No matter your belief, we all know that the human race has played a major role in creating some of the diversity we see in our canine companions.  From working dogs like the Border Collie to our Rottweiler protectors, with Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus in between, there is seemingly no end to the list of dog breeds in the world today. 

Because of this rich history in the decades of progression into our present day dog breeds, National Geographic is doing a two-hour special on the evolution of dogs over the ages called “And Man Created Dog,” airing Sept 8.  Read the rest of this entry »

I have posted a lot recently about the benefits that older dogs receive from Vet-Stem cell therapy, so now I’d like to share an actual case with you. Maggie was adopted from a shelter at five months old. A Doberman mix, Maggie was an extremely active girl who reveled in long walks and car trips to new places with her mom and her dog-buddy Hopey. Read the rest of this entry »

It is easy to rely on diagnostic tools like the x-ray as the whole story when evaluating a dog with arthritis.  But x-rays are only part of a complete examination and often the x-rays do not really tell the whole story.  Arthritis in dogs is a serious and complicated disease that can be caused by many factors.  Hip dysplasia is a conformational problem with the shape of the hip bones and a shallow “socket” for the ball and socket joint.  This can be seen on x-rays and helps a veterinarian determine if the hip shape is causing abnormal wear and tear on the joint surfaces. Read the rest of this entry »

Chronic arthritis can be very debilitating and painful.  The story of Ruggles, a Deutsch Drahthaar (a rough-haired pointer dog) illustrates the common dilemma for an owner in deciding whether to subject their buddy to a lifetime of pain drugs or a new procedure.  I present here the complete story of Ruggles as told by her owner, Byron Dashnaw, so you can get the complete picture. Read the rest of this entry »

If you read my two preceding posts, you know that Vet-Stem Cell Therapy can improve your older dog’s quality of life, even if his arthritis has reached an advanced stage. So now you may be asking whether your older dog will need to be re-treated at some time in the future after getting stem cell therapy.  Read the rest of this entry »

In my previous post, I discussed the fact that many of our patients are older dogs, and that the vast majority of owners who completed voluntary surveys considered their pets’ quality of life to have been improved following Vet-Stem Cell Therapy. Now that you know older dogs have been treated successfully, you may wonder whether your dog’s arthritis may be too advanced to see such gains. According to the veterinarians treating these older dogs, 76% of them were considered to be arthritic to a severe or “last resort” degree.  So even with advanced or severe arthritis, older dogs often benefit by undergoing stem cell therapy. Again, to see the survey results, click here: Osteoarthritis and the Older Dog. Read the rest of this entry »

Dr. Kent Leach at UC Davis has just release some ground-breaking research findings that stem cells from fat, when administered with a new bio-scaffolding, can help repair bone injury and damage.  Read the rest of this entry »

As they age, many dogs lose that spring in their step. Sometimes it’s a gradual decline, and other times it seems like one day the dog who always leapt into the car before the door was even all the way open suddenly needs a boost to get in. One of the most common questions we are asked by owners is whether their dog might be too old for treatment.   Read the rest of this entry »

Meet Tango (right), a 9-year old Beagle with severe arthritis who, we are happy to report, is doing great 9 months after stem cell therapy changed his life.  Flutter, his English Setter buddy, is glad to have him back.

“In his 9^th year, Tango’s arthritis had progressed to the point where he could barely walk.  Multiple tests, x-rays, and alternative therapies had no effect, and pain medications were barely keeping him mobile.  Sadly, I could see his days winding down dramatically. Read the rest of this entry »

Recognizing the signs of aging is important if we want our pets to have a good quality of life in their golden years.

A visit to the vet may be needed if you notice any of the following in order to know if your dog is aging normally or if there are things you can do to help them:

•   Change in energy level, gets tired more easily, not as playful

•   Personality change- more grumpy towards dogs and or humans Read the rest of this entry »