"Feedback from veterinarians and dog owners who responded to voluntary surveys indicated that more than 75% of these dogs with arthritis have an improved quality of life after Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell therapy."
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Small Animal Applications |
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Equine Applications |
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- Osteoarthritis (of the leg joints)
- Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD)
(OCD & degenerative diseases with bony fragments should be evaluated by and potentially treated with arthroscopy)
- Orthopedic soft tissue: tendon and ligament partial tears
- Fractures
Pet owners should discuss appropriateness of treatment for their pet including potential complications of surgery, potential outcomes, a comprehensive treatment plan and associated costs with their veterinarian prior to treatment.
Click Here for more information on:
- Current Uses for Stem Cells
- Testimonials
- Case Studies
- FAQs
- Safety
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- Tendon injury: acute and chronic
- Ligament injury: suspensory, check, collaterals-acute and chronic
- Joints: osteoarthritis, osteochondral defects
Equine tendon, ligament, and joint injuries are some of the most frequently seen and the most debilitating in clinical veterinary practice leading to joint instability, degenerative joint disease, and reduced performance. Traditional therapies address the inflammatory process and pain, yet have not successfully addressed the regeneration of these tissues that often result in scar tissue formation and partial or full loss of function. Whether these horses are performance athletes or companions, their owners are seeking therapy that can return them to their chosen level of activity.
Click Here for more information on:
- Current Uses for Stem Cells
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
- Testimonials
- Case Studies
- FAQs
- Safety
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What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is a cell that can renew itself and can differentiate or make other cell types. Below is the formal definition…
From Gimble et al, 2007:
By definition, a stem cell is characterized by its ability to self-renew and its ability to differentiate along multiple lineage pathways (cartilage, bone, tendon, etc.). Ideally, a stem cell for regenerative medicinal applications should meet the following criteria:
- Can be found in abundant quantities (millions to billions of cells)
- Can be harvested by a minimally invasive procedure
- Can be differentiated along multiple cell lineage pathways in a regulatable and reproducible manner
- Can be safely and effectively transplanted to an autologous host
- Can be provided in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines
When did research into veterinary stem cell therapy begin?
Some of the initial work in mesenchymal stem cell therapy research goes back to the early 1990s (by Arnold Caplan). Research dogs were used as animal models. Vet-Stem has been treating dogs and cats for a few years as part of a clinical development program. In May of 2007, boarded orthopedic veterinary surgeons were trained in the science and techniques. In January of 2008 Vet-Stem launched the Introductory & Orthopedic Training Program for small animal veterinarians.
Are there any examples of dogs being helped with stem cell therapy where otherwise they would have had no chance of survival?
We have many dogs with such severe OA that the owners were considering euthanasia that have been helped by Vet-Stem stem
cell therapy. Testimonials supplied upon request from Vet-Stem.
Is stem cell therapy painful for pets?
There is an initial collection of fat from the animal, that is a simple surgical procedure, but the patient must be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia for the procedure. Wound healing and pain control are important considerations as well. When the cells are injected under anesthesia or light sedation, there may be minor temporary discomfort. Your veterinarian will determine if pain medicine is indicated.
Do canine stem cells function in the same way as human stem cells?
There are no direct comparisons between canine and human stem cells in the literature.
What are the main controversial barriers surrounding canine stem cell therapy?
Because the stem cells used in our therapy are from the pet’s own fat and are considered “adult” stem cells, not embryonic stem cells, there are really no controversial barriers to using this type of therapy in dogs.
What is the main difference between adult and embryonic stem cells?
Adult stem cells are found in the body’s tissues such as fat, bone marrow, muscle, etc, and have an ability to help the natural healing process. Embryonic stem cells can form a whole organ or organism.