By CBC News

A seven-year-old black Newfoundland dog has become the first canine in Canada to receive a stem cell operation performed entirely in a veterinary office.

The procedure was carried out Friday morning by veterinarians in Mississauga, Ont.

The patient, Lexi, suffers from hip dysplasia, a severe form of arthritis in dogs, and degenerative joint disease in her left and right hips. It made it difficult for the dog to get around.

The veterinarians removed about a tablespoon of fat from Lexi's shoulder, which contains dormant stem cells. Those cells were then mixed with platelet rich plasma taken from the dog's blood to activate the stem cells.

A portion was injected into Lexi's joints and the rest was given intravenously.

The procedure takes about four hours and costs about $1,800. The recovery period is 20 to 30 days.

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