A dedicated group of dog owners is mobilizing efforts to raise funds for a groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at treating dogs suffering from a rare blood disorder known as hemophilia.
Mira Rucker, one of the passionate advocates, shares her personal story about her one-year-old Pitbull mix, Sonny, whom she adopted from a rescue organization. Shortly after bringing him home, Rucker discovered that Sonny had hemophilia, a condition more commonly associated with humans. “You can’t help but fall in love with him. He’s got this zest for life,” she says, describing the bond they share. However, the diagnosis comes with a heavy burden, as Rucker lives in constant fear that even a minor injury could lead to life-threatening bleeding. Consequently, Sonny’s activities are severely restricted.
Veterinary professionals often suggest euthanasia for dogs diagnosed with hemophilia, but Rucker was determined to provide Sonny with a chance at life. “I didn’t have it in my heart to do that,” she explains. “I thought, whatever I have to do to give this dog an opportunity to live his best life, I want to give that to him.”
Rucker has already spent thousands of dollars on blood transfusions following Sonny’s injuries. In her quest to improve his quality of life, she has joined a group advocating for a clinical trial of a gene therapy treatment that has shown promising results in previous research. Dr. Monica Revel, a veterinarian leading this initiative, reports that nine research colony dogs with hemophilia treated in earlier studies lived an additional ten years after receiving the therapy.
“We want to spread the word that there is hope for these dogs,” Dr. Revel states. To bring this gene therapy to dogs like Sonny, the group is striving to raise $50,000 for the upcoming clinical trial.
Rucker is actively involved in fundraising, motivated by the hope that Sonny could receive the gene therapy and enjoy a more fulfilling life. “It’s life-changing,” she says. “If he gets this clinical trial, he’ll be able to play like a normal dog.”
While research into treatments for canine hemophilia has contributed to advancements in therapies for humans with the disease, there are currently no approved treatments available for dogs. The efforts of Rucker and her fellow dog owners aim to change that narrative and provide new hope for pets suffering from this condition.
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