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VetStem Biopharma is Pleased to Share the Success Story of Bogey Who Was Treated with VetStem Cell Therapy by Dr. Ava DeCozio

Bogey, a Labrador retriever, had both cruciate ligaments and an arthritic hip treated with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy by Dr. Ava DeCozio of VCA Apache Junction Animal Hospital.

2019-03-19 --

Bogey was nine years old when he injured both of his cruciate ligaments. On top of that, Bogey has advanced arthritis in his left hip. These ailments caused Bogey to experience problems with his mobility. According to his owners, he could barely walk and required assistance getting into vehicles, up stairs, and onto his special spot on the couch.

His owners, devastated at the sight of Bogey in so much pain and the possibility that they might lose him, sought the opinion of veterinarian Dr. Eva DeCozio of VCA Apache Junction Animal Hospital. Fortunately, Dr. DeCozio recommended treatment with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy. In July of 2018, Bogey had fat collected from beneath his skin in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The fat was packaged in a temperature-controlled shipping container and shipped overnight to the VetStem laboratory in San Diego, California. Once received, VetStem lab technicians aseptically processed the fat to extract Bogey’s stem cells and create injectable doses of his own stem and regenerative cells. These injections were shipped back to Dr. DeCozio who received and injected them within 48 hours of the initial fat collection. Bogey received one injection into each knee along with one injection into his left hip and one intravenous injection. All remaining stem cells were stored in Bogey’s stem cell bank for potential future use.

During the first month after Bogey’s stem cell therapy, he still required assistance moving around. Slowly, he began to do more and more on his own. By the third month following stem cell therapy, he was back to taking his regular walks. According to his owners, his energy level and personality was also back to normal. His mom stated, “I'm relieved to say that the therapy has him back to his original self. I love having my walking buddy back.” Now, over eight months after Bogey’s stem cell treatment, he continues to do well. According to his owner, though he is slowing down in his older age, he still takes his daily walks to the park.

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.