Stem cells to ease pet pain

Sept. 15, 2012, midnight

A GERMAN shepherd is the Borders first pet to have stem-cell therapy.

The three-year-old has a painful congenital joint condition called osteo-chondrosis that has led to arthritis.

After surgery and other therapies fell short, owners Nick and Myfanwy Magelakis investigated alternatives to give Rolf a chance to be a normal animal,

Stem-cell therapy doesnt come cheap each treatment costs $500 a dose, excluding the cost of anaesthetic and vet charges.

But Dr Magelakis, an Albury dentist, said he was philosophical about the hefty bill.

Although humans technically have dominion over this planet, we have a duty to look after animals and care for them, Dr Magelakis said yesterday.

Its heartbreaking to see a dog not being able to walk, yelping in pain and looking up at you for help.

Stem cells were injected into both of Rolfs knees this week in what was a straight-forward day procedure at Alburys Family Vet Centre.

Veterinarian Nadine Miller said while scientists were still learning how stem cells worked, they knew they stimulate healing of the joint by helping new connective tissue to form.

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Stem cells to ease pet pain