VetStem stem cells are derived from fat cells! The fat is collected from behind the shoulder blade in dogs during a minor surgical procedure. The fat is sent to VetStem and stem cells that will produce and regenerate joint cartilage are extracted from the fat. The stem cells are then delivered to LVSES 2 days later where they are injected in the affected joints under mild sedation. The x-ray on the right is Dr. Tom Day's dog, Lucy, who is three years old and has hip dysplasia. The hip dysplasia has not caused arthritis, yet, and Lucy will likely be a candidate for VetStem therapy in a few years.

VetStem stem cell therapy is most commonly used for arthritis of the hip or knee joints. A common cause of arthritis in the knee joint of dogs is damage to the cruciate ligament. Cruciate ligament surgery is the most common orthopedic surgery in dogs. Some dogs develop arthritis in the knee joint years after surgery.