Business & Tech
VIDEO: Local Vet Uses Stem Cell Therapy to Treat Animals
Dr. Joe Whalen, who became the first veterinarian in the state to treat animals using stem cell therapy in-house in December, 2010, shares his process.
In December, 2010, Dr. Joe Whalen of Evergreen Park's , 3811 W. 95th St., made history.
What's particularly groundbreaking about his method, he says, is the opportunity to use fresh stem cells. "Prior to processing the stem cells in a hospital, they had to be shipped to an outside factory and shipped back later," said Whalen. "In that process, you lose about half of those stem cells."
According to Whalen, "Stem cells are harvested using the dog's own fat tissue, then processed in-hospital and then re-injected into the joints that need it most."
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Whalen takes us through the journey of Lady Bender, a five-year-old Mastiff with severe arthritis in the hips. He's been treating Bender's severe arthritis since June, 2011. According to Whalen, Bender's condition was acute and she was not able to get up on her own. Bender was also overweight and gradually lost about 20 lbs under Whalen's care. Whalen shows the process for stem cell therapy, the collection and re-injection phase.
In addition to the stem cell treatment, Bender also undergoes cruciate ligament repair, said Whalen. He also rehabilitates her with underwater treadmill and monthly chiropractic and acupuncture treatments.
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"She's making excellent progress," said Whalen.
WATCH the video to see Lady Bender's stem cell therapy and rehab process.
