By Dr. Becker

If you're a dog guardian, you may be aware that arthritis becomes a problem for many of our canine companions as they mature. In fact, one in five dogs over a year of age will develop degenerative joint disease (DJD). And the number jumps to four out of five for certain large breeds.

The gradual, persistent degeneration of cartilage characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA) can affect one or multiple joints and causes decreased mobility, and often, debilitating pain.

Geriatric dogs typically develop arthritis in the hip, knee, or elbow. In dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia, joint degeneration can occur as early as one to two years of age.

Traditional veterinary treatment of canine arthritis and degenerative joint disease has typically included supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery, or a combination of these. But more recently, stem cell therapy, which is a type of regenerative medicine, has become more common.

Stem cell therapy uses stem cells to treat or prevent disease. Stem cells are a type of master cell. They have the capacity to develop into one of many different types of cells, including skin cells, muscle, nerve, bone, tendon or ligament cells, or the cells of virtually any organ in the body.

Stem cells maintain the ability to divide throughout their life, producing cells that can become highly specialized and replace cells that die or are lost. Stem cells contribute to the body's ability to renew and repair tissues. Bone marrow transplant is one of the most common types of stem cell therapy.

Interest in stem cell therapy for dogs with OA, DJD, hip and elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries1 is high, and several studies are underway. However, at this time there isn't much scientific research available for review, so results of stem cell therapy treatments are anecdotal and come primarily from veterinarians and owners of dogs that have undergone the procedure.

Brad Perry of Alexandria, Kentucky has two dogs, a Golden Retriever named Cowboy, and Mr. Jones, a mixed breed. Cowboy was suffering from terrible arthritis, and Mr. Jones had somehow managed to tear the ligaments in both knees.

Both dogs were seriously disabled and in pain, and Perry had tried all sorts of medications. None of them really worked, and he was worried about side effects. Cowboy and Mr. Jones continued to deteriorate, and Perry had reached the point of considering euthanasia when he heard about a local veterinarian who performed stem cell therapy on dogs to repair joints. Perry figured he had nothing to lose.

Cowboy the Golden received the treatment first, and a few months later Mr. Jones underwent the procedure. According to Perry, within 10 days of receiving stem cell therapy, both dogs were running around like puppies, chasing his kids, and swimming in the lake.

Dr. John Sector of the Shelby Street Veterinary Hospital in Florence, Kentucky performed the surgery on Cowboy and Mr. Jones. He has high praise for the therapy:

"This is potentially a game changer. We're seeing incredible results in the joints. We also see some unexpected improvements in other things, like skin conditions," he said.2

Snoop Dog, a 10-year-old Poodle mix with knee problems, and Ben, a 9-year-old Akita with hip issues and a limp, received stem cell therapy recently at the Mercersburg Veterinary Clinic in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Roger Horst performed the procedures. His partner, Dr. John Ludwig, said the injected stem cells communicate with cartilage and other cells, stimulating them to rebuild.3

"This is improving his life and maybe prolonging his life," Ludwig said of Ben. "They won't go back to being a 2-year-old dog, but if it's a 10-year-old and goes back to being a 7-year-old, I'm excited about that," he said.

Dr. Horst is also hopeful the therapy will decrease the need for painkillers for Ben and Snoop Dog.

According to Dr. Ludwig, some improvement in the dogs could be seen within two weeks, but it can take 30 days to see the full effect of the therapy. He expects the treatment to last 12 to 18 months, at which time another injection might be needed.

Stem cells are either embryonic or somatic (adult). Adult stem cells can be harvested from bone marrow or fatty tissue. Because the cells are easy to retrieve from fatty tissue, it is typically the source for stem cells used in therapies for companion animals.

In addition, stem cells harvested from fat don't need to be cultured and can be processed and returned to the veterinary clinic in about 48 hours. The fat is usually taken from the dog's shoulder, lumbar region, or a fatty ligament (called the falciform ligament) that attaches the liver to the body wall.

The harvesting procedure takes less than a half-hour and is performed under general anesthesia. The fat is then sent to a laboratory, where it is used to produce a substance called stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Once the SVF is received back at the veterinary clinic, the dog is again sedated and the SVF is injected into the affected joint or joints. Any remaining product can be stored for future treatments.

Stem cell therapy is considered a safe procedure (although any procedure requiring anesthesia carries some risk), and since the substance being injected is derived from the dog's own body, immune reactions are rare, but can occur. Additionally, the long-term immunologic effects of stem cell therapy have not been researched in pets.

Treatment costs, which include the surgery to retrieve stem cells, processing of the cells, and the initial injection, average $2,000 to $3,000. And it's important to remember there are no guarantees the treatment will work (and sometimes it doesn't), or for how long.

My goal as a proactive practitioner is to help clients help their canine companions avoid the need for invasive procedures to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. That's why I typically recommend certain joint-protecting supplements and treatments starting at an early age, especially for my large-breed canine patients.

I separate chondroprotective agents (CPA's) into different categories according to their intensity of action. We have preventive protocols for young healthy pets and canine athletes. We have more aggressive protocols for pets with moderate degenerative joint disease and very comprehensive protocols for pets with severe musculoskeletal degeneration or trauma. This approach allows us to not only match our patients with the correct protocol, but also accounts for a dog's dynamically changing body.

One of the most important steps in managing arthritis and degenerative joint disease in dogs is building and maintaining excellent muscle, tendon and ligament health, so exercise is a necessity. The type of exercise, intensity, frequency and duration can all be tailored to the dog's specific musculoskeletal issue. Therapeutic exercises can also be added to target and strengthen specific muscles or limbs.

I also recommend a balanced, species appropriate diet, supplemented with joint supportive agents such as eggshell membrane, glucosamine sulfate with MSM, and cetyl meristoleate. I discourage carbohydrates in the diet because they promote inflammation. Animals with musculoskeletal issues should eat a naturally anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce and control inflammation. Fresh, unprocessed foods provide unadulterated enzymes that are also beneficial for reducing inflammation.

In addition, I recommend physical therapies like regular at-home strengthening exercises, stretching, massage, routine chiropractic care, water therapy on an underwater treadmill or in a pool, laser therapy to control inflammation and pain, and acupuncture.

I would also consider ubiquinol and other antioxidants; super green foods like spirulina and astaxanthin; vitamin C; natural anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, proteolytic enzymes and nutraceuticals; homeopathic remedies (Rhus Tox, Bryonia, and Arnica can be particularly helpful depending on your pet's specific symptoms); and Acetyl-D-glucosamine injections. Cytokine therapy and prolotherapy may also dramatically improve quality of life and assist in slowing degeneration.

By taking a proactive approach to preserving the integrity and function of your dog's ligaments, tendons and joints throughout life, you may be able to avoid the need for invasive procedures. Supporting those all-important hip and knee joints should be a primary focus for every owner of a large breed dog. The physical therapies I mentioned, combined with the right nutrition, supplementation, and exercise, can go a long way toward keeping your dog active, agile and pain-free for a lifetime.

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Could Stem Cell Therapy Ease Dog's Debilitating Joint Pain?

A couple of years ago, Brad Perry's dogs started having joint problems. Cowboy, the golden retriever, developed a severe case of arthritis, while Mr. Jones, the mutt, tore the ligaments in both of his knees during some overenthusiastic play.

"It was so sad. They wouldn't even come to the door to greet me they were in so much pain. It just broke my heart," recalled Perry, a tractor-trailer driver from Alexandria, Ky.

Perry gave the dogs all sorts of medications, but nothing worked, and he knew such medications could result in kidney and liver damage. The dogs' suffering became so great, Perry considered putting the pets down. But late last year he heard about a veterinarian in his area who performed stem cell therapy on dogs to regenerate and repair their joints and figured it was worth a try.

Cowboy underwent the procedure first. Mr. Jones followed a few months later. Perry said that within 10 days of receiving treatment the dogs were like puppies again, chasing his kids, running around in the park and swimming in the lake.

The treatment Perry's dogs received was developed by MediVet America of Lexington, Ky., one of several companies that sell equipment and training to veterinary clinics around the world. MediVet has more than a thousand clinics. Participating vets have performed more than 10,000 stem cell procedures about 7,000 of them in the past 12 months.

An operation like the one Cowboy and Mr. Jones underwent takes several hours. To start, the vet harvests a few tablespoons of fat cells from the pet's abdomen or shoulder, then spins the cells in a centrifuge to separate out the stem cells that are naturally present in fat. Next, the cells are mixed with special enzymes to "digest" any residual fat and connective tissue, and are then "activated" by mixing them with "plasma rich platelets" extracted from the animal's blood cells. The mixture is stimulated under a LED light for 20 minutes or so to further concentrate the stem cells. Finally, the newly awakened cells are injected back into the damaged joint.

Jeremy Delk, MediVet's chief executive officer, said that the therapy works because stem cells are the only cells in the body that have the ability to transform themselves into other types of specialized cells -- such as cartilage -- making them a potent tool for repairing damaged and deteriorating joints. There are 50 to 1,000 times more stem cells in the fat than bone marrow, a source that was more consistently used in animal and human -- stem cell therapy until the fat method started becoming more popular.

"As we age, humans and animals alike, our stem cells are starting to die off so we have fewer. What we are able to do with these techniques is isolate the cells in very large numbers, wake them up and put them back into the area that needs help," he explained.

While still largely unavailable to their owners, stem cell therapy from fat cells has been offered to our furry friends for several years. With fewer regulatory hoops to jump through in veterinary medicine and no contentious religious debates, experimental procedures are often tested and perfected on animals decades before they're green-lighted for use on humans.

One of the things veterinarians and owners alike praise about the procedure is it can be completed in one day, and all at the vet's office. Stem cells can also be banked for future injection so the animal does not have to endure extraction again.

John Sector, the owner of Shelby St. Veterinarian Hospital in Florence, who performed the surgery on Cowboy and Mr. Jones, had high praise for the therapy.

"This is potentially a game changer. We're seeing incredible results in the joints. We also see some unexpected improvements in other things, like skin conditions," he said.

Stem cell therapy is not just for pets who curl up on couches or ride in the backseat either. Delk said horses, donkeys, zebras and lions are also regular stem cell patients. He and his team recently traveled to the Middle East to perform the therapy on some prized racing camels.

However, stem cell remedies, even for animals, are still considered experimental. Shila Nordone, the chief scientific officer at the AKC Canine Health Foundation, a nonprofit group that funds health research for dogs, said that its use for joint regenerative purposes is exciting, but that the lower regulatory bar in animal medicine is both good and bad.

"It's good because we can do things sooner for our patients without 10 years of expensive clinical trials, but bad because we are still in the process of establishing best practices to ensure the procedures are the safest and most effective possible," she said.

Studies funded by the Health Foundation and others have been promising. One study of more than 150 dogs found improvements in joint stiffness, mobility and other joint health indicators in nearly 95 percent of arthritic cases. In some patients, improvements were seen in as little as a week while others took up to 90 days and required multiple injections.

The cost of a single procedure is $1800-$3,000, depending on the area of the country, the species of animal and severity of joint damage. Even those with pet insurance can expect to pay out of pocket.

Owners like Perry believe it is worth every penny.

"They are completely different dogs. It absolutely changed their lives," he said of Cowboy and Mr. Jones. "It changed mine too -- I got my dogs back."

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Arthritic Dogs Healed With New Stem Cell Therapy - ABC News

POWAY, Calif. November 1, 2012 Vet-Stem, the worlds leading Regenerative Veterinary Medicine company, is pleased to announce that Pets Best Insurance plans provide coverage for our Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy.

Vet-Stem first offered stem cell therapy for dogs and cats in 2007 and is honored that so many pet owners and veterinarians have placed their trust in Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy to treat osteoarthritis, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. Vet-Stem is proud and delighted to hear the stories of the reduction in pain, and improvement in quality of life, in so many dogs.

One of those stories is about Jetta, a member of the Pets Best Insurance family who was treated with Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy in 2011. Our CEO had a wonderful experience utilizing Vet-Stem therapy in his twelve year old lab. He loved throwing, and she loved chasing, a ball every evening. But as she aged, she just could not do it due to severe arthritis. Surgery was not a viable alternative and he asked me about stem cell therapy. I told him we had seen claims with the treatment and it was covered with our insurance. He had it done, her condition very much improved and she was able to chase the ball again. Pets Best Insurance provides full coverage for Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy, in fact we were early adopters of providing coverage and paying for the therapy. Any procedure performed by practicing veterinarians that helps pets, we are in favor of said, Jack L. Stephens DVM, President/Founder of Pets Best Insurance

We are proud that so many dog owners and veterinarians have placed their trust in Vet-Stem Cell therapy. We feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that there are thousands of dogs and dog owners who have experienced the benefit of stem cell technology. This practical and beneficial application of technology puts stem cell therapy into the present day instead of a future theoretical concept. The fact that Pets Best provides coverage for our therapy is an added plus and makes this a viable treatment option for many more pet owners, said Bob Harman, DVM, MPVM, Founder and CEO of Vet-Stem.

More information about Vet-Stem can be found at http://www.Vet-Stem.com

More information about Pets Best can be found at http://www.petsbest.com

About Vet-Stem, Inc.

Vet-Stem, Inc. was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the veterinary profession. In January of 2004, Vet-Stem introduced the first veterinary stem cell service in the United States. The privately held company is working to develop therapies in veterinary medicine that apply regenerative technologies while utilizing the natural healing properties inherent in all animals. Vet-Stem has exclusive licenses to over 50 patents including world wide veterinary rights for use of adipose derived stem cells.

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Arthritis in Dogs | Stem Cell Canine | Hip Elbow Dysplasia ...

By Mathew Lyson, on July 26th, 2015

I initially heard about stem cell therapy for arthritis from an email from the American Animal They also went over why the treatment may fail in certain pets .

He cited studies that include 2007 research involving 21 dogs with arthritis. Researchers from Vet-Stem and other animal hospitals concluded the stem cell therapy improved the dogs mobility. The placebo effect is real, Harman said. Pet owners thought they

Arthritis in cats in a painful disease and successful treatment methods must relieve the pain caused by feline arthritis. Finally, while not largely used in cats yet, stem cell therapy may be another option for your cat. Arthritis in Dogs a

Cowboy, the golden retriever, developed a severe case of arthritis, while Mr. Jones But late last year he heard about a veterinarian in his area who performed stem cell therapy on dogs to regenerate and repair their joints and figured it was worth

Treatment Options for Arthritis in Dogs Stem cell therapy is a promising new treatment option for canine (and equine) joint problems. This therapy may be a treatment option for your arthritic dog.

The Center for Regenerative Medicine at OSC treats patients with mild to moderate arthritis with stem cell or platelet therapy, which is perfect for patient who cannot or choose not to have surgery for their medical issues. Success in dogs points

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy For Multiple Sclerosis Creative Medical Health (CMH) announced today that it has filled a patent of intellectual property covering the utilization of its

DOG-lovers are paying specialist vets up to 1,700 for a stem cell treatment they hope could ease the symptoms of arthritis in their beloved pets. Scientists say they have used the new treatment on more than 150 dogs in the UK with 85 per cent

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Stem Cell Therapy For Arthritis In Dogs | Stem Cell ...

BOSTON (WHDH) - If you have a pet, you know they are like a member of the family. If they are in pain, you want to do whatever you can to help.

Veterinarians in Massachusetts are using stem cells to help dogs and cats suffering with arthritis and other joint problems and the procedure just got easier for the animals.

Though his tail still wags, walking looks painful for seven-year-old Angus.

"You don't want to see him that way," said Vern Mace, Angus' owner.

Ten-year-old Lilly has a very bad case of hip dysplasia. Her owner is a veterinarian technician at an animal hospital in North Dartmouth and says it's the worst case she has ever seen.

"It is very heartbreaking," said Sarah Farias, Lilly's owner.

Both owners are hopeful that a cutting edge procedure will help their dogs move around pain free.

"Hopefully can play ball like he likes to, which is all day long," said Elizabeth Mace, a pet owner.

Our cameras were there as Angus and Lilly made a little history at the Chase Farm Veterinary Hospital. They were the first pets to undergo a stem cell therapy in a much faster way.

"We've been waiting a good long time for this and I think it's fascinating," said Dr. Jean Pitcairn, a veterinarian.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Pets - 7News Boston WHDH-TV

Stem Cell Therapy

After many years of research, it now possible to provide affordable same-day stem cell therapy to dogs and cats suffering from a variety of degenerative diseases and injuries. With our Stemlogix in-clinic stem cell isolation process, our board certified veterinarians can extract fat tissue, isolate millions of regenerative stem cells and deliver them back to the patient all in about 90 minutesin just one office visit!

This quick turnaround maintains the highest cell viability and functionality which gives patients the best chance for clinical improvement. Stemlogix stem cell therapy can relieve pain, increase range of motion in joints and improve the quality of life in pets suffering from the following conditions:

Arthritis Joint pain Cartilage damage Tendon & ligament damage Hip dysplasia

Often your pet will have renewed energy and freedom of movement. Talk to your veterinarian about gradually reintroducing activity in order to prevent aggravating the condition.

Stem cells are delivered to an area of damaged tissue where they stimulate regeneration and aid in repair of the damaged tissue. In addition, the stem cells have the ability to differentiate into many different cell types such as tendon, bone, ligament and cartilage, which may further help in the repair of damaged tissue.

Your pet will undergo a simple surgical procedure to obtain a fat tissue sample either from the shoulder area or from the abdomen. The tissue sample will be processed in about an hour directly on-site at our state-of-the-art facility where highly viable & potent regenerative stem cells are obtained. The stem cells are then delivered back to your pet at the injury site and/or with an intravenous (IV) infusion.

The Stemlogix stem cells are derived from the animals own tissue and they can be injected in large concentrations in the area of injury. Because the injected cells are derived from the animals own tissue and are minimally manipulated there is almost no risk of rejection or reaction. The main goals of stem cell therapy are to provide long-term anti-inflammatory effects, slow the progression of cartilage degeneration and initiate healing of the damaged tissue. This provides pain relief within a few days to a few weeks after the injection with further improvement as healing progresses.

For more information, please visit http://www.stemlogix.com

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Stem Cell Therapy

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas doesnt produce enough insulin. Insulin is required for the body to efficiently use sugars, fats and proteins.

Diabetes most commonly occurs in middle age to older dogs and cats, but occasionally occurs in young animals. When diabetes occurs in young animals, it is often genetic and may occur in related animals. Diabetes mellitus occurs more commonly in female dogs and in male cats.

Certain conditions predispose a dog or cat to developing diabetes. Animals that are overweight or those with inflammation of the pancreas are predisposed to developing diabetes. Some drugs can interfere with insulin, leading to diabetes. Glucocorticoids, which are cortisone-type drugs, and hormones used for heat control are drugs that are most likely to cause diabetes. These are commonly used drugs and only a small percentage of animals receiving these drugs develop diabetes after long term use.

The body needs insulin to use sugar, fat and protein from the diet for energy. Without insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood and spills into the urine. Sugar in the urine causes the pet to pass large amounts of urine and to drink lots of water. Levels of sugar in the brain control appetite. Without insulin, the brain becomes sugar deprived and the animal is constantly hungry, yet they may lose weight due to improper use of nutrients from the diet. Untreated diabetic pets are more likely to develop infections and commonly get bladder, kidney, or skin infections. Diabetic dogs, and rarely cats, can develop cataracts in the eyes. Cataracts are caused by the accumulation of water in the lens and can lead to blindness. Fat accumulates in the liver of animals with diabetes. Less common signs of diabetes are weakness or abnormal gait due to nerve or muscle dysfunction. There are two major forms of diabetes in the dog and cat: 1) uncomplicated diabetes and 2) diabetes with ketoacidosis. Pets with uncomplicated diabetes may have the signs just described but are not extremely ill. Diabetic pets with ketoacidosis are very ill and may be vomiting and depressed.

The diagnosis of diabetes is made by finding a large increase in blood sugar and a large amount of sugar in the urine. Animals, especially cats, stressed by having a blood sample drawn, can have a temporary increase in blood sugar, but there is no sugar in the urine. A blood screen of other organs is obtained to look for changes in the liver, kidney and pancreas. A urine sample may be cultured to look for infection of the kidneys or bladder. Diabetic patients with ketoacidosis may have an elevation of waste products that are normally removed by the kidneys.

The treatment is different for patients with uncomplicated diabetes and those with ketoacidosis. Ketoacidotic diabetics are treated with intravenous fluids and rapid acting insulin. This treatment is continued until the pet is no longer vomiting and is eating, then the treatment is the same as for uncomplicated diabetes.

the inset picture shows the top of the insulin bottle

Diabetes is managed long term by the injection of insulin by the owner once or twice a day. Some diabetic cats can be treated with oral medications instead of insulin injections, but the oral medications are rarely effective in the dog. There are three general types of insulin used in dogs and cats:

In general, cats and small dogs need insulin injections more frequently, usually twice daily, compared to large breed dogs that may only require one dose of insulin daily. The action of insulin varies in each individual and some large dogs will need 2 insulin shots daily. The insulin needs of the individual animal are determined by collecting small amounts of blood for glucose (sugar) levels every 1-2 hours for 12-24 hours. This is called an insulin-glucose-response curve. When insulin treatment is first begun, it is often necessary to perform several insulin-glucose-response curves to determine:

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causes-the-pet | StemCell Therapy MD

Harness the Bodys Healing Power with Regenerative Cell Therapy!

More than 15 million dogs in North America suffer some form of degenerative joint disease, better known as arthritis. Unfortunately, many dog owners are unaware of the pain their pet is experiencing, thinking that the slow movement is due to the effects of old age.

Some dogs may receive daily doses of pain relievers and oral joint care supplements. Still others might find their way to physical therapy or rehabilitation. Some lucky pets even get ramps built in their homes, sparing them the need to climb the dreaded stairs! But for some, any or all of these options are not enough to relieve the pain. But a potentially helpful treatment is stem cell therapy. Stemlogix, a company focused on bringing regenerative medicine technology to veterinarians, has developed a therapy to treat arthritis and joint injuries in dogs using the pets own fat tissue!

Stem cells are precursor cells that have the potential to develop into a variety of specialized cell types. Most people may equate this technology with the controversial use of embryonic stem cells. But this new technology uses adult stem cells derived from the fat of the pet. Since they are the pets own cells, there is no ethical debate!

Scientific and anecdotal evidence have shown that these fat derived stem cells are quite helpful for arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries. Furthermore, no significant side effects have been reported. Stem cells appear to moderate the inflammatory response and actually create a healthier healing environment in the joint. Recently, a detailed study on the use of fat-derived stem cells in dogs showed that animals receiving the treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in lameness when compared to dogs in the control group. This news has excited scientists and pet owners alike and has many asking their veterinarians about the potential for a real world application.

Working with Stemlogix, Beach Pet Hospital is now able to produce innovate stem cell therapy in-house! Traditional methods required shipping the fat sample to a remote laboratory. There are many advantages to in-clinic stem cell production including much lower costs per procedure, its much easier logistically (only one office visit per patient as opposed to two), and the cell viability & potency are higher. Our veterinarians can harvest a small fat sample from the pet and Technicians then process the tissue to concentrate and purify the stem cells. The cells are returned to the veterinarian, ready to be injected into the pet just 1.5 hours after collection. All of this seems pretty miraculous and for some pets, the results are truly nothing short of a life-saving miracle.

Not all pets are considered good candidates for this therapy. Since anesthesia is involved in both the harvesting step and the reintroduction of the cells, this may not be ideal for patients at increased risk for anesthetics. Additionally, according to Stemlogix, any dog with serious systemic disease, such as cancer, might not benefit from these treatments. Arthritis can be painful and even debilitating in any dog. If you suspect your dog suffers from this disease, talk with your veterinarian about testing to confirm arthritis and then discuss the many treatment options. Veterinarians may recommend a multi-modal approach, combining appropriate medications, controlled exercise, weight loss, and environmental changes to make your pet's life easier. In some cases, new technology, like stem cell therapy, might be beneficial.

How Stem Cells Can Help with Arthritis

More than 20% of dogs in North America suffer from arthritis. This means that about 15 million of our canine companions have this painful disease

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Regenerative Cell Therapy Beach Pet Hospital 316 N. Great ...

What would you do if you knew a controversial treatment could use your cat's own body to heal itself? Would you take on the risk and expense, or would you opt for more traditional methods?

Some cat owners have taken the former road with the development of stem cell therapy. This newly popular technique puts aside traditional surgery and medication in favor of small injections of your pet's own cells. Used to treat conditions such as arthritis and ligament injuries, stem cell treatment (also known as regenerative medicine) is filled with potential as well as contention.

Regenerative medicine works around the principle that the bodies of organisms produce cells called stem cells. These cells are able to differentiate, or mature into a wide variety of other body cells depending on which tissues surround them. A stem cell can develop into muscle, nerves, bone, and other body tissues.

When a cat suffers from an injury, the stem cells surrounding the injury differentiate and begin healing the body. For example, stem cells might mature into ligament cells to repair an injury from running.

Living things contain two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are present in early-stage embryos and develop into organisms; and adult stem cells, which are present in the tissues of mature organisms. Adult stem cells do not harm the organism when removed and do not prevent further development in any way. It is these cells which are used in regenerative veterinary medicine.

During stem cell treatment, a trained veterinarian uses a small syringe to remove fatty tissue from an animal's abdomen or back. This tissue is then sent to a lab, where it is centrifuged (or spun) to isolate and extract the stem cells. The cells are returned and then injected back into the animal's body in the affected area. As the cells interact with damaged tissue, they mature into healthy cells which can repair damage or injury.

Because it requires no extensive surgery, regenerative therapy is accompanied by a much shorter recovery period and less pain for the animal. Some owners report seeing improvement in their pet's condition less than 36 hours after treatment. Surplus stem cells can be frozen for future injections, eliminating the need for repeat extractions. Veterinary stem cell treatment has been approved by the FDA for orthopedic problems in tendons and ligaments, as well as bone fractures and arthritis.

The ease and comfort of regenerative medicine doesn't come cheaply, however. A single cycle of treatment can cost between $2000 and $4000, and requires a knowledgeable veterinarian to perform the procedure. (Many veterinarians consider regenerative medicine to be an offshoot of alternative medicine, limiting the number of doctors certified to practice it.) According to Vet-Stem, the California-based leader in veterinary stem cell therapy, around 20% of owners see no improvement in their pet after treatment. That other 80%, however, have seen their beloved pets heal with a minimum of trauma and pain in exchange for taking a chance.

In just a few years, stem cell therapy has gone from a hot topic on news channels to an eagerly embraced therapy for canine illness. With the current trend in treatment comes the hope that some day soon a similar course of therapy will be approved for use in humans. Thousands of animals are living a happier and healthier life due to regenerative medicine, and the full possibilities of the technology still remain to be seen.

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Stem Cell Therapy in Cats: What You Need to Know - Page 1

02/14/2015 - Alternative treatments for pets a new business for veterinarians 02/12/2015 - A dog's torn ACL, mended by stem cells 02/12/2015 - Stem cells regenerative medicine vs. hip surgery in pets 06/13/2014 - Aratana Therapeutics licenses new stem cell therapy for arthritis in dogs 05/25/2014 - Veterinarian clinic offers alternative 02/28/2014 - PET HEALTH: ADVANCES IN VETERINARY MEDICINE 10/25/2013 - Nicollet County K-9 Update 10/14/2013 - Nicollet County canine cop to receive innovative stem cell treatment 10/05/2013 - Pet Stem Cells - Sarah's Success Story 07/03/2013 - Stem Cells: New Therapy for Old Diseases 06/27/2013 - Vet says stem cells brought about "amazing" turnaround for local dog 04/11/2013 - Veterinary Stem Cell Therapy - A New Way to Heal 11/09/2012 - Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy Covered by Pets Best Insurance! 07/01/2012 - Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy for Severe Muscle Tears 05/07/2012 - Adipose-derived stem cell collection and characterization in bottlenose dolphins 02/29/2012 - Time Magazine Article - Stem-Cell Therapy for Pets 12/30/2011 - Groundbreaking Veterinary Discoveries That Revolutionized 2011 11/17/2011 - Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy - The Horse Magazine 11/02/2011 - Partnering Science With a Panther 11/01/2011 - My Dog Sheba's Amazing Progress with Stem Cell Regeneration Therapy 11/01/2011 - AMC stem cell study to investigate intra-arterial injection for kidney disease 10/31/2011 - Dogs and Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia 10/03/2011 - What is stem cell therapy? 09/15/2011 - Panther From Tallahassee Museum Undergoes Groundbreaking Procedure 08/24/2011 - Stem cell treatment...on a dog! 06/01/2011 - Cottage Dog Magazine: Stem Cell Therapy for Dogs - Breakthrough treatment now available in Canada 05/27/2011 - Stem Cell Therapy Gives Dogs New Pep in Their Step. 05/12/2011 - Popular Science Magazine: Stem-Cell Therapy Works Wonders for Race Horses; Are Human Treatments Next? 03/16/2011 - CONFIRMATION OF VET-STEM EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO VETERINARY USE OF ADIPOSE STEM CELLS 02/14/2011 - He's part of the family 01/29/2011 - Texas Teen Makes Habit of Winning 09/27/2010 - Stem Cells are not Horseplay. From 09/12/2010 - Stem cell treatment puts Dasty back in the crime-fighting business 08/10/2010 - PeoplePets.com article about a Vet-Stem treated dog who is hunting again 08/05/2010 - Horse owner becomes major UC Davis donor based on experience with Vet-Stem 06/25/2010 - Newsweek article about Vet-Stem Sept 2007 03/18/2010 - Vet-Stem Announces Office of Naval Research Contract 01/26/2010 - Times Union - Stem cell treatments offer relief to arthritic animals 08/10/2009 - Ben Ealing, DVM has success treating dogs with stem cell therapy 05/29/2009 - Scott Hufnagle, DVM in the Philadelphia Business Journal 05/11/2009 - American Quarter Horse Racing Journal highlights Vet-Stem & Tendon Repair 03/24/2009 - Adam Gassel, DVM, DACVS & David Gordon, DVM in the OC Register 11/19/2008 - Lillian Rizzo, DVM, DACVS featured on ABC affiliate KPNX 11/08/2008 - Keith Bailey, DVM Releases a Vet-Stem Press Release 09/23/2008 - Holisitic Healthcare/Stem Cell Treatments for Dogs on thoughtsfurpaws.com 09/21/2008 - David Shuman, DVM helps a Bernese Mountain dog with Stem Cells 09/14/2008 - Dr. Bridget Bloom provides a 6 month update on Dasha Ogle 09/03/2008 - Tracy Lord, DVM Explains Stem Cell Therapy 09/02/2008 - Melanie Sumney, VMD featured in the New Castle News 08/30/2008 - Richard Bressman, DVM featured in Treasure Coast Palm 07/24/2008 - Robert Harman, DVM, MPVM, CEO of Vet-Stem hosts Caf San Diego 07/20/2008 - Timothy McCarthy, DVM, PhD, DACVS in Medical News Today 07/16/2008 - Jeff Peck, DVM recently featured in The Charleston Post & Courier 07/16/2008 - Maggie Mae & Jeff Peck, DVM profiled on Ivanhoe News 07/07/2008 - LA Times features Dr. Kathy Mitchener 06/18/2008 - UK newspaper, The Guardian, highlights Vet-Stem 06/16/2008 - Sam Szabo's update in the New York Post 05/28/2008 - DailyProgress.com features Dr. Richard Freedman 05/27/2008 - Dr. Richard Freedman on CBS affiliate WCAV 05/24/2008 - Dr. Tim McCarthy featured on About.com 05/21/2008 - Dr. Kathy Mitchener highlighted in The Memphis Daily News 05/20/2008 - Vet-Stem Therapy: Interview with Dr. Timothy McCarthy 05/16/2008 - Dr. James Schuessler featured in St. Louis West County Journal 05/11/2008 - Dr. Eric Hartelius & Dr. Bridget Bloom are featured in New York's Times Herald-Record 05/08/2008 - Dr. Jacek de Haan gives arthritic dog stem-cell therapy 05/06/2008 - Oregon Tribune features Dr. Michael Morrow & Vet-Stem 05/05/2008 - Dr. Tom Boekbinder believes stem cells are a safer alternative to joint replacement 05/03/2008 - Saving Your Pet's Life -Dr. Gaynor brings in patients from around the country 05/02/2008 - Doghealth1.com highlights Vet-Stem advancements! 04/30/2008 - 4 The Love of Animals features Vet-Stem 04/27/2008 - Dr. Pamela Schwartz featured in The New York Post 04/21/2008 - Stem-cell breakthroughs explained by Dr. Mike Anderson 04/17/2008 - Dr. Tracy Jenkins helps heal husky in Levelland, TX 04/16/2008 - About.com's guide to Veterinary Medicine 04/15/2008 - Levelland, Texas Dog Healed By Stem Cells 03/13/2008 - Stem cells ease pain of horses and dogs 02/13/2008 - Vet-Stem featured in USA Today 01/23/2008 - Dogs Get Stem Cell Therapy 01/21/2008 - Vet-Stem on Martha Stewart Radio!! 01/09/2008 - Vet-Stem on Nightline News! 01/07/2008 - Orange County Register Article on Vet-Stem 11/30/2007 - Greg's Gold Running in the Vernon O. Underwood Stakes 11/11/2007 - Treating animals without steroids 10/18/2007 - The skinny on fat as a medical therapy 10/17/2007 - Vet-Stem featured in The Oregonian 10/08/2007 - Dr. Bob Harman featured guest speaker on Martha Stewart Living Radio 10/03/2007 - Vet-Stem treats Police Dog 09/13/2007 - Help for Hounds 08/29/2007 - Vet-Stem Featured on ABC News 08/22/2007 - Vet-Stem Credentialed User Course in San Francisco! 07/24/2007 - Vet-Stem Credentialed User Course 05/12/2007 - Vet-Stem Regenerative Stem Cell Medicine Is Now Available for Dogs! 02/07/2007 - Vet-Stem CEO to Give Key Lecture at World Stem Cell Congress

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News: Vet-Stem Cell Therapy