Stem Cell Therapy for Dogs

 KALAMAZOO (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - If you own a dog, chances are, it's more a member of your family than a pet. And now, Stem Cell Therapy is giving ailing dogs a chance to turn back the clock.

Arthritis is taking its toll on Max the Great Dane. Just walking is painful. His owner remembers how he use to be.

"He was a joy to behold. It was unbelievable to watch him run," said owner, John Schultz.

Max has already had surgery for joint inflammation and now his arthritis is being treated with Stem Cell Therapy.

"When the stem cells are put into the dogs body for example into a joint. They actually create a rejuvenated environment so an environment where they can grow new cartilage reduce inflammation," said Dr. Robert Harmon, DVM Founder Vet Stem.

A sample of fat is taken from Max's abdominal area and overnighted to the vet stem lab in San Diego. Regenerative stem cells are isolated from Max's fat tissue and rushed back to his vet. She then injects Max's injured joint with cells from his own tissue.

"As opposed to embryonic stem cells, which is quite controversial, we actually use the animals

own stem cells so the animal is his own donor," said Dr. Harmon.

"The thing I've heard all patients done stem cell on is that people use these words..."He's like a puppy again," said Veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Hampel.

Patients like Bart, a seven year old yellow lab who underwent the vet stem procedure six months ago.

"We both couldn't stand seeing him suffer and so we decided to try pet stem and see if it would alleviate problems which it obviously has," said Bart's owner, Tim Williams.

Clinical trials report 80% success rate in dogs undergoing vet stem.

"It feels great to have my dog back. He keeps me occupied. He's one of my best friends. Totally like a puppy again," said Williams.

The cost for the treatment depends on the dog's particular injury and the kind of diagnostic tests needed. Doctors say generally, it is half the cost of surgeries for joint replacement.