Regenerative Medicine for Vancouver Pets
Dr. Ronald Walton, our Internal Medicine and Critical Care Specialist at Columbia River Veterinary Specialists, is proud to partner with Ardent Animal Health to bring cutting-edge regenerative medicine to our patients. This advanced, science-backed approach uses your pet’s own cells to help reduce pain, accelerate healing, and restore healthy function.
Regenerative medicine services offered to our patients include Cell Therapy, Proactive Cell Banking, and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy.
Regenerative medicine is designed to support the body’s natural healing processes, without relying on drugs or steroids, and is generally well tolerated, with encouraging clinical outcomes in appropriate cases.
Proactive Cell Banking at Columbia River Veterinary Specialists
As part of our commitment to advanced regenerative medicine, the team at our Vancouver hospital offers Proactive Cell Banking, an innovative way to preserve your pet’s youngest, healthiest stem cells for future therapeutic use.
When collected during a routine procedure such as a spay or neuter, a small sample of fat tissue is processed and cryogenically stored, creating a powerful treatment resource for the years ahead. By banking cells early, we help ensure your pet has access to high-quality regenerative therapy when it’s needed most.
What is Cell Therapy?
Ardent Cell Therapy uses a small sample of your pet’s fat tissue to isolate a powerful population of regenerative cells known as the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which is rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
These cells promote healing at a root-cause level by reducing inflammation, improving tissue repair, and supporting healthier joint structures. Once processed and activated, the cells are administered directly into the treatment area.
This autologous therapy is natural, well-tolerated, and widely considered a gold-standard option for several conditions.
Cell Therapy is recommended on a case-by-case basis following a comprehensive examination and diagnostic evaluation to ensure it is a suitable treatment option for your pet’s specific condition and overall health.
What is PRP Therapy?
Ardent Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy uses a small blood sample from your pet to isolate and activate blood platelets, which are rich in healing proteins and growth factors. Once processed, the PRP is injected or applied directly to the area that needs support.
This autologous therapy is natural, minimally invasive, and cost-effective.
By concentrating the body’s own healing components, PRP helps support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery at the source.
PRP Therapy is recommended based on your pet’s individual needs. After a thorough exam and conversation about your pet’s health and goals, your veterinarian will determine whether PRP is a good fit as part of their personalized care plan.
Regenerative Medicine FAQs
Have questions about regenerative medicine for your pet? Below are answers to common questions about our Stem Cell Therapy, Proactive Cell Banking, and PRP Therapy to help you feel confident and informed about your pet’s care options.
-
What’s the difference between Stem Cell Therapy, PRP, and Cell Banking?
Stem Cell Therapy uses regenerative cells isolated from your pet’s fat tissue and administered to areas needing support.
PRP Therapy uses concentrated platelets from your pet’s blood to deliver healing growth factors directly to injured tissue.
Proactive Cell Banking collects and stores your pet’s youngest, healthiest stem cells during a routine procedure so they are preserved for future therapeutic use.
-
Can regenerative therapies be combined with other treatments?
Yes. These therapies are often integrated with rehabilitation, laser therapy, medications, or surgical recovery plans. Your veterinarian will design a customized treatment protocol tailored to your pet’s needs.
-
How soon will we see results?
Results vary by pet and therapy type. Some pets may show improvement within days, while others may take several weeks. Many continue to improve over time as inflammation decreases and tissue healing progresses.
-
If we move or change veterinarians, can we still access banked cells?
Yes. Banked stem cells can be transferred to any licensed veterinarian or specialty hospital, ensuring continued access to care wherever you are.
-
Is regenerative therapy covered by pet insurance?
Coverage varies by provider and policy. Insurance companies are increasingly recognizing regenerative treatments. We recommend contacting your provider or submitting a claim for review. If you do not currently have pet insurance, Ardent can help guide you toward regenerative-friendly policy options.
-
Is regenerative therapy right for my pet?
Regenerative medicine may be a good option for pets experiencing arthritis, mobility decline, soft tissue injuries, inflammation, post-surgical recovery needs, or age-related joint changes.
Because every pet is unique, your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s condition, medical history, and goals to determine whether Stem Cell Therapy or PRP is a good fit for your pet.
-
Is regenerative therapy safe for pets?
Yes. Regenerative therapies such as Stem Cell Therapy and PRP use your pet’s own cells (autologous therapy), which significantly reduces the risk of adverse reactions. These therapies have been studied in numerous clinical trials in both animals and humans and are generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
-
Will my pet need anesthesia or sedation?
Stem Cell Therapy requires a short anesthesia to collect fat tissue, ideally during a scheduled procedure. PRP may require mild sedation depending on the injection site. If your pet has already banked stem cells, your veterinarian may determine that anesthesia is unnecessary at the time of treatment.
