Terre Haute, IN - Maggie Mae and her owner Robert Howrey come from Paris, Illinois for a check-up at the Wabash Valley Animal Hospital in Terre Haute. She doesn't act like it, but Maggie Mae is a senior citizen and she has problems with her joints.

"Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs and we like to help them out," said Dr. Andrew Pickering, veterinarian.

A California company called "Animal Cell Therapies" has enlisted veterinarians all across the country to participate in a study of using stem cells for dogs with arthritis. Some of the canines in the study receive an injection of stem cells, others get just a saline solution.

Local vet, Doctor Andrew Pickering doesn't know which injections Maggie Mae is getting, but she no longer limps, and he's encouraged by the results.

"We're hoping this particular type of treatment will cure the condition for a long period of time so we don't have to keep giving the dog medication all the time," said Pickering.

Howrey says it's almost like having a new dog. "It's been about six weeks, so now she's back doing normal activities, she runs, she chases squirrels "

The research will continue for several more months. And the local clinic is still looking for owners who would like to get their pets involved. Study participation is free for dogs that qualify. Plus, even the animals that receive the saline injections will be able to get the stem cell treatment once the study is complete.

Click here to connect with the study web page

Click here to connect with the Wabash Valley Animal Hospital

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Stem Cell Study for Dogs - MyWabashValley