Best friend breakthrough: Stem-cell therapy for dogs

[Bozita]

Last Updated: January 13. 2011 1:00AM
Best friend breakthrough: Stem-cell therapy for dogs
Candice Williams / The Detroit News


Royal Oak— Reuben, a 9-year-old English springer spaniel, entered the Woodside Animal Clinic on Wednesday suffering from hip dysplasia and arthritis that limited his mobility.

A few hours later, the dog walked out on his own, ready to recuperate at home, thanks to a cutting-edge treatment that involves harvesting and reinjecting the dog's own stem cells.

Dr. John Simon said Woodside is the first clinic in Michigan to perform the in-house adult stem cell therapy, which involves harvesting and injecting an animal's stem cells the same day. There are veterinarians in the state who provide a similar service but send the cells to an outside lab for harvesting.

"I've been practicing for 40 years, and I've never seen any breakthrough of this size before," Simon said of in-house cell harvesting. "What it will be allowing veterinarians to do is rehabilitate damage to the joints, joints that have been degenerative because of age and because of trauma. It allows older animals to actually live longer because they'll be able to get up and move around."

more...

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110113/METRO/101130348/Best-friend-breakthrough--Stem-cell-therapy-for-dogs#ixzz1Avyb39RA

[BonnieJW]

1. Why can't they do that for people

suffering from arthritis???

[thecrow]

5. People would probably sue if it went wrong.

Animals not so much.

I'm hoping it will be something they can use for arthritis and joints in people very soon.
I need it.

Edit after reading link and seeing amazing video: Wow! Stem cells from body fat! Cure your arthritis and get rid of fat at the same time. I wonder what they will charge for this? I doubt insurance will cover it.

[MountainLaurel]

8. Because human stem cells might involve embryos

And the Religious Reich has just about put the kibosh on that, directly in the form of grant restrictions and indirectly in that doctors fear getting shot in their kitchens by the Fetus Brigade.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. This is great news....

I am going to crosspost to the Pets Group

[xchrom]

3. recommend

[Bigleaf]

4. Here is a link to the company that developed this technique.

I'm looking into this right now for one of my Shep's.

http://www.vet-stem.com/

[Bozita]

6. Thanks!

[xchrom]

7. Kick for good news exposure. Nt

[End Of The Road]

9. Not cheap.

As the economy worsens, I cringe every time I have to take one of my aging dogs to the vet. I adore life with dogs, but when mine are gone I don't believe I'll be able to afford bringing more into my home. My mini schnauzer has Cushings, and it hasn't been cheap to keep her going in the manner she deserves.

But this stem cell therapy is $2,000!

Blessed are the dogs adopted by the rich.

[Bozita]

10. kick for the night shift