Tucker, a Labrador retriever, was treated for osteoarthritis in his hips and elbows with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy by Dr. Glenn Behan of Barnegat Animal Clinic.
POWAY, CALIF. (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Tucker, a Labrador retriever, was just a puppy when he began to show symptoms of osteoarthritis. At only four months old, Tucker was limping and lame on his right hip and elbow. At one year of age, Tucker was diagnosed with bilateral hip and elbow dysplasia and it was called “the worst case the vet had seen.” He was prescribed pain medications, both oral and injectable, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). He continued his medications and limited physical activity for approximately four years at which time his owners were introduced to VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy.
Tucker’s veterinarian, Dr. Glenn Behan of Barnegat Animal Clinic has been providing VetStem Cell Therapy since 2010. In January 2019, he collected fat from Tucker’s thoracic wall and sent it to the VetStem laboratory in Poway, California. Once received, VetStem lab technicians processed the fat to extract Tucker’s stem and regenerative cells and created injectable stem cell doses. Tucker’s stem cell injections were sent back to Dr. Behan and approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection, Tucker received one injection into each hip and each elbow.
Despite his pain, Tucker was always a happy Lab. Approximately one month after stem cell therapy, his owners noticed that he was feeling even better. His energy level was up, he could get up and down with more ease, and stairs were easier to climb. After approximately six weeks, Tucker could walk further distances and his limp subsided. His owner stated, “He was able to actually run on the beach and through the surf for the first time without pain. There was almost a hop in his step which we had never seen before. Now, months post-surgery, Tucker’s physical abilities can finally keep up with his bright and energetic personality. Our family could not be more pleased with the results of this therapy.” In a 90-day follow up survey, Tucker’s owner reported that he was able to discontinue his pain and anti-inflammatory medication and his quality of life was significantly improved.
Now, over seven months since he received VetStem Cell Therapy, Tucker continues to do great. With his increased activity, he’s lost ten pounds and is getting around so much better. He continues to go on walks, up and down stairs and even jumps on the bed, which he could not do before. He’s also playing a lot more with his little brother. He still does not require pain or anti-inflammatory medication and his owners remain very pleased with his results.
Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types, reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament and joint tissues. In a peer-reviewed study of dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the hip, it was found that stem cells reduced lameness and pain.
About Glenn Behan, DVM
Dr. Glenn Behan received his DVM from the University of Illinois in 2004. He enjoys all aspects of canine and feline medicine, surgery and dentistry. He became credentialed to perform VetStem Cell Therapy in 2010 and has treated several of his own dogs with stem cells.
About VetStem Biopharma, Inc.
VetStem Biopharma is a veterinarian-led Company that was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the profession. This privately held biopharmaceutical enterprise, based near San Diego, California, currently offers veterinarians an autologous stem cell processing service (from patients’ own fat tissue) among other regenerative modalities. With a unique expertise acquired over the past 15 years and 17,000 treatments by veterinarians for joint, tendon or ligament issues, VetStem has made regenerative medicine applications a therapeutic reality. The VetStem team is focused on developing new clinically practical and affordable veterinary solutions that leverage the natural restorative abilities present in all living creatures. In addition to its own portfolio of patents, VetStem holds exclusive global veterinary licenses to a large portfolio of issued patents in the field of regenerative medicine.
Tucker on the beach
He was able to actually run on the beach and through the surf for the first time without pain.
