Lessons from a paralyzed dog

A tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park.

My Interview With A Stem Cell Therapy Expert

by 17 Comments

Dogs are receiving more stem cell therapy treatments.

When I attended the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, I had the good fortune to interview stem cell therapy expert Chad Maki, DVM.  Dr. Maki is the Chief Medical Officer for VetCell™ Therapeutics™. The company has just started offering stem cell therapy treatments for dogs with Osteoarthritis. Dr. Maki took the time to explain the treatments available, the cost and the benefits.

Stem cell therapy has always been a fascinating part of medicine to me. I love the idea that a treatment made from your body’s individual cells is able to not only treat a condition, but has the potential to regenerate damaged tissue to cure it. I am sure this explanation of cell-based therapy is much too simplified, but that’s how I understand the process. [Read more…]

Clinical Trial for Paralyzed Dogs Update

by 7 Comments

Clinical trial for paralyzed dogs
Greta took part in the Clinical Trial for Paralyzed Dogs.

Thanks to dedicated pet parents who share the stories I post and the wonders of Social Media, the Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog blog and our Facebook page have grown substantially since the beginning of the year. Because of this, I’m not sure if everyone has gotten the chance to read the core stories we posted early on to make life better for paralyzed pets.

One of the most important stories we’ve run is about the Clinical Trial for Paralyzed Dogs at Iowa State University. The study is essential to getting our paraplegic fur kids up and walking again and it may prove to be the breakthrough needed for people with paralysis as well. The study is still going on and researchers are still welcoming new dogs into the program.

If you have a paraplegic dog please take a minute to educate yourself about the Clinical Trial for Paralyzed Dogs. Since running the original story, at least three dogs whose parents read Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog have been accepted into the program. [Read more…]

Bucket List for Disabled Dog

by 12 Comments

[tweetthis]Help fill the Bucket List for this disabled dog.[/tweetthis]

Bucket list for disabled dog.One of my goals for starting Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog was to share stories about amazing pets who have overcome a handicap. I want people to know that specially-abled dog, cats and other animals can lead happy lives so I’m always scanning for interesting news. Yesterday I read about a bucket list for disabled dog Gredda.  The paralyzed dog loves life and everyone she meets despite losing the ability to walk after a hit and run accident left her with a broken back.

Gredda has lived with her foster mom, Terra MacLean, since she was rescued in November 2014. Gredda was an emaciated and paralyzed dog living on the streets in Athabasca, Alberta, Canada when the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society saved her. From the beginning she was a sweet and happy girl who was making the most out of a life that started in a bad way. [Read more…]

Yale Canine Cancer Study

by 2 Comments

Yale canine cancer studyBack in 2004 my 106lb. happy, healthy German shepherd, Bear, suddenly got sick with Hemangiosarcoma. It’s an aggressive cancer that attacks the blood vessel cells and German shepherds are one of the breeds most prone to the disease. We fought the cancer with surgery and the best chemotherapy available at the time. Four months after being diagnosed, my precious boy was gone.

I’m sharing this story to let you know about a Yale canine cancer study that is using breakthrough technology.  I strongly believe if Bear was diagnosed with cancer today, this clinical trial would have given him more time. I also want to let you know the study is recruiting participants and any dog with cancer is welcome to take part. [Read more…]

Assisi Loop: Brand New Pain Relief Device Unveiled To AVMA

by 7 Comments

Assisi Loop 2.0One of the worst experiences for pet parents is to watch helplessly as their dog or cat is in pain and not be able to do anything about it. Most of the spinal injuries and diseases or neurological disorders I frequently write about are also extremely painful conditions for pets. That’s why I was so excited to learn about a brand new pain management device that is being introduced at this very moment during the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention in Boston.

[Read more…]