Stem cells are powerful healing cells in the body that can transform into other types of cells. They are the building blocks of the body tissues.
Stem cells are actually cells that haven’t yet changed into a particular type of cell. These stem cells are known as undifferentiated cells for this reason. Once they become a particular type of cell (for example bone or cartilage), they are known as differentiated cells.
Stem cell therapy allows us to isolate stem cells from a dog’s own fat tissue, grow and activate them, and inject them directly into damaged areas.
For example in the case of a dog who has arthritis, stem cells can help repair damaged tissue inside the joint thus reducing pain and increasing mobility.
Here’s an overview of the stem cell therapy process at Stem Cell Vet.
The treatment is a simple, minimally invasive 2-stage process.
The procedure is carried out as an outpatient – patients do not need an overnight stay with us. We usually require two visits in total, four to six weeks apart.
We start by taking some blood tests for anaesthetic safety.
Once we are happy with these, we administer a short general anaesthetic. Typically this lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
We then harvest 10 grams of fat from a site just inside the tummy. (Watch Dr Halperin explain this process here).
After the fat harvest for stem cell retrieval, your dog is woken from the anaesthetic. Any stitches we use are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
Platelet Rich Plasma and joint fluid replacement injections are usually administered at the same time as the fat harvest.
The fat we have retrieved from your dog’s tummy is treated in our lab to isolate, concentrate, grow and activate the stem cells, in the millions. This typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Once we have grown healthy stem cells, we organise a second appointment for you. During this appointment, a short anaesthetic is given and we inject the stem cells directly into the affected joints.
Stem cells start to work in the body immediately and we expect to see an improvement within 12 weeks though we commonly see improvement in pain reduction and mobility much sooner.
We have a strict follow up policy so we keep in constant detailed communication with you about your dog’s progress, mobility and happiness.
At Stem Cell Vet we take a multi-modal approach with each individual dog in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
To optimise the joint for repair and mobility acceleration, we have developed our own triple therapy method which is unique to our clinic and directly contributes to our high success rates.
To enhance efficacy of treatment stem cell therapy includes platelet rich plasma therapy and joint fluid replacement injections.
These powerful combined therapies put the affected joint(s) in the best possible place for repair. The stem cells, when implanted, then have the ability to start the regenerative process immediately.
judy Greggor22/04/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super people, very professional. Cathryn Hawkins16/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 11 year old Patterdale cross, Speedy, saw Steve at the Stem Cell Vet in October. Although still very energetic, Speedy had a bad limp and an enlarged foot. Our own vet had previously diagnosed osteoarthritis and septic arthritis.They had suggested Librella as the next step in his treatment which I was not keen on. After a thorough consultation, examination and X-rays, Steve suspected that Speedy had immune mediated polyarthritis rather than osteoarthritis. While Speedy was still under anaesthetic, Steve rang me to say that stem cell therapy was not appropriate for the immune condition. He recommended continuing with the platelet rich plasma injections and taking joint fluid samples to test conclusively for the IMPA. We collected Speedy late evening and spent a very comfortable night at the @The Chapel hotel, organised by and directly opposite the vet practice. When the fluid tests came back they confirmed IMPA. Steve then prescribed a 2 week immune suppressant dose of steroids to arrest the progress of the arthritis along with a change to Speedy's anti inflammatories. Speedy was much improved quite quickly and we then gradually reduced the steroids to a low daily maintenance dose together with gabapentin, paracetamol and the 3 BBounce supplements. So far (4 months) Speedy has continued to do well. He is limping much less and continues to be his happy, bonkers self. The aftercare from Steve and the practice has been excellent. As I live 170 miles away, this has all been by telephone. I have been very impressed by the service provided. Trevor Frasle31/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Boris my springer spaniel had stem cell treatments in January 2024 he has been on bounce ever since. The treatments have been successful Boris is like a puppy he’s 9 this year we didn’t think he’d make it because of his pain thank you all at stem cell vets our springer has his spring back he’s so good i can’t thank you enough no mere pain. My other two dogs share his bounce one is 11 and she’s like a pup. I strongly recommend going to these wonderful people and letting your dog have this opportunity to live pain free Phil Antino13/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In October 2024 I took benson my 8 & 1/2 year old Labrador to stem cell for treatment Bensons health improved immensely and then following the second stage when the stem Cells were injected in early December We were advised that we would not see any improvement for 3 to 6 months We have seen an unbelievable improvement so far I Highly recommend this Treatment and this vet practice they’ve been excellent for constant communications checking up on Benson with phone calls videos et cetera If your dog has problems/difficulties with movements, you need to look at this treatment seriously it’s been a game changer. Benson is there like a two year old puppy? Thank you, Stem Cell Philippa Robinson06/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stem Cell vets have been amazing. We had a young dog in constant pain and fed up. He’s now drug free and significantly less reactive, loving life. His limp has gone and is much happier - and so are we! We couldn’t be more grateful and all the staff have been super helpful. It’s taken a while from initial consultation to get here but well worth it for however long it lasts. Thank you, you given Bailey his life back. Diane Symonds04/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our 4 year old was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. We opted to try stem cell treatment to help with pain management. It’s only been 3 months since our stem cell treatment and the difference that it has made/is making is amazing. Roxy is happier, her movement is improving (it’s never going to be perfect), she isn’t as tense. The biggest difference I have seen is with her behaviour. She is less reactive and she is much more playful. She also settles easier at home in the evenings. The team at Stemcell vet are fabulous and made the process as stress free as possible for us. Vet visits are stressful for Roxy and she struggles with people in small spaces. Our appointments were set up to allow us to have the time and space and the team listened to what we needed and showed nothing but care and compassion. I can highly recommend Stemcell therapy and the team at Stemcell vet and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. susan may21/12/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My boy was only 5years 5 months old when diagnosed with hip dysphasia and double front knee osteoarthritis. He was a very active border collie. We used to be out in the early mornings 2hours walks and running, loved I mean loved chasing a ball, everything was ball, playing with his best friend since he was 6 months. In November 2023 he was keep getting lame, got told to rest only led walk, he kept dropping as he walked. Was definitely in pain. Went back and forth to the vet. Got X-ray on all four limbs in February 2024 as he was losing muscle in his back leg and stiffing up. Diagnosis came back as hip dysphasia and double front knee osteoarthritis which was devastating for a younger dog. The vet put him on oral pain killers but didnot work for long and also not good for the stomach. Put him on pain injections for every month but they won't last the month. So upsetting knowing he was still in pain and also fed up not understanding that couldn't walk for long or get excited. Then came he'll need a double hip operation and double knee. His poor legs won't last, his front legs won't carry his back, his back legs won't carry his front while waiting for recovery after ops. Then I strolled the internet and came along StemCell vet. Did research, wrote a email on there site and got a phone call the next day with a lovely friendly calming lady called Megan. My vet sent Keegan's history to see if he was compatible for treatment. Within 4 days we are going from Hertfordshire to Somerset Bruton for the day too check Keegan out, have a very easy small surgery to get his own stem cell to grow, Tim the surgeon and the nurse's looked after him throughout from start to finish and there after. The first procedure is a full day appointment. Waited 4-5 weeks for the cells to grow call back massive excitement, ready to go back. Have a checkup and then ready for the procedure injections into all four legs about 4 hours later ready to go home walking little groggy, little sore but walking. This started in June 2024 first procedure, the main procedure in July. Slowly slowly gentle walks and medication which is apart of the treatment. His enthusiasm is a lot happier, stiffness in the legs are starting to ease. Building muscle back in back legs no more pain killers for five weeks it's December 2024 now and seeing huge improvement from 10 mins walk a day, not seeing his friends and stayed on lead. Walking up and down steep hills, walking in the woods without lead, chasing the odd fox and best of all staying with his pal. He won't be able to chase a ball, but he's happy I'm happy he's out and about. StemCell team are with him all the way they have been fantastic, still in touch checking up, I send videos of him every month. I'm glad I made that first call the best decision for Keegan, best team lovely friendly warm. Go with your gut, this is the best for Keegan, he's not back to normal but 100% better than he was this time last year. Something my vet didn't suggest only four massive ops. Stem cell Bruton in Somerset and team are the best. Stem cell is the way for Arthritic pets (animals)but definitely get it done by the best and the team that deal with it everyday. Thank you Tim and the whole team a Bruton Somerset Oliver Morris18/12/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant and insurance approved for most policies.Load more