, there you have it. Another year in the books. It was an exciting year for us and, as always, we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our veterinary and pet owner clients. We hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing what 2024 has in store for VetStem!

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Dec 13, 2024

VetStem Sponsors Fetch Veterinary Conference

Posted by Bob under VetStem

Last weekend, the VetStem Sales and Marketing team had the privilege of sponsoring, speaking, and exhibiting at the DVM360 Fetch Veterinary Conference in Long Beach, CA. Attending these veterinary conferences is always a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with both current and potential clients in person. At nearly every conference, we run into someone who has had their own pet treated with VetStem Cell Therapy. It’s always inspiring to hear their success stories firsthand!

At this year’s Fetch Long Beach event, our CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, co-presented with pain specialist and VetStem enthusiast, Dr. Jamie Gaynor. Their first lecture focused on a comprehensive approach to managing osteoarthritis. While stem cell therapy is a valuable option for pets with arthritis, many animals benefit from a multimodal treatment plan. The session explored the combination of traditional treatments like NSAIDs and physical rehabilitation with cutting-edge therapies, including CBD and regenerative medicine techniques like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A holistic approach to canine osteoarthritis could lead to more effective outcomes.

In their second lecture, Drs. Harman and Gaynor discussed the broad range of conditions for which pets have received both VetStem Cell Therapy and PRP. While orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries continue to be the primary use for stem cells, many pets have also received stem cell therapy for internal medicine conditions such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and more! Likewise, PRP has been used for a number of years to manage conditions such as wound healing and corneal ulcers.

As we conclude the 2024 conference season, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who visited our booth and attended our presentations. We are excited to collaborate with many of you in the year ahead!

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Oct 18, 2024

VetStem Sponsored Fetch Coastal Veterinary Conference

Posted by Bob under Veterinary Medicine, VetStem

Earlier this week, the VetStem Sales and Marketing Team exhibited at the annual Fetch Coastal veterinary conference in Atlantic City, NJ. This marks our second time sponsoring this event. Veterinary conferences are a valuable opportunity to connect with our fellow veterinary professionals, share knowledge, and strengthen our industry relationships.

This year, one of VetStem’s experienced small animal users, Dr. Alistair Chapnick of Spot On Veterinary Hospital, delivered two talks at the conference. His first lecture explored the expanding role of stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine. While many are familiar with its use in orthopedics for conditions like osteoarthritis and tendon injuries, recent advancements have highlighted its potential in treating more complex diseases, including kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. Numerous patients have experienced significant benefits from VetStem Cell Therapy for these challenging conditions.

In his second lecture, Dr. Chapnick focused on the diverse applications of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in veterinary medicine. As a cell-based therapy, PRP has shown remarkable success in promoting healing in areas such as orthopedics, wound care, and corneal ulcers. Dr. Chapnick reviewed current literature, presented case studies, and assessed the safety and effectiveness of PRP. He also introduced VetStem’s latest innovation, PrecisePRP™, an off-the-shelf freeze-dried PRP solution. In last week’s blog, we covered some outcome data for PrecisePRP Canine. You can check it out here.

If you missed us in Atlantic City, be sure to catch us at Fetch Long Beach in December or Western Veterinary Conference in March 2025!

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Aug 30, 2024

VetStem Helps Senior Dog Get Back to Neighborhood Walks

Posted by Bob under Dog Arthritis, Dog Stem Cells

Similar to humans, aging is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. While OA can occur in dogs of any age, one study conducted in the UK indicated that dogs over eight years old were most frequently diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Treating OA in the early stages can help to slow the progression of the disease. That being said, numerous senior pets with advanced OA have benefitted from treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

One example is Jake, a senior Labrador retriever who was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in his left elbow when he was just a puppy. OCD is a developmental disease in which the cartilage in the affected joint(s) separates from the bone. Though the exact cause of OCD is unknown, it typically occurs in rapidly growing large breed dogs and can cause limping, lameness, and pain.

Jake underwent a successful surgery to correct the problem however, as with most orthopedic surgeries, it was almost guaranteed that his elbow would eventually develop arthritis. At about eight years old, Jake began limping after physical activity. His symptoms were mild at first but grew in severity over the years and when he was thirteen, it became really hard for him to walk due to pain in his left elbow. On top of this, he developed spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the spine). These challenges severely affected his quality of life.

His veterinarian, Dr. Brad Steele of Torrey Pines Animal Hospital recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells have demonstrated the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament, and joint tissues.

To begin the process, Dr. Steele collected fat from Jake’s abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was processed at the VetStem laboratory, and three injectable doses of Jake’s stem cells were sent to Dr. Steele for treatment. Jake received one dose of his own stem cells into each elbow and one intravenous dose. Approximately one month later, he received an identical treatment using stem cells that were cryobanked from his initial fat tissue process.

According to Jake’s owner, it took about 5 to 6 months until they noticed a significant improvement in his mobility and reduction in his limping. His owner stated, “Before the treatment, he could barely walk more than 10-20 feet before giving up and wanting to be carried back in. After the treatment, he got back to 20+ minute walks around the neighborhood and seems close to back to normal for a dog of his age. We are grateful that the stem cell treatment brought our sweet old dog out of a life of pain and back to being a happy old man.”

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

Jake

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Aug 23, 2024

VetStem Sponsors Fetch DVM360 Veterinary Conference

Posted by Bob under VetStem

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!

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Aug 16, 2024

Back in the Cat Tree: VetStem Helps Cat with Arthritis

Posted by Bob under Cat Arthritis, Cat Stem Cells

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

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Nov 10, 2023

VetStem Sponsored Wildlife Conservation Stem Cell Workshop

Posted by Bob under Exotic Animals, VetStem

As you may know, VetStem has worked with multiple exotic animal organizations to provide stem cell therapy to several exotic species including elephants, bears, numerous aquatic animals, and big cats, just to name a few. These animals have been treated for everything from orthopedic conditions to viral diseases to organ failure to traumatic injuries and more. Given our great deal of experience, it’s no wonder that VetStem CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, was recently invited to participate in the first of its kind stem cell workshop supporting wildlife conservation.

VetStem user, Dr. Jeff Christiansen, treating Brody, a black bear at the Brevard Zoo

The Stem Cell Technology for Genetic Rescue Workshop was held on September 17-20, 2023, in La Jolla, California. The workshop brought together 45 global leaders in stem cell science to share their experience and expertise and to discuss how stem cell technology can further wildlife conservation efforts. Not only did Dr. Harman bring real life experiences to the discussion, VetStem was also a sponsor of the workshop.

At VetStem, 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.

While our primary goal is to bring relief to the animals that need it, there is potential that stored stem cells may aid in wildlife conservation efforts down the line. VetStem has the ability to cryopreserve stem cells and currently has a bank of stem cells from over 40 different exotic animal species. 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.

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Oct 20, 2023

VetStem had a busy week attending veterinary conferences!

Posted by Bob under Veterinary Medicine, VetStem

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.

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Jul 21, 2023

VetStem Helps 100-Pound Dog with Arthritis and Knee Injury

A sad story that we hear a lot is when a ball-loving dog is no longer able to play fetch due to arthritis or some other orthopedic injury. That was the case for Sherlock, a nearly 100-pound Staffordshire terrier/rottweiler mix. Though Sherlock loved to chase his ball, as he got older, his body started slowing down and he was diagnosed with arthritis in all four limbs. In an effort to not take away his favorite activity, his owners continued to play ball with a little less intensity. And then he tore his cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Fortunately for Sherlock, his veterinarian recommended using VetStem Cell Therapy in conjunction with surgery. Stem cells have the ability to reduce pain, inflammation, and minimize the formation of scar tissue. In addition to his injured knee, Sherlock’s veterinarian treated both of his elbows and his non-injured knee to give him some relief from the arthritis in those joints.

Sherlock

Sherlock’s owner reported that he responded well to his initial stem cell treatment but that shortly after, he injured the cruciate ligament in his left knee. Unfortunately, this is more common than you may think. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 40-60% of dogs who injure one cruciate ligament will go on to injure the other cruciate ligament in the future. This time, Sherlock’s veterinarian was able to request doses from his stored stem cells, which she administered during the surgery on his left knee. Sherlock once again received an injection of his own stem cells into each knee and each elbow.

After treatment, his owner said that his recovery went from six weeks to three-and-a-half weeks. She stated, “He healed so quickly that it surprised everyone. He was 12 years old by this time and a full recovery seemed almost too hopeful to wish for, but instead we not only got a full recovery but a faster recovery than before.” She went on to state, “Sherlock is now 13 years old and we do not run and chase balls anymore, but we enjoy walks on the beach and lots of snuggles and I am so grateful that he is still here feeling good and enjoying life with me. Stem cell therapy made an immense difference in his ability to live a high quality life in his older years.”

Does your dog suffer from osteoarthritis or have they injured their cruciate ligament? If so, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

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Jul 14, 2023

VetStem CEO Featured on Fuzzybutts and Friends Podcast

Posted by Bob under Stem Cells, VetStem Cell Therapy

VetStem founder and CEO, Dr. Bob Harman, recently joined Fuzzybutts and Friends on a podcast to discuss VetStem Cell Therapy and the science of stem cells. Joining him is Dr. Angie Zinkus, veterinarian and VetStem enthusiast at Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital. This podcast really gets down to the nitty gritty about stem cells and the various diseases that have been treated with VetStem Cell Therapy. Some of the big questions that are addressed are:

What are stem cells? Where do they come from? What are the mechanisms of action/how do they work? What CAN’T be treated with stem cells? And more!! You don’t want to miss this one!

Click the image below to check out the podcast:

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