Dugan, my 12 year old assistance Labrador mix, has really struggled with arthritis, especially in his left elbow and hind end. We did stem cell treatment and PRP with Dr. Gerardi in June 2013 and it seemed to breathe more life into his aging joints.
More recently, in December 2013, we did another PRP treatment and really tried to get into his hip joints and shoulders and followed it up with laser treatment on his spine. I have seen such a great improvement in his movement, disposition, and quality of life. His back end is still weaker and he still limps on his elbow but he is not nearly as stiff and seems to be in much less pain.
Dugan has always been playful and goofy but that gradually got tempered as the arthritis increased. I have seen a dramatic difference in his mood and my ‘puppy dog’ is back! One important observation is that I noticed he is able to walk further and pace with me and my wheelchair again. For a long time he had trouble going only halfway around my apartment complex before his hind legs would start shaking with fatigue and I would have to slow down. He is back to being able to keep up with me and go around the whole circle without fatiguing.
These treatments have really helped Dugan still be Dugan. He still limps and can’t quite keep up with the young dogs (as he got a strong dose of that reality on Christmas from a big Lab named Jake lol) but these treatments have helped Dugan get back to himself and if I can have a few more years of the joy he gives me I will take it!
~ Kimberly Clark
