Oklahoma Veterinarian Offering Stem Cell Therapy For Aging Pets

A controversial therapy that's not available for humans is being used on their pets. Stem cells are helping dogs and cats heal faster and get rid of pain as the animals get older.

Mandy Clinton loves her dog and she'd do just about anything for her.

"I've had her for 14 years. She's my homegirl," Clinton said about Libbi.

But Libbi has come up with a hitch in her giddy up. She tripped while walking up the stairs and tore her ACL.

Clinton was looking into surgery when she learned about stem cell therapy and its ability to help dogs heal faster and reduce pain.

"I had no idea. I had no idea. It blew my mind, but I've had Libbi for 14 years, and so I was ready to do it if it was possible," she said.

Dr. Joe Landers at Heritage Veterinary Hospital will be performing Libbi's surgery on Wednesday.

They'll harvest stem cells from Libbi's stomach, process and stimulate them, then implant the stem cells on her leg joint.

"If you've ever cut your skin, deeply with a knife or something, you've had stem cell repair," said Dr. Joe Landers, DVM.

"It's mainly indicative now for old dogs with degenerative arthritis. Those dogs that can't get around very well, can't get up the stairs, can't jump, or just lay there because they're hurting and they don't want to move around," he said.

Stem cell therapy for dogs has been around a little more than five years. The idea has been called promising by researchers, but some are still worried there's not enough evidence to show that it can be safe or effective.

Dr. Landers says he's performed the surgery three times and all have been successful. It doesn't come without a price, Clinton is paying $2,000 for the surgery.

She says it's worth it to help a little pooch who's been her best friend for nearly half her life.

'Like I said, I know it seems a little extravagant but I've had her for so long," said dog owner Mandy Clinton.

"I just want to make sure she has a good quality of life."