How did you hear about Vet-Stem?
- I initially heard about stem cell therapy for arthritis from an email from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They mentioned this was an up an coming treatment possibility and had a site we could visit. When I visited the site, it piqued my interest in the treatment since it seemed to have the potential to be a permanent treatment for arthritis, tendon and joint disease. I contacted Vet-Stem directly and they allowed me to take a certification course to become certified.
What was required for certification?
- The certification course consisted of four 1/2 hour tutorials that fully explained the procedure, the theory behind using autologous stem cells, how and where to collect the cells, how to handle the cells, shipping, implantation, complications, and what to expect in the progression of healing (time, physical therapy etc.). They also went over why the treatment may fail in certain pets.
Are clients aware of this treatment modality prior to visiting your clinic?
- Some are aware of this treatment prior to visiting our hospital. Others are not, and we educate them on all the different treatments for their pet's arthritis issues that are available to them. We also cover what is needed in regards to a workup (physical exam, x-rays, blood work, etc) prior to beginning any treatment.
What has your practice done to promote/make clients aware of Vet-Stem?
- At this time all we have done is word of mouth. However, we are just getting ready to begin a "marketing campaign" to let other veterinarians know that Stem Cell Therapy is now available in Spokane. After that has been done we will begin inform pet owning households that it is available.
How receptive are clients to the idea of stem cell therapy and Vet-Stem?
- Most clients are amazed at what it possibly can do for their arthritic pets and what the various potentials are for this treatment. The potential is not just for arthritis and joint issues, but for heart, liver, kidney and autoimmune disorders as well. I think that as the science progresses and the protocols are developed, we will find that it will be used to treat many more disease issues than just those we have named.
Thank you, Dr. Fosberg, for your time and for sharing your experience with Vet-Stem.
