Animals are treated like another member of the family in most households. So, why shouldn't they be treated for pain like humans?
Some animals that used to be unable to climb up stairs, play fetch or walk are now getting the chance thanks to stem cell technology.
It's hard for us to tell how much pain they're in. No magical scale to pin point that pain with a number. They tell us with their tails, appetite, and playfulness.
"We had to put her down because she couldn't walk anymore. That was before the pain medication, then they did that now they're doing this," said pet owner Linda Candler. She is referring to her late pet, a golden retriever, and a new type of stem cell technology that is being used to help rid animals of that kind of pain. pain. Her dog Lynney, a Chow, has arthritis and hip dysplacia.
She's a prime candidate for a new procedure and Candler is considering it. Dr. Martin Langhofer of the Western Veterinary Clinic is at the forefront of stem cell research in South Bend, his practice was the first to institute the therapy in this area.
A fat sample is taken from somewhere on the dog, that fat is then purified and filtered until only the natural stem cells within it remain. Those stem cells are then injected into the problem areas with any leftover cells being administered through an IV.
"Within 24-48 hours the dogs that have walked in here that were very painful were up wagging their tail, they were walking, they were happy. We have just seen some really amazing results," said Dr. Langhofer. Those amazing results will hopefully put the spring back into the step of Arrow and allow Lynney to keep hers.
Western Veterinary says that they have performed this procedure on twelve dogs, and so far the results have been successful. The cost of the treatment can range anywhere from $1,400 to $5,000.
