ORLANDO, Fla. - <\/p>\n
If you think your dog is suffering from arthritis, researchers at the University of Floridas Health Science Center want you. <\/p>\n
[WEB EXTRA: See if your pet meets study criteria | More info on stem cell process ] <\/p>\n
Well, actually your pet. <\/p>\n
Your dog may be eligible for a blind study being conducted by the University of Floridas College of Veterinary Medicine. <\/p>\n
UF veterinarians are looking for 30 dogs, ages 2 to 10 years old, to participate in the next phase of a stem cell therapy project. <\/p>\n
The dogs must be healthy, 10 to 120 pounds, and should have been diagnosed with elbow arthritis or dysplasia by their local vet. <\/p>\n
Doctors are injecting stem cells directly into the elbows (front leg joints) of the animals to determine if the treatment will decrease the inflammation and pain associated with elbow dysplasia. <\/p>\n
Dr. Stanley Kim, a specialist in small animal surgery, says some pets are given a placebo and not even the owner will know if saline or stem cells have been injected into the pets joints until the 6 month study is completed. <\/p>\n
The dogs are evaluated at one month, three months and then again at six months but no dog will be left without the stem cell therapy. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See the article here: <\/p>\n
UF researchers recruiting local pets for arthritis study<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ORLANDO, Fla. - If you think your dog is suffering from arthritis, researchers at the University of Floridas Health Science Center want you. Continue reading