This is an interesting article about a 6-year-old sheltie that could barely walk due to arthritis, and a new technique to treat it.

Owner Vicki Rusconi had tried numerous procedures to try and help her dog Abby, but nothing worked. Abby’s pain was so bad that euthanasia was being considered.

All that changed when Rosconi found out about a treatment using Abby’s own stem cells.

When a vet at the animal clinic where she works recommended injecting stem cells using Abby’s own fat, she figured she had nothing to lose.

“I was skeptical to be honest, but I was willing to try anything,” Rusconi said. “I think when you get to the point where it’s either euthanize your dog or try a new procedure, you’re willing to try it.”

Since the first round worked so well, Abby is now undergoing a second round of stem cell injections using her own fat.

“The stem cells come from the fat sample from the abdomen, and they get as much stem cells out of that as they do from bone marrow,” explained Dr. Gary Brown.

The procedure is still experimental and can run about $3000, so it doesn’t come cheap. According to the company who developed the procedure, hundreds of dog have undergone the stem cell therapy, about 80 percent showed improvement.

Abby was one of the lucky ones, she has done very well. Hopefully her second round of treatment will be just as successful. That’s great news for dogs who suffer from this condition, the therapy definitely sounds promising.

* The cutie above is A.J., he starred in a school play, check out his page.
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4 Woofs
3/5/09 at 9:37 am Todd

this is something is did not know — thanks! todd

3/5/09 at 10:14 am No Bark Collar

Wow, “Stem cell injections using her own fat.” How did they come up with that. Good think Mr Bush didn’t try to outlaw that..

Anyway, $3000 is definately worth it if you love your pet. I pay that per year in food for my dog.

3/5/09 at 12:20 pm Bestest Buddies

3k is worth it for sure.

And yes, Science is a good thing in this case!

3/6/09 at 1:05 am phyl

Stem Cell Enhancers: The NEW Science
Standing singly, away from all the controversy, some of the scientific community is giving rise to the world’s very first patented, organic stem cell enhancer. With only a single dose of this modern day amazement your body can begin the renewal process. In fact, within just one hour after taking this wonder supplement, three to 4 million, yes MILLION stem cells are added to your bloodstream and go to work.

StemEnhance is a revolutionary breakthrough, all natural product that supports adult stem cell physiology. It’s the first patented product on the market in the latest phytoceutical category called “Stem Cell Enhancers”.

As we age, the number and quality of stem cells that circulate in our body gradually decrease, leaving our body more susceptible to injury and other age-related health challenges. StemTech Health Science’s Stem Enhance is the alternative to the controversial stem cells we hear about in the news. Patented Product StemEnhance supports the natural release of stem cells to promote optimal healing and stem cell physiology.

Officials at StemTech Health Sciences were aiming for Stem Enhance sales of $100,000 in the first month. Which was a hearty goal in itself. Imagine their astonishment when the 1st month’s sales totaled over $1,000,000 and it just keeps rising.
also stempets