Nichole Dobo, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal 11:41 a.m. ET Feb. 5, 2014

Dr. Nancy Brady at Animal Haven Veterinary Center takes blood from Grover, a 4 year-old German Shepherd, while he is held by vet technician Savannah Haines, before they harvested fat tissue for a stem cell replacement procedure on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014.(Photo: Jennifer Corbett, The Wilmington, Del., News Journal)

Grover loves to play fetch.

But five months ago, while chasing a ball outside, the 4-year-old German shepherd blew out one of his back knees. He showed up with a limp at Animal Haven Veterinary Center in Bear, where he received treatment that helped, but he still had pain.

His owner, John Przybyliski, wanted a better outcome for his best friend. So, on Tuesday, Dr. Nancy Brady infused Grover's joint with stem cells she had extracted from his own fat tissue earlier in the day the first such procedure in Delaware to use an in-house stem cell treatment developed by a Kentucky-based company called MediVet America.

The cost: $2,249.

"It is financially a burden to us, because I am retired, but if this will help him, it will be worth every penny," said Przybyliski, who lives near New Castle.

The treatment is among a growing number of options for pet owners who more and more are willing to pay thousands of dollars to ease the pain of their furry family members, or improve their quality of life.

Supporters of stem cell therapy in pets say there is a growing body of evidence that supports the treatment in both humans and animals. Researchers continue to develop techniques and uses for stem cells, and experts say there is still more to learn.

"We figured, boy, if they can do that for human beings, it would be great if we could get that for him," Przybyliski said. "He's a young dog, and he had a lot of life to go out and play."

It's too soon to tell how the treatment will work on Grover.

"It's a means of providing compassionate care," Brady said of her practice's new service, which differs from another available in the state because it is performed in-house.

At Animal Haven, the treatment costs between $1,800 and $2,500, depending on the animal's size.

Another company, California-based Vet-Stem Inc., has been working with vets in Delaware to provide stem cell therapy since 2009. It is offered in about six places in the state, including Talleyville Veterinary Hospital, which charges from $3,000 to $5,000 for the treatment, which includes storing the extra stem cells for a year.

The two companies offer different methods for processing stem cells found in an animal's fat. MediVet provides a procedure that allows vets to process the fat in their office and complete the treatment in one trip. With Vet-Stem, the cells are sent overnight to a laboratory in California.

(Photo: Jennifer Corbett, The Wilmington, Del., News Journal)

Dr. Kathryn Stoltzfus, chief of staff at the Talleyville animal hospital, performed a stem cell treatment on an 8-year-old dog about four months ago, in hopes of easing his arthritis and irritable bowl syndrome. Since then, she said, the animal has shown some improvement.

"We were trying something to help him, and I think it did help him," Stoltzfus said. "He's improved significantly enough that he's able to do more physical therapy.

"In the end, the owners were happy."

But, Stoltzfus said, it is important to manage expectations. There is more data, for example, to suggest the stem cells would help with arthritis than irritable bowl syndrome. Pet owners should not expect stem cells to act as a magic bullet, she said.

Stoltzfus chose to go with Vet-Stem because she believes it provides better assurance in the measured level of stem cells provided in the treatments.

The FDA has not yet approved stem cell treatments for animals. The federal agency is working on writing guidance on it, said FDA spokeswoman Juli Putnam.

"The use of stem cells in veterinary medicine is a burgeoning field of study and technology," she said. "Many of these products meet the definition of a 'drug,' and the FDA's goal is to ensure that these products, like other drugs, are safe and effective."

For Grover, the stems cells were an alternative to a surgery that would have given the dog a "bionic knee," Brady said, an invasive procedure that would have cost $2,500 to $4,500 and needed a longer recovery time.

Przybyliski said the price and shorter turnaround time were what led him to choose stem cells over surgery.

"We didn't think we could keep him down long enough to heal," Przybyliski said.

When Grover arrived for treatment Tuesday, the first step was drawing some blood. That was put into a machine to separate platelets, which would be used later in the process. Next, Grover was placed on an operating table and sedated. Brady made a 2-inch incision in his shoulder and extracted fat from beneath the skin.

I don't think that animals should be less behind the curve. If we can do it in people, we can do it in animals, too.

Veterinary technician Sharyn Krueger worked with a MediVet representative, who was there to conduct training, to extract stem cells from Grover's fat. This involved chopping up the fat, treating it with an enzyme and placing it in a special machine. This happened on a countertop in the same room where Grover had been operated on moments earlier.

About two hours later, the stem cells were injected in Grover's knee, and he received an IV infusion of the stem cells. He might need more injections, Brady said, and leftover stem cells will be kept for future check-ups. The expectation is Grover will see benefits in two to four weeks, but it could take longer.

Some owners of a pet with a knee injury like Grover's might want to choose surgery over stem cells, and Brady supports that, too. She believes in providing options that give pet owners the choice.

For some pets, however, surgery might not be an option. The stem cells might be a last choice for a pet owner whose animal is suffering so much that euthanasia is being considered, Brady said.

Offering the treatment in animals at United States veterinary offices comes as more humans are seeking stem cell procedures abroad that are not yet approved here.

"I don't think that animals should be less behind the curve," Stoltzfus said. "If we can do it in people, we can do it in animals, too."

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Pet Stem Cell Therapy - usatoday.com

What happens to my pet when they come in for stem cell therapy?

First, your vet will put your pet under general anesthetic. Then, he/she will make a small incision and collect 2-4 tablespoons of fat (either in the belly or behind the shoulder blades). MediVet provides on-site training for each clinic that brings on Stem Cell treatments; the process ensures your pets cells will be isolated and activated in a proper manner.

The surgical time requiring anesthesia is typically less than 30 minutes. The cells are isolated, activated and re-administered on site so that your animal can go home same day.

What is the recovery period, and how long does it take to see results?

We recommend that the patient be limited to activity within the first 10 days. It is likely your pet will be feeling good and want to exert themselves, however we recommend limiting physical activity so the cells have the ability to work to repair injuries. Improvements are typically seen within the first two weeks and continue improve over the next few months. Veterinarians report responses from initial treatments lasting 18-24 months. Rehabilitation Schedule.

MediVets patented stem cell procedure allows your vet to isolate stem cells from your animals own fat tissue, activate them, and reintroduce them directly into the damaged areas all in one visit. The goal of this revolutionary procedure is to provide a potent anti-inflammatory effect promoting cartilage and other tissue regeneration ultimately creating a healthier environment for the affected area. Most importantly, its an all-natural approach to healing without the adverse side effects. One example, in the case of arthritis, stem cells can become new cartilage cells, thus reducing pain and increasing mobility.

How long does a treatment last? What happens if my pet starts having trouble again?

We typically see about 18-24 months of relief after the initial treatment and even longer when treatment is sought at earlier stages. Most pet owners chose to bank cells, so re-treatment is easy and cost effective. MediVet has banking facilities in Kentucky, Australia and Europe. If symptoms return, your vet merely requests a dose of cells from the bank, and injects them. No surgery is necessary.

How long has this been available?

Stem cell therapy for animals has been commercially available since 2004. MediVet pioneered in-clinic treatment options around 2010 and has now successfully treated thousands of animals globally.

What is so great about Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cells treat the source of the problem by becoming new tissue replacing damaged tissue. Other treatments, such as NSAIDs, merely attempt to reduce symptoms. The treatment is very low risk, because it uses the animals own stem cells. With MediVets technology in a recent study conducted by four independent Veterinarians over 95% of animals treated show improvement. For pet owners, there are two main advantages to MediVet.

155 Canine Study

What conditions do you treat?

Our typical patient has osteoarthritis (hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, calcifications, common degeneration and inflammation), soft tissue injuries (cruciate injuries, tears, ruptures, inflammation), or needs accelerated healing of fractures. We know a lot about these conditions, and over 95% of these patients get better, with MediVets Stem Cell Therapy.We also treat other cases under compassionate use. We know less about these conditions, but are seeing some exciting results. Some of those conditions are: degenerative myelopathy, feline gingivitis, end-stage renal disease, liver and kidney failure, allergy, auto-immune, inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary fibrosis, IMHA, atopy, and spine trauma. Please talk to your vet if you have questions about any of these conditions or would like to submit your animal for a compassionate use trial.

Is it safe?

Yes, this procedure is very safe. The biggest risk as in any surgical procedure is using anesthetic, to remove the fat tissue. On a typical dog, Veterinarians report this procedure is easier than a spay. The fat is collected in about 20 minutes by your vet. Processing the sample is done carefully by a highly trained Vet tech carefully trained by MediVet. In the thousands of animals treated, we have not observed any significant negative side-effects from MediVets stem cell therapy.

KSU Study Double blind placebo controlled study of Osteoarthritis model

UK Study The only validated independent comparative analysis done of MediVets Stem Cell Therapy Procedure (Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF)

KSU Study Double blind controlled study of Atopic Dermatitis using MediVets Stem Cell Therapy Procedure (Stromal Vascular Fraction therapy (21 dogs)

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Why Stem Cell Therapy for Pets? | MediVet Biologics

By Cindy Dian / Correspondent

EUSTIS Marie Zaman's German shepherd therapy dog, Jesse, was only 6 years old when she developed a spinal infection.

Zaman could not afford all the treatments, so fundraisers were held and she was able to raise enough for traditional treatment, acupuncture and stem-cell replacement therapy. Unfortunately, Zaman ultimately had to make the hardest decision of her life and end Jesses suffering.

Sadly, nothing was working, she said. But I am so thankful to the community for trying all they could to help her. So many people got involved that they created this organization in honor of Jesse, to help other dogs in difficult situations get back to being therapy dogs.

That organization, Jesse's Fund for Therapy Dogs, helps injured therapy dogs so they can continue to serve Lake County.The third annual Bark in the Park festival last Sunday in Eustis was held toraise money for the organization.

Between events like the dog-kissing contest, best trick and fastest ice cream eater, $870 was raised for the cause.

The main purpose for this event was to get the word out and let people know that we are here to help, President Leslie Lightbourne said. We are thrilled with the success, and we were even able to reach out to a person with a therapy dog who has a major illness and assist them with their treatment. We had a great time at the event and are excited to keep it going.

Zaman said it was an honor when she heard of the organizations decision but said it was very difficult telling her story and often times had to walk away to cry.

You get one special dog in a lifetime and she was the one, Zaman said. She loved people, visiting nursing homes and hospitals and made everyones life better. Im glad that this organization is focused on helping other dogs receive the help they need.

Zaman now has another therapy dog. It's the daughter of Jesse's sister, which she said reminds her a lot of Jesse.

With more than 300 registered therapy dogs in Lake County, the group has its work cut out for it. Funds are given on an individual basis if a therapy dog is injured or falls ill and requires medical attention. It does not include routine checkups, vaccinations or pest treatments.

For an application and guidelines, go to http://www.facebook.com/JessesFund or email JessesFundTherapyDogs@gmail.com.

Therapy dogs can touch so many lives in their lifetime, Lightbourne said. We simply want to help them so they can continue to provide love and comfort to our community.

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Jesse's Fund helps Lake's sick, injured therapy dogs - Daily Commercial

Photos courtesy ofLong Beach Animal Hospital (LBAH)

Corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea that can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, need antibiotics to control the infection and let the cornea heal. These antibiotics come in the form of drops or ointment. They are given at least two or three times every day until the cornea is completely healed and there is no update in the fluorescein dye test used to identify foreign bodies in the eye. This same medication lubricates and protects the cornea.

Corneal ulcers are painful because of the sensitive nerve endings in the eye. Ulcers also cause the iris to spasm, adding to the pain. Topical atropine medication is put into the eye to relax the iris muscle and greatly reduce the pain. Occasionally, oral-pain medication is used to control the pain.

This is conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye. The cause can be minor or major, but an eye that looks like this one needs to be checked and treated immediately.

Topical cortisone, a great medication to minimize the conjunctivitis that is sometimes associated with a corneal ulcer, should not be used in most cases until the fluorescein dye indicates the ulcer is healed. Doing so might delay the healing of the cornea.

The use of an Elizabethan collaryou may know them as e-collarsis necessary to prevent self-trauma while the eye is healing, since rubbing or scratching at the eye can make it worse. It should stay on until the eye is completely healed.

Fortunately, most superficial corneal ulcers heal well with the consistent use of eye medication and the prevention of trauma with an e-collar. Some ulcers do not heal and get worse, possibly resulting in erosion all the way through the eye. This known as a descemetocele, a serious condition consisting of an erosion passing through the levels of the eye structure to the Descemet's membrane, the innermost level of the eye (see Anatomy of the Corneain the previous The Vet Is In). This eye is at risk for complete penetration of the ulcer into the eye and subsequent rupture of the fluid of the eye to the outside, with complete loss of the eye.

The cloudy cornea on this cats right eye is the result of an untreated corneal ulcer.

If a corneal ulcer is not healing, additional therapy is needed. Dead corneal tissue along the edges can be removed with a cotton swab and special disinfectant. Most of the time, this can be accomplished with just a topical anesthetic. When this does not work, a conjunctival flap can be utilized. In this procedure, a tiny piece of the conjunctivathe mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelidswith blood supply still intact, can be placed over the ulcer using fine sutures.

Additional treatment involves the use of topical autologous serum. This serum, which comes from the bloodstream, can counteract the enzymes from the inflammatory process that is dissolving the cornea.

Corneal stem cells have been used with some success in humans but are not yet used in veterinary medicine. These more advanced treatments are usually performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Immediate treatment for any eye problem in animals is important. Do not delay an exam if your pet has any symptoms of squinting, redness, discharge or rubbing of the eye. There may or may not be an ulcer present, but animals with irritated eyes tend to do a lot of rubbing and scratching, and might cause a corneal ulcer. Its best to treat the problem before it gets to the corneal ulcer stage.

More here:
Eye Problems in Dogs and CatsTreatment of Corneal Ulcers - Long Beach Post

The Weston Brain Institute has allocated more than $30 million in funding for Canadian research projects onneurodegenerative diseases of aging.

The lack of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Alzheimers and Parkinsons, has been called the biggest unmet need in modern medicine, saysAlexandra Stewart, executive director at the Weston Brain Institute, in a release. The funding weve committed to these incredible Canadian scientists focuses on projects with the potential to make the greatest impact in this field.

The funding is a part of the larger $100 million announced in 2016 by the Weston Brain Institute for high-risk, high-reward translational research projects with the potential to help speed up the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases of aging.

The institute grants through a number of programs, enabling researchers to receive funding and support based on the stage of the project and funding needed. This announcement highlights the more than $30 million directly granted since 2012 toward its Early Phase Clinical Trials, Rapid Response, Transformational Research, and targeted programs. This brings the total funds allocated to date for Canadian researchers to more than $45 million.

The Institutes Scientific Advisory Committee provides guidance to the Institute regarding overall strategy, program development, and program design. Grantees are selected by committees composed of these advisors plus additional experts selected based on the applications under discussion. Both these groups are comprised of world-class international researchers.

The Early Phase Clinical Trials Program (up to $1.7 million) supports Phase I and IIa clinical trials. This is an innovative funding opportunity whereby applicants have optional access to clinical trials design experts to help improve their study designs. Grantees include:

The Rapid Response Program (up to $200,000) provides seed funding for novel projects. This program runs with the quickest granting process to enable researchers to promptly explore high-risk, high-reward ideas and catalyze future projects. Grantees include:

The Transformational Research Program (up to $1.5 million) supports high-potential, larger, longer projects with excellent preliminary data. Grantees include:

Targeted programs provide support for outstanding translational research in ALS, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Given these diseases share related pathologies, work here is likely to advance research in other neurodegenerative diseases of aging. Grantees include:

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Weston Brain Institute Awards $30 Million+ in Grants to Fight Diseases of Aging - Sleep Review

Science Daily

Fish study shows important genome interactions in animal cells Science Daily In a new study, researchers at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science examined how the interaction of two genomes in animal cells -- the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes -- interact to affect adaptation of the ...

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Fish study shows important genome interactions in animal cells - Science Daily

Science Daily

How cells react to injury from open-heart surgery: Research ... Science Daily Investigators have learned how cardiac muscle cells react to a certain type of injury that can be caused by open-heart surgery. The findings point to a new ... and more »

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How cells react to injury from open-heart surgery: Research ... - Science Daily

Science Daily

Pets May Cut Human Allergies and Obesity Science Daily A new University of Alberta study showed that babies from families with pets -- 70 per cent of which were dogs -- showed higher levels of two types of microbes associated with lower risks of allergic disease and obesity. But don't rush out to adopt a ... and more »

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Pets May Cut Human Allergies and Obesity - Science Daily

No one wants surgery. Dr. Jeffrey Christianson is participating in a study that may provide relief for injured or immune-disordered pets without incisions.

Stem cells can morph into any type of cell needed. The cells are harvested from the animals fat, processed, and reinjected into the pet. These one-size-fits-all cells can be used to replace joint tissue, bone, or other tissues that have worn away or become injured.

Stem cell therapy is a branch of Restorative Medicine helping sick animals restore and improve function. Veterinary medicine has been utilizing Autologous (stem cells from the pet) therapy for well over a decade. It helps animals with arthritis, injuries, inflammatory bowel disease, and other immune-mediated disorders rehabilitate or regain some function.

Dr. Christiansons newest project is a research study to analyze the use of Allogeneic cells (cells from donor pets) in therapy. The clinic is taking part in a double-blinded placebo controlled research study. Half of the patients just get a saline control solution injected into the joint as opposed to a stem cell therapy. He will monitor the results over a six-month period. He wont know until the end of the study who got the control. Some of the pets get a stem cell treatment for free. We do blood work and x-rays, and its all covered by the study.

Its unknown if Allogeneic stem cell therapy is as safe and effective as Autologous therapy. Dr. Christianson noted, The goal of the study is that sick pets could receive stem cell therapy without the pain and discomfort of surgery.

Sick and injured animals recuperating at the Island Animal Clinic have a goodwill ambassador to their lift their spirits. Dr. Ballards dog, Jiminy Cricket (Jim) is a daily visitor. Jim was an injured client. Practice Manager Holly Davis explains, He came in with two broken legs, and it was too much for his owner to handle. Jim was in two casts for months and needed round-the-clock care. Jim now goes to work daily with Dr. Ballard. He runs around the hallways when Dr. Ballard is on break, providing comic relief for recuperating pet patients.

Veterinary medical discoveries are providing a better quality of life and extending the lives of our furry friends. Its exciting that a local animal hospital is at the forefront of these emerging trends. Its also comforting to know recovering pets have Jim for inspiration.

Read more here:
Island Animal Hospital Offers Stem Cell Therapy - Beachside Resident

Vice President Mike Pence spoke Saturday in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

A NEBRASKA SENATOR once said of a Supreme Court nominee, So what if hes mediocre? [The mediocre] are entitled to a little representation. But in Mike Pence mediocrity is overrepresented. Not even Donald Trump commends this intellectually blinkered, right-wing provincial as Americas Savior.

He began as a talk show host in 1994 in small-town Indiana, fulminating about the global warming myth, the perfidy of Washington, and the verities of an evangelical Christianity menaced by cosmopolites. Piety swiftly merged with pragmatism: ambitious for office, Pence learned what worked an antichoice, antigay agenda served up with reckless rhetoric couched in a pose of rectitude. He informed his audience that Clarence Thomas was being lynched, and that despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesnt kill. A quarter-century later, Pence remains as small as his beginnings.

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The flexibility of his conscience surfaced in his first race for Congress. He used campaign funds to pay for his mortgage, car, credit card, golf, and groceries. To smear his opponent, he sent a mailer depicting lines of cocaine; ran an ad portraying an Arab sheik; and spread a story that the Democrat was selling his farm to a nuclear waste facility. Only after losing, did Pence deploy an ostentatious show of guilt.

Once in Congress, he joined the Tea Party and displayed a rigid intolerance for anything outside the crabbed confines of evangelical conservatism. He attacked sex education and reproductive choice with the zeal of Savonarola, decrying stem cell research, the use of condoms to prevent STDs, and organizations whose services included abortion. To further this agenda, he proposed changing the definition of rape to forcible rape and shutting down the government as a tactic to defund Planned Parenthood.

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His apotheosis came as Indianas governor: a statute barring women from aborting fetuses with grave chromosomal damage; exposing doctors who assisted them to prosecution for wrongful death; and requiring that aborted fetuses be buried. A federal court swiftly struck it down.

Turns out Mike Pence also used private e-mail for state business.

His war against LGBT rights is unyielding. He called banning gay marriage Gods idea. He advocated diverting money for AIDS research to ex- gay therapy programs. He fought legislation to protect gays from job discrimination and hate crimes, and opposed gays serving in the military.

As governor, Pence spearheaded a religious freedom law allowing business owners to deny service to LGBT citizens. Struggling to defend this, he gave an incoherent interview to George Stephanopoulos which exposed his excruciating inability to transcend robotic talking points. More than narrow, he looked dense.

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Equally mindless was his opposition to a needle-exchange program, provoking an outbreak of HIV-AIDS in an Indiana county. But then Pence exudes myopia. His fealty to the NRA is craven and comprehensive. He questions climate change and the theory of evolution. He tried to bar Syrian refugees from entering Indiana. In the cul-de-sac of his mind, he plays to the only audience he knows people who think like him.

Increasingly, Indianans did not. By 2016, his reelection campaign was flagging, his normally polite constituents booing him in public. Locals were stunned when, bereft of attractive options, Donald Trump reluctantly offered him a shot at ultimate power. For Pence, this was a gift from God; for others, a revelation of character.

Shamelessly, he combined obsequious testimonials to Trump as leader, family man, and Christian with transparent calculation. Particularly revealing was Pences oscillation between toady and schemer in the wake of the Access Hollywood tape.

At first, he crowed that Trump was still standing stronger than ever. But as revulsion for Trumps serial groping mushroomed, Pence rediscovered his moral compass, intoning prior to one of the presidential debates, We pray for his family and look forward to the opportunities he has to show what is in his heart [in tomorrow nights debate]. Whereupon he vanished.

His calculus was transparent: Pence would await Trumps performance before defending him, poised to resign from the ticket or replace Trump at its head. But Trump survived. Proud to stand with you, Pence tweeted, then attacked Bill Clinton for moral turpitude.

Thats Pence. His public persona reeks of smarmy sanctimony every untruth, evasion, and vacuous bromide delivered in a portentous pipe organ voice accompanied by squints, nods, and shakes of the head which, Pence clearly imagines, convey a pious gravity. The effect is that of an unctuous church elder selling pyramid schemes to credulous parishioners, never doubting he is doing Gods work. Every self-serving self-deception reveals the depths of his shallowness, the breadth of his hypocrisy.

His salvation is not ours.

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Mike Pence and the rise of mediocrity - The Boston Globe