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Labrador Retriever Gets Back to Playing Fetch After Receiving VetStem Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy

Stuart, a Labrador retriever, was successfully treated with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy for soft tissue injuries affecting his carpus (wrist) and shoulder by Dr. Cindy Echevarria of VCA University Animal Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

2018-10-02 --

Stuart is a fun-loving eight-year-old Labrador retriever. Like many labs, Stuart’s favorite thing in the world is to play fetch. According to his owner, Cynthia, “He loves playing ball so much that whenever anyone comes to our door, he grabs a toy to greet them, just in case they might want to play a game of fetch.” In early 2017, Stuart began limping and eventually could no longer play fetch. Though he was still a happy dog, it was clear that he was in pain.

Cynthia took Stuart to see her veterinarian, Dr. Echevarria of VCA University Animal Hospital in Dallas, Texas. After examination and x-rays, Stuart was diagnosed with soft tissue injuries affecting his carpus (wrist) and shoulder. After trying several traditional therapies including a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and other oral and injectable pain medications, Dr. Echevarria recommended treatment with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy. She gave Stuart’s owners some information on the treatment and after much research and deliberation, they decided to move forward with stem cell therapy.

In July 2017, Stuart underwent a minimally invasive procedure in which fat tissue was collected from his abdomen. The tissue was aseptically packaged and sent to the VetStem laboratory in Poway, California. VetStem lab technicians processed the fat to concentrate and extract the stem cells and created injectable doses of Stuart’s own stem and regenerative cells. After quality checks were performed, the doses were shipped back to Dr. Echevarria who received and injected them approximately 48 hours after the initial fat collection. Stuart received injections into his carpus and shoulder as well as intravenously.

Cynthia reported that approximately one week after his stem cell injections, Stuart was almost a completely different dog. She stated, “He felt better and had spring in his step. Actually, the toughest part of the process is trying to keep him from jumping and playing during the healing time. Stu felt so much better, he was almost like a puppy! It was truly amazing!” Perhaps best of all, Cynthia reported that Stuart was able to get back to what he loved the most: playing fetch. She said, “We are so grateful that Dr. E educated us about stem cell therapy. It does work! I have a dog that would happily play fetch with you to prove it!”

Now, well over a year after the procedure, Cynthia reports that Stuart is still doing great. He can run and play without limping or being in pain. And of course, he is still playing fetch. Cynthia stated, “Stem cell therapy was really a blessing for Stu. It added years to his life.”

Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types; they have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament and joint tissues.

About Cindy Echevarria, DVM
Dr. Echevarria received her DVM from Ross University, with her clinical year at Purdue University. She then returned to the NY/NJ area to start her first position at a day/emergency practice for about a year prior to moving to Dallas in 2008. She has been practicing in the Dallas-Forth Worth area since then. She also works at an emergency clinic on the weekend. Dr. Echevarria has been VetStem Credentialed since 2015.