VetStem stem cell therapy helps Cane Corso recover from knee injuries

A Cane Corso named Vader stayed active after surgery and VetStem Cell Therapy for cruciate ligament injuries in both knees. The case highlights how stem cell treatment is being used alongside orthopedic repair to support healing and may help dogs avoid repeat surgery and arthritis.

Why it matters: - Cruciate ligament injuries are a leading cause of hind leg pain, lameness and knee arthritis in dogs. - Dogs that tear one cruciate ligament face a higher risk of damaging the other knee, which can lead to another surgery. - VetStem Cell Therapy is being used with surgery to support healing and improve mobility in orthopedic cases.

What happened: - Vader, a 115-pound Cane Corso, tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee while chasing a ball. - Dr. David Shuman of Westside Animal Hospital also found a partial tear in Vader’s right knee during the exam. - Dr. Shuman recommended surgery on the left knee plus VetStem Cell Therapy to protect the right knee and improve Vader’s quality of life. - Vader later received an additional three stem cell treatments, once a year, using banked cells.

The details: - The American College of Veterinary Surgeons says 40% to 60% of dogs that injure one cruciate ligament eventually injure the ligament in the opposite knee. - Surgery can stabilize the joint, but it does not fully restore normal anatomy or prevent arthritis. - Dr. Shuman collected fat tissue from Vader’s abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. - VetStem processed the tissue to isolate and concentrate Vader’s stem and regenerative cells. - VetStem prepared three doses for injection into both knees and one intravenous injection. - VetStem cryopreserved the remaining cells so Vader could receive future treatments without another fat collection procedure. - VetStem says it has used stem cell therapy successfully in thousands of animals for orthopedic conditions. - The company says stem cells can reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and support repair of damaged tendon, ligament and joint tissues. - The company says stem cell treatment alongside surgery may accelerate healing, reduce scar tissue formation and potentially slow arthritis progression. - VetStem was formed in 2002 and is based near San Diego, California. - The company offers autologous stem cell processing from patients’ own fat tissue and other regenerative modalities. - VetStem says it holds patents and exclusive global veterinary licenses in regenerative medicine.

Between the lines: - Vader’s case reflects a broader veterinary strategy: use regenerative medicine to support a repaired joint and try to protect the opposite knee before a second rupture happens. - The owner’s report that Vader is running and jumping normally suggests the treatment may be improving function, but that remains a single-case outcome. - The use of banked stem cells points to a practical advantage for repeat care because it avoids another tissue collection procedure.

What's next: - Vader will likely continue periodic monitoring for signs of injury or arthritis in either knee. - VetStem is positioning its stem cell service as a long-term option for veterinarians treating joint, tendon and ligament problems. - More information is available at VetStem.com.