Cardiologists at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine have started a pilot study using adult stem cells to repair the heart function in Doberman pinschers suffering from early stage dilated cardiomyopathy. They hope to explore the technique in other dog breeds. The plan is to regenerate and bring new muscle cells into the heart, said Amara Estrada, DVM, associate professor and chief of the UF Veterinary Medical Center’s cardiology service. The study is funded by a $72,000 donation from the Doberman Pinscher Club of America. Dogs are anesthetized and cells are injected via catheter into the coronary sinus. Follow-up examinations take place at one month, six months, 12 months and 18 months. <HOME>
