Two injections containing about five million stem cells delivered directly to Brodys hip joints During last months surgery to address an issue with Brodys joints, Dr. Jeffrey Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions collected a small amount of Brodys fat. (Brevard Zoo image)

BREVARD COUNTY MELBOURNE, FLORIDA During last months surgery to address an issue with Brodys joints, Dr. Jeffrey Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions collected a small amount of Brodys fat.

A laboratory extracted stem cells from the fat sample, which can be used to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing of the surgical site.

On Friday morning, Brody was brought back to the L3Harris Animal Care Center to receive his first dose of this medication.

Two injections containing about five million stem cells each were delivered directly to Brodys hip joints. To accomplish this, Dr. Christiansen carefully inserted a needle into Brodys hip and drew a small amount of joint fluid to confirm the tip was in the right place, then administered the injection.

A third, less-concentrated injection was delivered intravenously.

We also captured some radiographs to check on Brodys hip condition.

While we wont be able to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the surgery for quite some time, he appears to be recovering without complication.

Brody woke from the anesthesia and was returned to his habitat. It is normal for animals to experience discomfort and lameness for a few days following stem-cell injections, but Brody is already back to being his normal, energetic self.

We have enough stem cells banked for an additional 15 doses, which will be administered throughout the course of Brodys life as needed.

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Brevard Zoo's Bear 'Brody' Received Radiographs and Underwent First Round of Stem-Cell Therapy - SpaceCoastDaily.com