Saving your pooch with stem cell research

One might ask what is a stem cell. It is an undistinguished cell that divides constantly during the life of the animal and it can create cells that may multiply and can change to specific cell types (Evans et. al 2005).
So say for example a dog has either hip dysplasia (where the ball and socket joint don’t have a snug fit), arthritis, a damaged ligament, a damaged tendon, a fracture or a damaged organ and in order to extend their life the owner is considering hip/joint replacement etc., there is now a another option which is treating the dog with it’s own stem cells to rejuvenate the area and encourage growth (Imber & Rooney 2008).
It works as follows; the stem cells of the dog are collected from the fat cells anywhere on the dog’s body. The stem cells are sent to the lab and then separated and sent back to the veterinary surgery. They are then injected into the affected/painful area in a higher concentration than the dog’s body can achieve. In most cases it reduces pain and makes the dog more comfortable for up to one year.
Stem cells “provide growth factors and chemicals that help the injury heal” and decrease inflammation and prevent scar tissue from forming (Mott 2008).
Nowadays stem cell research is more advanced in animals than humans, perhaps because there is less red tape.

Primary References:
1. Bauer, T.R., Burkholder, T.H., Dunbar, C.E., Ferguson, C., Gu, Y., Hai, M., Hickstein, D.D., Sokolic, R.A., Tuschong, L.M., 2006, Correction of the disease phenotype in canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency using ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, Blood, Vol. 108, pp. 3313-3320

Secondary References:
1. Evans, B, Ladiges, P, Knox, B and Saint, R 2005, Biology: An Australian Focus, McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Limited, 3rd Ed, p 1156
2. Imber, P and Rooney, B 2008, A Dog’s Stem Cell Life, http://www.abcnews.go.com/health/story?id=4109559, Viewed 18/05/08
3. Mott, M 2008, Dogs Get Pricey Stem Cell Therapy, http://www.livescience.com/animals/080123-dog-stemcell.html
Viewed 18/05/08
4. Dunn, S 2007, Police dog back on its paws after stem cell treatment, http://www.katu.com/news/local/10203981.html Viewed 21/05/08