EXCITING NEWS Nightline: Stem cell therapy for pets outpaces that for humans

[BigBearJohn]

Source: Raw Story

This is SUCH encouraging news. I hope you find this as hopeful and as exciting as I do.

---

Research into the medical benefits of stem cells has been slowed by controversy over the use of cells from discarded embryos.

However, it is also possible to use stem cells from a person's own body. These are less powerful than embryonic stem cells but are safer for the patient and do not raise ethical concerns.

ABC's Nightline reports that this type of stem cell therapy is already in regular use for animals, where there is less regulation than for humans and research has progressed far more quickly.

The founder of VetStem, which has pioneered the application of the technique, told Nightlight that they've treated about 3000 horses for joint problems. As word got around, people started bringing their house pets for the same treatment

The program showed a dog with hip dysplasia being given a stem cell infusion, at a cost of $2500, instead of a hip replacement, which would have cost four times as much. Within two weeks, the dog was livelier and had much greater freedom of movement.

PLEASE READ MORE HERE. ALSO INCLUDED IS THE VIDEO AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE -- WORTH WATCHING. I'M SO EXCITED!


Read more: http://rawstory.com//printstory.php?story=8835

[seriousstan]

1. Actually, I would rather the advancements and mistakes of stem cell research

happen on an animal other than man.

[The Stranger]

2. On the contrary, I was thinking that pets deserve it, and humans do not.

Pets don't have the Right Wing, and, unfortunately, you humans do.

[seriousstan]

4. "You humans"? What species are you?

[The Stranger]

5. Sorry -- couldn't resist.

Next time I'll refer to you puny creatures as "Earthlings."

[backscatter712]

3. Not unprecedented...

Speaking as an alumnus of Colorado State University (which has one of the top veterinary schools in the country,) lots of medical advancements come into being first in animals, then to humans later.

Drugs, implants such as hip replacements, surgical procedures, transplants, etc. all started in animals - it's cheaper to start the research there, then adapt to human physiology. Why do you think the labs go through so many mice and rats?