Stem Cells Help Dogs With Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers used stem cells to treat dogs with muscluar dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is a disease caused by a missing gene, dystrophin. This causes weakening of muscles and loss of mobility. After the treatment the dogs' strength returned. This study first showed sucess in mice, and was repeated in the dogs. 6 dogs were treated. One was given the treatment early on, which prevented the disease from progressing. Three were treated in later stages and began to regain some ability. Two dogs showed no improvement and eventually died, however these two could have been given lerger doses.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=56842