Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital performed an in-house adult stem cell extraction on Friday, October 21, 2011. Bees Ferry is one of the first veterinarians to perform this procedure in the Charleston area. The stem cells are extracted from fat cells that are surgically removed from the animals. After processing, the cells are injected into the the affected joints. To find out more how adult stem cell therapy can help your pet, click here. You can also see how veterinary stem cell therapy can change your pets life. Click on image to see a larger version

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cells are the body’s repair cells.  They have the ability to divide and differentiate into many different types of cells based on where they are needed throughout the body.  Stem cells can divide and turn into tissues such as skin, fat, muscle, bone, cartilage, and nerve to name a few.  They even possess the ability to replicate into organs such as the heart, liver, intestines, pancreas, etc.

So what can BFVH do with the stem cells?

Adult stem cells are capable of dividing into many different cell types.  With this capability, we can use them as a treatment for joint injuries, ligament and tendon damage, and fractured bones.  Research and clinical trials currently support the use of stem cells in these conditions.  Ongoing research is targeting other areas of the body for treatment and the preliminary results are very encouraging.

So what makes BFVH's technology better?

We use MediVet America, the worlds leading animal stem cell research company.  Their patented LED technology incorporates Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – the same treatment used by many sports professionals. MediVet America is able to acquire the most living stem cells of any company currently offering this technology.  If your beloved pet is going to have to endure the surgical procedure, we want to make sure they are going to get the most out of it!  MediVet America also offers Cryobanking, where you can store extra cells from the procedure for future use. Visit MediVet America's website for more information

So how will the procedure work?

The first day of the procedure, BFVH will anesthetize your pet.  We will surgically remove a couple tablespoons of fat.  This is a quick and simple procedure that is generally easier than performing a spay.  We will then send the fat out to a laboratory that will extract the stem cells.   After the stem cells have been collected and returned to us, your pet will generally be sedated and the stem cells will be administered into the affected joints and/or into the bloodstream.  It is important that you do not feed your pet the night before the procedure.

When will I see results?

We expect you to see results!  While we know every animal is different and there are no guarantees, we have seen positive clinical improvement in 95% of the arthritic cases performed nationwide.  Some owners have even reported seeing a difference in as little as a week!  While quick results are possible, we expect you to begin seeing improvement within the first 90 days following treatment.  Really bad arthritis may require multiple injections, so banking your extra cells is always a good idea!

Is this procedure safe?

As with any procedure that involves anesthesia, there is always a risk.  However, the stem cells are coming from your pet and are being re-administered back to your pet.  There is no risk of an allergic reaction.  Rarely there might be a mild immune reaction in the injected joint that should subside within a day or two.

So how do I get started?

Call 843-769-6784 and schedule an appoinment with any of our doctors. Read more about how veterinary stem cell therapy can save your pet's life. See one of our stem cell procedures here.

Dog and cat microchipping is a simple procedure. We simply inject a microchip for pets, about the size of a grain of rice (12mm), beneath the surface of your pets skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required.

Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital uses the HomeAgain® Microchip. It is permanent pet ID. The microchip itself has no internal energy source, so it will last the life of your pet. It is read by passing a microchip scanner over the pets shoulder blades. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that provides the power necessary to transmit the microchips unique cat or dog ID code and positively identify the pet.

HomeAgain® is the only dog & cat microchipping product on the market today that has the Bio-Bond patented anti-migration feature to help ensure that the microchip will stay in place so that it may be easily located and scanned. If your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan the microchip to read its unique dog or cat ID code. This is the number used by HomeAgain® to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used to contact you and reunite you with your pet. Email Us or call 843-769-6784 today.

To learn more about microchipping your pet, watch this video from HomeAgain® Microchip.

Here are a few photos of our cat boarding area. It is located upstairs away from all the noisy dogs. It is peaceful with sun shining through the window where your cat can relax.

Ready for dinner	Just relaxing	Two cat condos
Cat condos by the window	King of the jungle	Life is good
Did you see that?	Lots of places to hide	Laid back
Just hanging out	Single Cat Condo	Lets play!