Wheelchair-equipped dog is candidate for stem cell therapy, adoption

WALKER, MI -- Bolt, a two-year-old terrier mix, behaves just like any other dog at Kelley's Animal Clinic.

When called or tempted with a treat, he rears his head, ears perked in interest.

Unlike other dogs, however, Bolt needs a bit of mechanical help to get around.

Equipped with a set of wheels mounted to his hind quarters, the small white and brown dog continues to thrive even after suffering an accident that left him without control of his lower half.

Jan Denny, an administrator at the Walker-based clinic, said after finding Bolt at a nearby shelter, she knew she wanted to get him any help she could.

"He stole my heart," Denny said.

After picking up Bolt from Pound Buddies Animal Shelter in Muskegon, the terrier mix was examined by veterinarian James Kelley.

The only information anyone had on Bolt was that it appeared he was hit by a car and someone had turned him into the Muskegon shelter a few days later.

During Kelley's examination, he discovered Bolt's spinal cord wasn't completely severed, as was previously thought. If treated using stem cells, Kelley believes Bolt could see restored use of his hind quarters.

"Maybe we can regenerate some of that (feeling) back, and maybe we can't, but it's certainly worth a try," Kelley said.

Originally posted here:
Wheelchair-equipped dog is candidate for stem cell therapy, adoption