Press Releases

VetStem Biopharma Shares the Success Story of Harper who was Treated with VetStem Cell Therapy by Dr. Christopher Eich

Harper, a Newfoundland, had her arthritic elbows treated with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy by Dr. Christopher Eich of Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital.

2019-06-04 --

Harper was three years old when her owners took her to the veterinarian because she was limping. X-rays revealed severe elbow dysplasia, which caused painful osteoarthritis in the joints. She was referred to a veterinary specialist to perform “salvage surgery” on her elbows. Her parents were heartbroken.

The surgical specialist, Dr. Christopher Eich of Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital, examined Harper and recommended VetStem Cell Therapy as an alternative to elbow surgery. Her owners agreed and Dr. Eich moved forward with the process. In a minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Eich collected fat from Harper’s abdomen and shipped it overnight to the VetStem laboratory in Poway, California. Once received, VetStem technicians processed the fat to extract the stem cells and create injectable doses of Harper’s own stem and regenerative cells. Two injections were shipped back to Dr. Eich for injection approximately 48 hours after the fat collection. Harper received an injection into each elbow joint.

Harper’s owners reported that within a few days, she was up and walking around. Approximately three months after her stem cell treatment, Harper was taking daily walks and was able to run in the grass and on the beach.

Now, approximately seven months after stem cell therapy, Harper is still doing great. Her owner, James, stated, “Dr. Eich (and his team) at SCVSH did a wonderful job, and we cannot say enough great things about him and the procedure! She now goes for daily short walks and has lost 15 pounds since the surgery (due to her immobility before the surgery).” According to James, Harper is staying active with her new brother, a Newfoundland named Bodhi. Happy with Harper’s progress, James stated, “It is just so wonderful that there is this option for our furry ones, and we would definitely recommend it!”

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 elbow, it was found that stem cells reduced lameness and pain.

About Christopher Eich, DVM, DACVS
Dr. Christopher Eich received his DVM from the University of Florida in 1992. He went on to complete a surgical internship and residency at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, after which he became a board-certified veterinary surgeon. He has been with Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital since 2001. Dr. Eich has been utilizing VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy for over ten years and has provided VetStem services for nearly 50 patients.