The advancements over the years in stem cell research is not only helping cure humans, but our furry family friends.
Susan and Tim Enright's 5-year-old Chocolate Lab, Norman, had a stroke in April that left him paralyzed.
Now veterinarian Dr. Ronald Anders is performing stem cell treatments to help Norman recover.
The procedures may cost up to $2,250 dollars but for the Enrights, its worth it.
"If it works, if it gets him up and walking at any quality of life again. We don't expect him to be out there chasing the Frisbee, but if he does that will be a bonus," says Tim Enright.
Dr. Anders pulled fat cells and sent them to a lab to duplicate and create 4 million stem cells. They are sent back, and injected into Norman. For Dr. Anders, this new technology makes treating animals worth while.
"It makes it much easier but it also makes it more rewarding because you see a patient like this that we couldn't help years ago that now we're able to help. The dog in most cases would be put to sleep but in this case the dog continues to thrive," says Dr. Anders.
For animal owners, this new technology allows families to hold onto the family pet a little longer.
"5 years ago even the vets would've said there's nothing we could do and we probably would've just said put him to sleep. So it opens up a whole new avenue of choice for people," says Susan Enright.
(Information courtesy NBC News)
