Dog gets stem cell injection for arthritis

By The Associated Press on February 19, 2012

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — The owners of a 12-year-old yellow Labrador with crippling arthritis are hoping stem cells will relieve the dog's pain.

The dog, named Jake, underwent a procedure in Overland Park that supporters say will make his arthritic limbs healthy again.

Critics say the procedure is expensive and does not help animals in any way.

The Kansas City Star reports that Jake was one of the first dogs in the Kansas City region to undergo the procedure. It was done at the Stanley Veterinary Clinic in Overland Park.

During the procedure, stems cells were taken from the fat of Jake's body and injected into his joints. The hope is that the cells will regenerate missing cartilage in a few weeks.