Paralyzed Dog Walks Again After Nose Cell Transplant

November 20, 2012
Paralyzed Dog

We love dog science and this story is of the mind-blowing variety. Jasper, a 10-year old dachshund, was hit by a car and his hind legs were paralyzed. He would get around in a cart until he had a groundbreaking procedure that allowed him to walk again.

Paralyzed Dog

At Cambridge University, England, 34 paralyzed dogs partook in a double-blind study where researchers took cells from the dogs’ noses – olfactory ensheathing cells — and implanted them in the injured portion of their spines. Then the dogs were put through mobility tests and miraculously, most saw improvement in their ability to walk!(dog walking services nyc)

Interestingly, the researchers found that while the procedure didn’t reconnect the brain and legs, it did give the legs coordination and the ability to move again. Ultimately, the researchers are unsure of why this happened and they are eager to learn the cause. For dogs like Jasper, this was life changing!

To learn more about this experiment, head to ABC News.

Watch Jasper walk below:


Source: ABC News

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