Stem Cell Therapy FAQs

No, the stem cells we use do not come from embryos. We harvest the stem cells from fat deposits. Fat is very rich in stem cells, and unlike embryonic stem cells, these stems cells are the from the body’s storage of stem cells intended for tissue repair. Embryonic stem cells are different, they are intended to form a whole animal and as such they are unpredictable and can form tumors.

To obtain the stem cells, we surgically remove a small sample of fat tissue to send to the lab for processing. We generally remove this tissue from the area just behind the shoulder blade.

When the prepared stem cells are injected into the target tissue, the stem cells are able to communicate with other cells in the local environment to initiate healing and regeneration. The stem cells limit inflammatory responses and promote anti-inflammatory pathways.

They secrete bioactive compounds that support angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), tissue remodeling, differentiation (development of specific cell types needed for repair), and inhibit cell death.

When injected intravenously, these cells will home in and target the specific areas of injury.

It is very important to realize that regenerative medicine does not replace the need for surgery. For example, a patient with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is best treated with surgery to stabilize the knee. Stem cells will not repair a completely torn cruciate ligament.

Stem cell therapy is ideal for cases of osteoarthritis, tendonitis, muscular tears.

The first step involves collection of the adipose (fat) tissue. This is a surgical procedure.

The tissue is then sent to the VetStem lab via overnight delivery, the cells are prepared in their lab and shipped back to us via overnight delivery.

The patient is then anesthetized again and the prepared cells are injected into the target site. Some cases may also have an intravenous infusion of cells.

Beneficial effects for conditions such as osteoarthritis generally last 1-4 years. 2/3 of dogs will go 1 year before needing another treatment.

In cases of tendon or muscular injury, healing is generally complete. However, with tendons, the strength of the healed tendon will never be 100%. Bones generally will heal with full recovery of their original strength.

Fortunately, side effects are rare. Generally, the side effect that may be seen in dogs is injection site soreness but is typically short-lived. Cats can potentially have adverse reactions and as such are generally pre-treated with medication to avoid this.

Stem cell therapy is not ideal for all cases. In addition to the condition being treated, the presence of other underlying diseases must be taken into consideration.

Ideal Case:

  • Clearly defined disease with clinical symptoms.
  • Non-surgical case or a case where surgery alone has a guarded prognosis.
  • No major systemic diseases are present.
  • No major spinal disease is present.
Realistic expectations. 75% of dogs will have a positive outcome that you will observe by 60 days. 80% have a positive outcome that you will observe by 90 days. Treatment will not result in a senior dog acting like a puppy, but should greatly improve their comfort and quality of life.

Less than ideal case:

  • Poorly defined disease.
  • Spondylosis.
  • Unstable joints.
  • Loose cartilage fragments in a joint.
  • Systemic illness present (such as Cushing’s disease)
  • Expectations too high.
  • Contraindications (Cases that cannot have stem cell therapy):
  • Patients with active cancer.
  • Presence of infection.
  • Not acceptable candidate for anesthesia.

Not at all. VetStem will store (bank) samples for up to a year at no charge. After one year, they will contact you to enter into a storage agreement which costs about $150 per year. Additional cells can be retrieved and cultured when needed. There is an additional fee for this service along with shipping fees. Details regarding are provided at the time of the initial consultation for the service.

We can provide you with a detailed Treatment Plan for the cost of treatment, including the initial adipose collection and subsequent injection. This may vary with different conditions, hence we can provide a Treatment Plan once we have examined your pet.

Please note that a specific diagnosis is needed for treatment. This may require additional diagnostic testing which can be discussed when we see your pet.

Stem Cell Therapy FAQs

No, the stem cells we use do not come from embryos. We harvest the stem cells from fat deposits. Fat is very rich in stem cells, and unlike embryonic stem cells, these stems cells are the from the body’s storage of stem cells intended for tissue repair. Embryonic stem cells are different, they are intended to form a whole animal and as such they are unpredictable and can form tumors.

To obtain the stem cells, we surgically remove a small sample of fat tissue to send to the lab for processing. We generally remove this tissue from the area just behind the shoulder blade.

When the prepared stem cells are injected into the target tissue, the stem cells are able to communicate with other cells in the local environment to initiate healing and regeneration. The stem cells limit inflammatory responses and promote anti-inflammatory pathways.

They secrete bioactive compounds that support angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), tissue remodeling, differentiation (development of specific cell types needed for repair), and inhibit cell death.

When injected intravenously, these cells will home in and target the specific areas of injury.

It is very important to realize that regenerative medicine does not replace the need for surgery. For example, a patient with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is best treated with surgery to stabilize the knee. Stem cells will not repair a completely torn cruciate ligament.

Stem cell therapy is ideal for cases of osteoarthritis, tendonitis, muscular tears.

The first step involves collection of the adipose (fat) tissue. This is a surgical procedure.

The tissue is then sent to the VetStem lab via overnight delivery, the cells are prepared in their lab and shipped back to us via overnight delivery.

The patient is then anesthetized again and the prepared cells are injected into the target site. Some cases may also have an intravenous infusion of cells.

Beneficial effects for conditions such as osteoarthritis generally last 1-4 years. 2/3 of dogs will go 1 year before needing another treatment.

In cases of tendon or muscular injury, healing is generally complete. However, with tendons, the strength of the healed tendon will never be 100%. Bones generally will heal with full recovery of their original strength.

Fortunately, side effects are rare. Generally, the side effect that may be seen in dogs is injection site soreness but is typically short-lived. Cats can potentially have adverse reactions and as such are generally pre-treated with medication to avoid this.

Stem cell therapy is not ideal for all cases. In addition to the condition being treated, the presence of other underlying diseases must be taken into consideration.

Ideal Case:

  • Clearly defined disease with clinical symptoms.
  • Non-surgical case or a case where surgery alone has a guarded prognosis.
  • No major systemic diseases are present.
  • No major spinal disease is present.
Realistic expectations. 75% of dogs will have a positive outcome that you will observe by 60 days. 80% have a positive outcome that you will observe by 90 days. Treatment will not result in a senior dog acting like a puppy, but should greatly improve their comfort and quality of life.

Less than ideal case:

  • Poorly defined disease.
  • Spondylosis.
  • Unstable joints.
  • Loose cartilage fragments in a joint.
  • Systemic illness present (such as Cushing’s disease)
  • Expectations too high.
  • Contraindications (Cases that cannot have stem cell therapy):
  • Patients with active cancer.
  • Presence of infection.
  • Not acceptable candidate for anesthesia.

Not at all. VetStem will store (bank) samples for up to a year at no charge. After one year, they will contact you to enter into a storage agreement which costs about $150 per year. Additional cells can be retrieved and cultured when needed. There is an additional fee for this service along with shipping fees. Details regarding are provided at the time of the initial consultation for the service.

We can provide you with a detailed Treatment Plan for the cost of treatment, including the initial adipose collection and subsequent injection. This may vary with different conditions, hence we can provide a Treatment Plan once we have examined your pet.

Please note that a specific diagnosis is needed for treatment. This may require additional diagnostic testing which can be discussed when we see your pet.