One in five adult dogs in the U.S. has chronic and painful arthritis, and now owners are using stem cells – rather than surgery or euthanasia – to stop the pain. Since Vet-Stem launched for canines in February, certified vets all over the nation are

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Jodie Hammond For Max, the Great Dane, just going for a walk is a painful process and it is painful for his owner too. Remembering the way Max used to be. John Schultz: He was a joy to behold and just unbelievable to watch, run. Female: Good! Good boy. Jodie Hammond But there is new hope for 4-year-old Max, who has already undergone one surgery for joints inflammation. His arthritis is now being treated with stem-cell therapy. Bob Harman: When the stem cells are put into the dog’s body, for example into a joint, they actually create a regenerative environment. So, an environment where they can grow a new cartilage, it reduces the inflammation. Jodie Hammond A sample of fat is taken from Max’s abdominal area and overnight it to the Vet-Stem Laboratory in San Diego. Regenerative stem cells are isolated from Max’s fat tissue and rushed back to his Veterinarian, Dr. Nancy Hampel. She then injects Max’s injured joint with the cells from his own tissue. Bob Harman: It is suppose embryonic stem cells, which is quite controversial. We actually used the animals own stem cells. The animals, is its own donor. Dr. Hampel: And all of I heard from all of my patients that I have done stem cell on is, that they-people used these words, they say, he is like a puppy again. Jodie Hammond Patients like Bart, a 7-year-old yellow Lab, who underwent the Vet-Stem procedure, six months ago. Tim Williams: We could not stand to seeing him suffer and so we decided to try the Vet-Stem. Jodie Hammond Clinical trials reported an 80% success rate in dogs undergoing a Vet-Stem procedure. Tim Williams: It feels great to have my dog back. He is totally like a puppy again. Jodie Hammond This is Jodie Hammond reporting.