9/11 search dog given arthritis treatment in Tenn.

[November 12, 2011]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A Labrador retriever who helped in the search for victims of the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon underwent groundbreaking stem cell therapy in Tennessee to relieve pain from arthritis.

Bailey, a 14-year-old black female Lab, underwent the procedure Friday. It was developed by Kentucky-based MediVet America and performed at Companion Animal Hospital, in Goodlettsville. The Tennessean reports the animal hospital and the company provided the therapy free of charge (http://tnne.ws/vIbc94).

Bailey's owner, Keith Lindley, was a Shelby County firefighter during the terrorist attacks and they were asked to help search the rubble. Lindley said although Bailey didn't find anyone, she later served as a therapy dog to comfort rescue workers.

Doctors took stem cells from her tissue and injected them into her joints to prompt cartilage to grow.

[Associated Press]

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