Lessons from a paralyzed dog

A tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park.

NCSU is Recruiting Paralyzed Dogs for their Clinical Trial

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Enroll your dog in the NCSU paralyzed dog clinical trial.In January 2015 I posted a story that was big news for paralyzed dogs.  North Carolina State University had just released a video of a paraplegic pug taking steps on a treadmill.  The dog had taken part in a clinical trial run by Dr. Natasha Olby, professor of neurology at NCSU.  Now in January 2017, I am excited to announce that Dr. Olby is continuing her Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program.  NCSU is recruiting paralyzed dogs for their clinical trial.  Enrollment in Part Two of this groundbreaking study starts February 3, 2017.

The trial is brief.  It only requires dogs to be at NCSU for two days.  If you are the pet parent of a paralyzed dog, I strongly encourage you to enroll.  It might make a world of difference to your dog and it will be a game-changer for future paraplegic pets and people.   [Read more…]

How To Enroll Your Pet In The New AVMA Clinical Study Database

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Puppy sitting at a computer screen

 

One of my main goals for Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog is to keep pet parents informed about the latest veterinary research being conducted. So when I read a press release about the brand new AVMA Clinical Study Database, I knew I had to share the details with you. The comprehensive database from the American Veterinary Medical Association will open a world of new opportunities for sick and disabled pets, the clinical researchers studying them and practicing veterinarians who want to offer advanced care to their patients.

Follow along and I will explain how the program works and how to enroll your pet into the database. [Read more…]

My Interview With A Stem Cell Therapy Expert

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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

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Great a paralyzed dog participated in clinical trial.
Great took part in the Iowa State University 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…]

Yale Canine Cancer Study

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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…]