Nashville, TN (PRWEB) November 10, 2011

One of the last surviving search & rescue dogs deployed in the 9/11 attacks, now 15 years old, will receive a breakthrough stem cell regenerative treatment from MediVet-America to help ease crippling arthritis and live out her days in greater comfort. At least two other 9/11 dogs also will receive the same stem cell therapy.

Only about a dozen of the nearly 100 search & rescue dogs that were sent to the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, PA, are still alive today.

Bailey, a black Labrador retriever who is retired from service, will undergo the drug-free procedure on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, 10 a.m., at Companion Animal Hospital, in Goodlettsville, TN, near Nashville. It will be performed by Dr. Mary Ergen, D.V.M., and Katherine Wilkie, director of lab services for MediVet-America, which is donating the procedure.

Along with her handler, Keith Lindley of Thompson Station, TN, Bailey was mobilized by FEMA to the Pentagon on September 12, 2001. For 11 days she searched the disaster site and acted as a therapy dog for the first responders and military personnel who were devastated by the experience and missing their own families and pets. Later, Bailey went to Salt Lake City, UT, for the 2002 Winter Olympics and did wilderness searches back home. Today, she is stiff-legged from severe arthritis.

“It seems fitting that on Veteran’s Day, when we honor all who have served our country, we are helping one of the unsung heroes of 9-11,” said Lindley. “I saw firsthand how Bailey and the other search & rescue dogs made a big difference in a terrible tragedy. And she may have many good years ahead. Her mother is now 18 years old.”

Also to receive stem cell treatment in the coming weeks is Red, a 12 year old black Lab who was sent to the Pentagon on September 16 with her handler, Heather Roche of Annapolis, MD. Red also worked for 11 days, finding the remains of victims in the north parking-lot area. She later responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. No longer able to handle tasks like climbing a two-story ladder, Red retired in July. Ms. Roche said, “Red wants to work, but her body just can’t do it anymore.”

A third 9/11 search & rescue dog that searched the ruins at Ground Zero, Hoke, owned by Julie Noyes of Indiana, also will be treated.

Veterinarians and researchers describe stem cell regenerative therapy as a major scientific development in the treatment of arthritis, hip dysplasia, ligament and cartilage injuries and other degenerative joint diseases in dogs, cats, horses and other animals. The technology uses an adult animals own stem cells to heal itself.

MediVet-America’s treatment involves removing fat tissue from the animal, separating the stem cells from the fat, activating and then injecting the cells into the affected areas. Within four to six weeks, animals that had been in severe pain with a restricted range of motion are able to walk, run and even jump again.

The key to the procedure is an advanced, patented L.E.D. technology that activates millions of dormant stem cells present in fat tissue.

“We are proud to help the unsung canine heroes of 9-11 on this first Veteran’s Day following the 10th anniversary of the attacks,” said MediVet-America managing director Jeremy Delk. “They deserve the very best stem cell therapeutic care that is now being received by animals across the nation.”

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/486754#ixzz1dQHSdGa0

When Jeanine and Richard Gottrich heard about stem cell therapy for pets, they didn’t hesitate to consider the treatment for their 13 year-old malamute, Diablo.

For the Gottrich’s, Diablo is like their only child. When they adopted him from a shelter ten years ago, the staff presumed he would not live longer than another five years because of his severe case of hip dysplasia. However, the Gottrich’s did everything in their power to keep Diablo healthy and comfortable. At first, this meant lots of different medications. When Diablo started getting sick from the medications, they turned to alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal treatments.

Unfortunately, Diablo’s conditioned has worsened so much that he can barely take walks and spends most of his days lounging on the porch.

Diablo’s veterinarian, Dr. Jeanne Fowler (owner of All About Pets in Traveler’s Rest) was interested in stem cell therapy and thought it might be a great treatment plan to get Diablo back on his feet. She noted that stem cell therapy is regenerative medicine, whereas other therapies, like medications, often just mask the problem.

Dr. Fowler completed Diablo’s MediVet stem cell therapy last week and he came out of surgery safe and sound. The procedure is actually minimally invasive. A small incision is made to extract a sample of fat, the fat is then processed to activate the stem cells, and it is injected back into the affected joints.

According to Jason Richardson, president of MediVet-Carolinas, 96% of clients report seeing an improvement in their pet after MediVet stem cell therapy. The procedure doesn’t promise to turn a senior dog into a puppy, but it can greatly alleviate paint and improve mobility.

Good luck to Diablo and his parents!

Image via Flickr.com user KellBailey , Creative Commons license

We’d like to congratulate Dr. Noel Berger at the Animal Hospital and Laser Center of South Carolina. He recently performed his first MediVet stem cell procedure on a dog in his Pawleys Island clinic.

The patient was 13 year-old Beau, a Labrador mix. Beau was experiencing arthritis pain and was having difficulty moving around. Dr. Berger expects that the stem cell procedure will improve Beau’s mobility and also lessen his pain. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on Beau’s progress.

Here’s a great quote from Dr. Berger, from an article in South Carolina’s SCNOW.com:

“We’re not using any drugs. We’re not using any strange medications. We’re not using any foreign materials that Beau could potentially react to,” said Dr. Berger. “We’re using Beau’s self, [and] his own tissue to reverse the pain and inflammation that he’s experiencing.”

Thank you, Dr. Berger, for your dedication to the advancement of new procedures and technology in the veterinary field, and for helping alleviate pain and suffering in animals like Beau. We wish you continued success with your practice and your new therapy offering.

You can check out the news article here: http://www2.scnow.com/news/2011/oct/24/pawleys-island-veterinarian-uses-new-form-therapy-ar-2600120/

Everyone knows the dangers of smoking, particularly those of second-hand smoke. In fact, it was announced today that Boston will be making it’s public housing units smoke-free in a year, in order to reduce the effects of smoke that can pass into neighboring units.

However, with all the concerns about the carcinogens and other harmful substances in cigarette smoke, we rarely think about its effect on our furriest family members, our pets. According the the American Animal Health Association (AAHA) studies have shown that the more than 4000 chemical compounds in cigarette smoke can have some of the same effects on animals as they do on humans.

The study talked specifically about dogs, who are at risk for contracting lung cancer from the smoke. It was also found that dogs with longer noses, like hounds and other varieties, are at a higher risk for getting nasal and sinus cancer due to the larger amount of exposed tissue.

The effects of smoke can be lasting in pets. Animals’ fur and urine were tested and it was found that measurable amounts of carcinogens can be found for months after exposure to smoke.

Cats are not immune to the effects of second-hand smoke either. In fact, they are more likely to develop oral cancer because they continually groom themselves and are likely to pick up the carcinogens that settle on their fur from the smoke.

So what can you do to prevent these problems in your pets? The most obvious answer is to quit smoking. If you won’t quit, take your smoke breaks outdoors and don’t allow guests to smoke in your house. Take your pets for yearly examinations to catch any health issues early on.

(Image from Flickr.com user yvescosentino, creative commons license)

After shutting the blog down to do some maintenance, we’re back! Here’s something you may have missed while we were gone:

World’s First Breakthrough Stem Cell Procedure on a Goat Performed in Kentucky

When Cinnamon, a seven-year-old, 325 pound goat, began receiving stem cell therapy on location at a veterinary clinic outside of Louisville, Kentucky, it was a medical first in the whole world for the animal kingdom.

The procedure at the Henry County Animal Clinic was performed by Dr. Clark Slone, DVM, to alleviate the pain Cinnamon suffered from a torn ACL and bad carpal joints.

Dr. Slone utilized the advanced, drug-free technology pioneered by MediVet-America (http://www.Medivet-America.com), a research and development company and global leader in veterinary stem cell technology and regenerative medicines.

Adult animal stem cell technology uses the body’s own regenerative healing power to help cure dogs, cats, horses and other animals suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia and tendon, ligament and cartilage injuries and other ailments.

Fat tissue was removed from the animal, millions of stem cells were separated and activated on location through a patented L.E.D. technology, and then injected into the affected areas.

Within a month of the procedure, Cinnamon will be moving well, virtually pain free.

“These stem cells are supercharged, they’re ready to work, and automatically go to the inflamed area in the body,” said MediVet-America’s Brenda Timperman. “The animals that were having problems recover and are a whole lot better.”

Using MediVet-America’s new Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Procedure Kit, veterinary practitioners in 200 markets throughout 42 states now perform the drug-free procedure entirely in their own clinics more quickly, effectively and economically than first generation animal stem cell therapy. This new treatment, developed in Australia, is now available in 23 countries worldwide.

The stem cell advancements in veterinary medicine are paving the way for healthier and happier lives for pets in America.

“Some areas of research and therapy are progressing faster than that in human medicine,” said MediVet-America managing director Jeremy Delk. “Stem cell therapy is at the leading edge of this evolution.”

Stem cells are basic biological cells which have the ability to differentiate into specialized tissue cells and regenerate to additional cells. These new cells can be beneficial in replacing or repairing damaged tissue. The stem cells used in veterinary medicine aren’t embryonic, the type which have garnered much controversy over the years, but are taken from adipose (fat) tissue of the individual patient.

MediVet, the world’s leading animal stem cell company, is offering the newest and most advanced stem cell techniques that are changing the landscape of veterinary medicine. The regenerative cells are injected into the pet’s joints to encourage connective tissue like cartilage, tendons and ligaments to heal or grow including other degenerative diseases.

Delk said that trials, thousands of procedures and studies have shown significant improvement in quality of life for dogs, cats, and horses ? even Cinnamon the goat, camels and other wild animals ? with arthritis and other joint diseases.

More than 3,000 stem cell kits have been supplied to veterinarians across the U.S., who are seeing tremendous results. Animals that had been unable to climb stairs or walk well, are running and playing.

“We have experienced tremendous growth this year in all areas of our business,” said Delk. “We’re overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from pet owners and veterinarians around the world, and we’re deeply honored by the pet industry’s acknowledgement of our services.

“Excitement in the technology continues to grow as we are now seeing stem cell procedures happening everyday across the United States and the world.”

Americans spent $48.3 billion in 2010 on their companion animals, according to the American Pet Products Association, up from $28.5 billion in 2001. The cost of a stem cell treatment is about $1,900 for small animals, $2,400 for horses. Stem cells also can be frozen and banked.

MediVet is seeking distributors in America and other parts of the world to serve its growing number of veterinarians and clinics.

“We feel that it is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs who are interested in entering the expanding bio-medical field in a unique way,” said Delk.

Delk said veterinarians can become in-house stem cell therapy clinics allowing them to perform procedures in real time for the small cost of necessary equipment of just $7,000.

The first veterinary hospital in Rockford, IL to perform animal stem cell therapy in-clinic, will try to help a search & rescue dog suffering from a painful condition.

The procedure is set for Tues. Aug. 9, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT at Hillcrest Animal Hospital, 227 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61107 (815) 398-9313

It will be performed on 8-year-old Gunther, a German Shepherd with fibrotic myopathy, a fibrous hamstring which causes a lack of nerve sensation, leading to a significant limp in his right rear leg. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RR5BgS_cYQ

Gunther is part of a three-dog search & rescue team that is deployed in Northern Illinois and the Wisconsin wilderness; his owner/handler, Dr. Kari Kobus of Hillcrest, says he is critical to the success of the team.

Adult animal stem cell technology uses the body’s own regenerative healing power to help cure dogs, cats and horses suffering from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and tendon, ligament and cartilage injuries and other ailments.

Fat tissue is removed from the animal, the stem cells are separated and activated, and then injected into the affected areas.

Within about four weeks of the procedure, Gunther should be moving well, with little or no pain.

UPDATE: Gunther is doing great! The Rockford Register Star did a great job at covering this story, with lots of great photos. Check it out here.

Molly is a sweet 12 year old English Bulldog. Her owner, Beth Edwards, has had Molly since she was just a 10 week old puppy, so of course she would do anything to keep her beloved dog healthy and pain-free.

As old age caught up to Molly, she began experiencing limited mobility. Her ability to run, play, and her general quality of life decreased dramatically. With the help of her veterinarian, Beth explored different treatment options for Molly, including medication, acupuncture, and massage.

When Beth heard about MediVet’s innovative in-house stem cell treatment, she had the feeling that it might be the right option for Molly. Molly’s MediVet stem cell therapy was performed at Heartland Animal Hospital in Boiling Springs, SC in May. Scooter, a Golden Retriever, had the treatment on the same day at the clinic.

Months later, we’re happy to report that both dogs are doing great! Molly is able to sleep through the night now, which she couldn’t do before because of the pain. She was also able to go off one of her medications. Her owner says that Molly is doing fantastic and hasn’t fallen since the procedure (a problem she was having prior). She also seems much more comfortable and can move more easily. Scooter now wags his tail and trots around his yard, without the limp that he once had.

We’re excited to see how Molly and Scooter continue to improve! To read more, check out this news story from the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.

We are thrilled to announce that the MediVet distribution and training center in West Jordan, Utah is now open for business! The opening of this new office will allow countless veterinarians to have access to MediVet’s groundbreaking veterinary technology.

The center in Utah had it’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 22nd, and the star of the show was the state’s first dog to receive in-house stem cell therapy by MediVet. Honey is a 10 year old Yellow Lab and recieved MediVet stem cell therapy in September. She is doing great now and was front and center at the ceremony.

Salt Lake City’s ABC4 News covered the story, which you can read more about here.

You can also watch a great video about Utah’s first in-house veterinary stem cell on Honey, here.

(Image via flickr.com user Clownfish, creative commons license)

(PRWEB) July 09, 2011

In what is believed to be a world first, a sheep has this month undergone Medivet’s revolutionary Adipose Stem Cell Procedure to treat its crippling arthritis.

The procedure has been carried out at Pet Universe Veterinary Centre in Manningham, South Australia.

Tommy the Merino ram wandered up to Pam Hutchinson’s doorstep when he was just hours old, and quickly became a member of the family.

Seven years on and Tommy is suffering crippling arthritis in his elbow joints. “His right elbow is completely locked-up,” says Pam. “Unlike dogs, sheep can’t walk on three legs, so he’s totally crippled. We are hoping stem cell treatment will give him back his quality of life.”

The revolutionary treatment, developed by Australian company Medivet, means animals suffering common ailments including osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases no longer need to suffer chronic pain.

Until now, this treatment has been most commonly used to treat dogs, cats and horses.

Dr Chris Lee from Pet Universe is one of the first vets in Australia to offer the breakthrough procedure, which is now fast, affordable and performed entirely in-clinic.

The procedure is not controversial as no embryonic cells are used, only cells obtained from the sheep’s own fat.

A marked improvement in Tommy’s mobility has already been recorded.

Thanks to Medivet’s innovative technology, this process is now affordable for all families globally.

Dr Chris is excited to offer this amazing treatment to a Merino ram! “Tommy is quite old for a sheep. He weighs between 60 and 70 kilos, but the principal is the same regardless. It’s a drug-free treatment that gives the animal an improved quality of life. It’s a win-win situation for both the animals and their families! This is an exciting breakthrough for Medivet and for the future of stem cell treatment in veterinary regenerative medicine.”

http://www.medivet.net.au

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/7/prweb8628771.htm

Source: prweb

Check out this amazing video from Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Bartlett, Tennessee. The difference that MediVet stem cell therapy can make after less than a month is unbelievable. See for yourself: