干细胞可以延长宠物的生命 Stem Cells Can Extend Your Pets' Lives
2011-05-21 22:13:00   来源：   

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- There's a new procedure that could give you more time with your pets.

Veterinarians are using stem cells to help with arthritis issues.

"It was heartbreaking to see her not be a part of the family anymore," said dog owner Bill Chuchro.

Chuchro and Lily have been inseparable for more than a decade, and when Lily started staying behind rather than being his shadow, Chuchro knew something was wrong.

"As the arthritis got worse she started hiding back in the corners, staying out of the way because she couldn't get out of the way fast enough," he said.

Chuchro hopped on the Internet and found out stem cells aren't just helping humans these days.

"These dogs are crippling to where it's difficult for the owners to continue to watch their dogs like that," said Adobe Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. Tom Newland.

He's using adult stem cells from the very dog who needs them to regrow cartilage. Newland takes the cells out of the dog's fat and injects them into their joints.

It's helping arthritic dogs like Lily get that youthful skip back into her step.

"Now she'll run down the hall; she didn't run before," Chuchro said.

Lily was the first dog in Arizona to have the surgery. It takes only a few hours and your pooch can come home with you right after it's done.

It isn't exactly cheap. The surgery costs around $2,000.

It's a small price, Chuchro said, to have his buddy back.

"It was well worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat," he said.

Newland said the surgery can be done on cats too.

He also said there's some encouraging news for human patients.

Newland guesses the procedure will be available to people in the next few years.