Relief for Dogs with Arthritis

Dog Dog Arthritis A new treatment using a dogs own stem cells is loosening stiff joints.

by Devon Walsh

Published: Thu, August 27, 2009 - 6:03 am CST Last Updated: Thu, August 27, 2009 - 7:01 am CST

You may have heard about research being done using stem cells to treat diseases in humans. Now, doctors are using stem cells to treat dogs with arthritis. It's a relatively new treatment, called Vet Stem Regenerative Veterinary Medicine. A 14 year old yellow lab named Bear is proof that the treatment works.

Bear's owner, Terry Laparouse, says he was on his last leg last year, because of debilitating arthritis. "He couldn't jump on the couch, he couldn't jump at all. As far as walking, he would fall and his back legs would just give out."

Since arthritis medications weren't working well, Terry opted to try the treatment, offered by Dr. Will Snow at Tillman's Corner Veterinary Hospital. It uses an animal's own stem cells to stop the progression of arthritis. Dr. Snow says, "Within 90 days you should see some result as far as improvement in activity level, ability to run and jump and a reduction in the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs you have to give."

Dr. Snow injected the stem cells into Bear's arthritic hips last November, and the dog has shown improvement. He isn't as spry as a puppy, but his owner says her dog can once again go on daily walks, and is much more stable on his feet. She is glad she opted to try the stem cell treatment. "I am very happy with it. If i didn't do it, he wouldn't be here today."

The treatment costs anywhere from $1800-$2500. To learn more about how it works, click on the video to the right. For more information, call Dr. Snow at (251) 661-5244 or click here.

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sheltiedad Says:

Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 3:31 pm

Best wishes for Bear. I hope the treatment continues to work so Bear can enjoy a few more walks in his old age. It is so good when medical advances extend to our canine friends.