Accompanying text for the Vivastem™ DVD
November 27, 2012
Diagnosis:
- Intervertebral Disk Disease at L2-L3 spinal level diagnosed on August 8, 2010
- Paralysis of hind limbs, cannot walk.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: Bilateral Hemi-laminectomy L2-L3 on August 8, 2010. By November 8, 2010 no response was observed and therefore the surgery had failed. Owner wanted to euthanize Oscar.
Prognosis: Because surgery was the only option and that had failed there was no other treatment for Oscar but euthanasia.
Date of video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): November 8, 2010.
Date of Vivastem™injection: Oscar was given three injections of Vivastem respectively on November 8, 2010 (3 cc), November 13, 2010 (5 cc) and December 3, 2011 (5 cc).
Preparation of first Vivastem™ injection: One vial containing Canine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial (5 cc) and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the dog by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (5 cc) was drawn into a syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the dog. .
Notes on follow-up:
- November 13, 2010 – One week after first injection – no change.
- December 3, 2010 – able to stand for a short time and able to wag tail.
- December 24, 2010 – Quite ambulatory, happy expression on face, is pain free.
- January 7, 2011 – Owner is very pleased. Oscar has shown progress. He is able to stand, walking more, owner reports dog seems to have feeling when needing to have a bowel movement, went to paper and pooped which he never did before.
- Huge change from pre- Vivastem™, no signs of pain or discomfort, does appear to feel deep pain when clamp is placed on rear toes.
Date of video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection):December 3 and 24, 2010.
The patient as of now: Without Vivastem™ Oscar would have been euthanized. As of October 30, 2012 Oscar continues to do well. He is boostered with Vivastem™ every 6 months to maintain his wonderful quality of life.
Diagnosis:
- No medical history. Has been a healthy dog.
- On January 10, 2011 the dog presented with acute paralysis of hind limbs. Lateral radiograph suggests inter-vertebral disk disease at T-13-L3. Unable to walk.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: None.
Prognosis: Poor without Surgery
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): January 10, 2011.
Date of Vivastem™injection: Henry was given one 5 cc injection of Vivastem subcutaneously on January 10, 2011 and more boosters as follows: Booster injections on January 17, 2011, August 8, 2011, September 12, 2011, November 28, 2011, March 6, 2012, May 29, 2012, September 25, 2012.
Preparation of first Vivastem™ injection: One vial containing Canine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial (5 cc) and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the dog by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (5 cc) was drawn into a syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the dog.
Notes on follow-up:
- January 24, 2011 – Rolling on back, falls when urinating, back sways a little, still weak in back, stronger on left than right, drags right, uses left, shaking, able to stand on hind legs, more front legged as of now.
- February 18, 2011 – Bolted after squirrel yesterday morning, running and jumping, a little sloppy, jumping on hind legs, strong pushes back at me, no pain on back,
- March 28, 2011- Doing well, feeling good, went down stairs was a little sloppy after that, jumped off bed was a little sloppy, no back pain, left leg seems stronger, does lot more leg raising when going potty, 90% normal.
- June 21, 2011 – no pain along back, mild hopping in rear, overall normal pain free and functional.
- September 27, 2011 – Bright and happy, able to stand on hind legs, jumping on window sill, still seems weight forward, gait is pretty nice but can see skip.
- November 14, 2011 – Doing well, is 4 legged now, a little fish tail in rear, able to run.
Date of Video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): January 17, 2011 and May 29, 2012.
The patient as of now (May 29, 2012): Henry does well. He is able to live a normal life because of Vivastem™. We maintain his good quality of life with a booster of Vivastem™ every few months.
Diagnosis: Tear of Left Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL).
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: None.
Prognosis: The only option for this condition is surgery. Owner decided in favor of VivaStem because he did not want Kirby to go through the trauma of surgery and anesthesia which poses risk.
Date of video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): February 5, 2011 and February 12, 2011.
Date of Vivastem™injection: February 5, 2011.
Preparation of first Vivastem™ injection: One vial containing Canine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial (5 cc) and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the dog by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (5 cc) was drawn into a syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the dog.
Notes on follow-up: Because Kirby lived next to the veterinarian he was able to be observed on a regular basis. Over a period of 3-4 months Kirby improved to normal. There was no longer a cranial drawer or swelling to the joint. There were no post complications to report.
Date of video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): September 16, 2012.
The patient as of now (November 2012): Kirby continues to do well and lives a normal life.
Diagnosis:
- Tear of left cranial cruciate ligament (CCL in Europe but known as ACL in US (anterior cruciate ligament)). Cruciate ligament is the main ligament that keeps the knee joint together.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: None.
Prognosis: The only option for this condition is surgery. Owner decided in favor of Vivastem because he did not want JC to go through the trauma of anesthesia and surgery which poses grave risks at his age.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): September 28, 2011.
Date of Vivastem™injection: September 28, 2011. Two booster injections (5 cc) were given on the following dates: October 10, 2011, and January 4, 2012.
Preparation of first Vivastem™ injection: One vial containing Canine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial (5 cc) and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the dog by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (5 cc) was drawn into a syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the dog.
Notes on follow-up:
Because JC lived in the Veterinarian’s home he was observed almost daily. By November 9, 2012 he improved gradually in his knee. There was no longer a cranial draw. There is no medial swelling to the joint capsule. And most of all there is no post complications. (no crepitus or decreased range of motion of the knee)
Date of Video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): January 4, 2012
The patient as of now: VivaStem improved his quality of life and avoided a major procedure which by itself could be life-threatening. He is 90% normal. He lives a normal life and gets around like a 2 year old dog. As a 12 yr old dog he was not compromised with surgery and was able to avoid a long and stressful recovery. As of October 31, 2012 JC continues to do well.
Diagnosis:
- Right Elbow Dysplasia (genetic abnormality of the elbow joint).
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: None. Owner could not afford surgery which is expensive and has its own complications.
Prognosis: Poor for early age arthritis. Dysplasias , if untreated, usually result is osteoarthritis.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): June 7, 2012.
Date of Vivastem™injection: June 7, 2012; booster on June 19, 2012.
Preparation of first Vivastem™ injection: One vial containing Canine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial (5 cc) and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the dog by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (5 cc) was drawn into a syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the dog.
Notes on follow-up:
- June 7, 2012: 40% range of motion to right elbow, painful on palpation, lame.
- June 19, 2012:Gait much improved, could not tell which elbow was lame on gait.
- October 5, 2012: Right elbow has thickened joint capsule, 60% range of motion, comfortable limp
Date of Video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): June 19, 2012
The patient as of now (October 15, 2012): We have a dog that is happy and comfortable and gave the owner and dog another option or else it would have ended up on pain medicines for life starting at too early of an age.
Diagnosis/ History:
- Cat got trapped in ceiling fell through a hole and was trapped in an industrial ceiling fan. The cat sustained major head trauma. It appeared lifeless when brought in.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: Not applicable
Prognosis: The cat was critically wounded in the head. The owners were told by two other veterinarians to put the cat to sleep.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): June 2, 2011
Date of Vivastem™injection: June 2, 2011.
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection: One vial containing Feline Vivastem™ powder (200 mg protein) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water (2.5 cc) was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (2.5 cc) was drawn into the syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the cat.
Notes on follow-up:
June 3 to December 2011- Fanny made full recovery and I spayed the cat 6 months later and went on to live a normal live.
Date of Video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): June 3, June 5, June 17, 2011.
The patient as of now: Fanny was last seen by the veterinarian on December 2011 when it appeared to be a completely healthy and normal cat.
Diagnosis:
- Hock injuries. Hock is the joint between tibia and fibula bone in the hind limbs. It is like the human ankle.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: The Horse had hocks injected with steroids which resulted in an infection.
Prognosis: Eclipse continued to be lame. Because joint infections are always life-threatening the owner was afraid that another hock injection could result in another life threatening infection so she wanted to try an alternative therapy.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): May 18, 2012.
Date of Vivastem™injection: May 18, 2012.
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection: Two vials containing Equine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein each) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it (5 cc in each vial). The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (10 cc) was drawn into the syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the horse.
Notes on follow-up:
2, 7 and 30 days post injection – We started with a horse that was lame and unsafe to ride both for owner and horse. After Vivastem™ injection we improved the condition of hock lameness to the point where it was safe for the owner and horse to go back to riding/working.
Date of Video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): May 20, 25, June 18 and November 17, 2012
The patient as of now (November 17, 2012): The owner is happy with results and finds the horse happy and comfortable and is able to use the horse in a normal manner.
Diagnosis:
- Osteoarthritis in the hips, difficulty moving left leg, Coon’s feet, inflammation in the fetlocks.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: Injections of Glucosamine, aspirin, frequent turn-outs (she became stiff if confined) and also anti-inflammatory herbs.
Prognosis: Arthritis of hip and degeneration of suspensory ligaments (Coon footed) is partially treatable by conventional therapies if it is in an early state. In the case of Bell it was to the extent she was only pasture-sound and not suitable for riding due to the pain it caused her. The condition had worsened to a state that it was untreatable.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): December 10, 2010
Date of Vivastem™injection: December 10, 2010
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection:Two vials containing Equine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein each and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it (5 cc in each vial). The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (10 cc) was drawn into the syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the horse.
Notes on follow-up:
- December 13, 2010 – Picking up hind legs freely.
- December 20, 2010 – Improving every day, Bell was ridden and it cantered quite. normally as it did 4-5 years ago.
- March 2011 to May 2012 Comfortable while used 2 to 5 days per week as school horse.
- April and May 2012 shown signs of becoming uncomfortable but still 60% better off.
- Gave 10cc Vivastem (2nd injection) May 15 2012 and donated her to a student who continued to ride her 5 to 6 days per week at the student’s home. Bell was comfortable in her work.
Date of Video recording (post- Vivastem™ injection): December 18, 2011, January 13, 2011.
The patient as of now: Continues to be comfortable with the young owner riding 2 to 4 times per week as of November 2012.
Diagnosis:
- Right hind leg movement not normal, short striding. Problem persisting for last 13 years.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: Conventional including adequan (a joint medicine given intramuscularly and frequently), Bute (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID), ‘Devils claw’ (herb pain killer and anti-inflammatory)
Prognosis: The owner was frustrated because it could not be permanently cured.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): December 10, 2010
Date of Vivastem™injection: December 10, 2010
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection:Two vials containing Equine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein each) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it (5 cc in each vial). The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (10 cc) was drawn into the syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the horse.
Notes on follow-up:
- December 14, 2010 – No change.
- December 15, 2010 – Improving.
- December 20, 2010 – Zeke is absolutely sound as if the problem was never there.
- Feb 12 2011 continued to be sound and became very spunky.
- March through Sept 2011 Sound in his use as a school horse 4 to 6 times per week.
- Oct 2011 strained back which became sore due to a heavy unbalanced rider.
- Put on herbal pain and anti-inflammatory solution for 60 days and he regained soundness.
- March to May 2012 used as lesson horse 4 to 5 times per week and was comfortable.
- May 2012 noticed he was starting to short stride his right hind under the weight of a heavier rider.
- June 2012 gave 10cc Vivastem (2nd injection).
- 30 days he regained his soundness to previous levels and continued his job as a school horse, still shown short stride at times with a heavy rider.
- Conditioning was needed to attain full soundness with a heavy rider during summer of 2012, once in condition he was sound.
Date of video recording (post- Vivastem™injection): December 18, 2010 and January 13 2011, November 20, 2012.
The patient as of now: November 2012 – Used as school horse with normal strides and comfortable in his work.
Name, age of patient (Horse): Ferdinand, age 3 years
Diagnosis:
- Injured shoulder, noticed large Sweeney on left shoulder on August 6, 2011. Sweeney is the common name for shoulder atrophy (shrinkage or wasting) in the horse. The muscle atrophy is caused by damage to the nerve which innervates the shoulder muscle. When these muscle atrophy, the shape of the scapula becomes noticeable by the hollowing on each side of the spine of the scapula.
- Ferdinand was unstable on that shoulder and could no longer be ridden at that time
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: None was given as this condition is difficult to treat (see below).
Prognosis: With appropriate conventional treatments including anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, electrical stimulation and massage it can take years for the horse to recover and some never recover fully.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): September 10, 2011
Date of Vivastem™injection: September 10, 2011
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection:Two vials containing Equine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein each) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it (5 cc in each vial). The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (10 cc) was drawn into the syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the horse.
Notes on follow-up:
- At one month 75% had filled in
- By 4 months he was stable enough to be ridden again
- By 9 months 90% filled in
- By 12 months 100 percent filled in. At this time there was no noticeable difference in muscles on the two sides.
Date of photographic documentation (post- Vivastem™injection): October 16, 2011, June 16, 2012, September 21, 2012.
The patient as of now (October 2012): The affected shoulder is no different in strength or appearance than the other healthy shoulder and in every way is normal.
Diagnosis:
- ‘Mystery’ lameness longing for 10 to 11 months. Short-stepping right hind. Problem could not be diagnosed
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: Conventional with regular exercise. Removal of OCD in opposite hock, Isoxoprine, and Depo injection of the hocks.
Prognosis: It was not getting better, lameness persisted.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): January 8, 2011
Date of Vivastem™injection: January 8, 2011
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection:Two vials containing Equine Vivastem™ powder (400 mg protein each) and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it (5 cc in each vial). The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product (10 cc) was drawn into the syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the horse.
Notes on follow-up:
- January 8, 2011 – No change in lameness. Lunged for 20 minutes.
- January 14, 2011 – Rode, does seem about 50% better.
- January 22, 2011 – Rode the horse and horse is about 50% – 70% better.
- January 26, 2011 – Seemed fabulous!! Looks very sound. Only saw a couple of short strides going on lunge line traveling to the right.
- February 19, 2011 – Looks real good. Best he has been.
- March 11, 2011 – Lunged. 80-90% sound when riding. Some steps 100% sound!
- April 4, 2011 – Looks really good! Evident only slightly when at slow jog. Looks sound when full trot.
- April 20, 2011 – Sound!
Date of photographic documentation (post- Vivastem™injection): April 27, 2011.
The patient as of now (October 2012): Looks Great!! It is now in full training. No evidence of lameness. It has been 100% normal since the end of April 2011. Is back to being a show horse and jumping!
Diagnosis:
- ‘Mystery’ lameness in hind leg for several months. Non-diagnosable problem.
Treatment prior to Vivastem™ injection: Injection with Depo-Medrol (anti-inflammatory) in hocks (ankle joints).
Prognosis: Problem of short stepping behind seemed persistent. No treatment options left.
Date of Video recording (pre- Vivastem™ injection): January 4, 2011.
Date of Vivastem™injection: January 8, 2011
Preparation of Vivastem™ injection: Two vials containing Equine Vivastem™ powder and sterile water respectively were removed from the original packing. Using a sterile 10 cc syringe supplied water was drawn from the water vial and added into the Vivastem™ powder to dissolve it. The Vivastem™ vial was gently swirled and let stand for 2-4 minutes at ambient temperature to allow the powder to dissolve completely. While waiting for the Vivastem™ to dissolve a small injection area was prepared on the back of the horse by cleaning the area with 70% alcohol (common antiseptic). Finally the dissolved product was drawn into the 10 cc syringe and injected subcutaneously in the back of the horse.
Notes on follow-up:.
- January 10, 2011 – No swelling – Lunged for 20 minutes – No change in lameness.
- January 14, 2011 – Lunged and seemed much better. Slight short step.
- January 22, 2012 – Rode the horse and horse is about 50% – 70% better.
- January 29, 2012 – Seemed fabulous!! Only saw a couple of short strides going on lunge line traveling to the right.
- February 19, 2011 – Looks 100% sound.
- March 11, 2011 – Still looks and seems 100% sound!
Date of photographic documentation (post- Vivastem™injection): February 14, 2011
The patient as of now (October 2012): Looks Great!! It is now in full training. No evidence of lameness. Very visibly 100% sound.