One in five adult dogs in the U.S. has chronic and painful arthritis, and now owners are using stem cells â rather than surgery or euthanasia â to stop the pain. Since Vet-Stem launched for canines in February, certified vets all over the nation are helping dogs by isolating adult stem cells from the animal's own fat and then injecting it into the injured area. It involves minimal risk and none of the controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells. In many cases, it saves lives.