Crippled canines get new leash on life

As Dr. Alfredo Valentin and Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver begin begin the anesthesia for the surgery that will remove fat for the stem cell therapy process on 4-year-old Star at the Belleview Veterinary Hospital in Belleview, Fl on Wednesday March 19, 2014. The Caviler King Charles has degenerative joint disease in one knee and back. The stem cells on are extracted from fat that is removed surgically.

By Carlos E. Medina Correspondent

Jenny Conley's English golden retriever, Moses, was her constant walking companion, but about a year ago she noticed a limp, which eventually got so bad the dog couldn't put weight on his leg.

An X-ray showed Moses had severe osteoarthritis in his left knee and his right knee was also compromised. At only 6 years old, Moses faced years of taking medication to alleviate the pain.

"He was just too young," Conley said.

But Dr. Cara Erwin-Oliver of Belleview Animal Hospital gave her another option: stem cell therapy.

"I didn't know what to think about it at first, but then (they) explained it all to me and showed me a video of a dog that underwent the procedure," Conley said. "My husband and I thought it was a little costly, but we thought we needed to give it a shot."

Despite the $1,500 price tag and no guarantee, Moses underwent the procedure in November. Today, he's back to walking with Conley and much more.

"He's walking. He's running. He chases squirrels, and he doesn't limp anymore. It's like he never had anything wrong with him," she said.

The treatment, which has been commonly used on horses, is relatively new for small animals like dogs and cats. Belleview Animal Hospital is one of the first to bring the therapy to the area and is the first to process the stem cells in house.

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Crippled canines get new leash on life