Canobolas Pet Hospital is the fifth veterinary clinic in NSW to use the stem cell treatment that uses a dog’s own stem cells to treat an arthritic joint, such as a hip or knee.

Owners whose dogs have had the stem cell treatment say it’s given their pets a new lease of life.

Peter Roan’s dog Millie, who is nearly 13 years old, was one of six large-breed dogs in Orange to have the first round of treatment in the hope of easing her joint pain.

“She was having trouble getting up and down stairs and sitting down,” Mr Roan said.

“Now since the treatment you’d think she’s only seven or eight years old.

“She’s more agile and there’s been a significant improvement in her mobility.”

Mr Roan said the only downside of the treatment was the “embarrassment” Millie endured at having her hind quarters shaved.

Canobolas Pet Hospital veterinarian Geoff Freeth admits he was initially a little sceptical about the stem cell treatment, however three months after first applying it he’s a convert.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen in 20 years of being a vet,” he said.

“It’s a ripper.”

Dr Freeth said while the training of the veterinary staff involved in the treatment is inRegeneus stem cell research depth, the results are impressive.

He said the six dogs he treated ranged between 14 and three years old, and were all doing well three months down the track.

“Everyone is over the moon,” he said.

“They say their dogs are 100 per cent, perfect.”

Dr Freeth said stem cell treatment proved effective in treating older dogs with degenerative joint disease and younger dogs needing help recovering from surgery.

He said dogs involved in the first round of treatment at a Sydney clinic four years ago were still pain and medication free.

The one-off treatment costs between $2500 and $3000 compared to the cost of traditional arthritis medication which ranges from $3 to $5 a day.

One of the pioneers of this stem cell treatment, Macquarie University Associate Professor Ben Herbert, who leads the Regeneus stem cell research program, will visit Orange today to talk about the treatment’s success.

He will also meet with vets from throughout the region to discuss his research.

tracey.prisk@ruralpress.com