Dungdung running around after surgery when he temporarily recovered before his disc symptoms returned. (Image provided by KARA)
SEOUL, May 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a remarkable case highlighting the potential of stem cell treatments for animals, a dog named Dungdung who was paralyzed and unable to walk is regaining mobility after undergoing an innovative therapy in South Korea.
Dungdung was rescued in 2022 by the animal rights group KARA from a factory in Paju, where he had collapsed and could not move. Initially, after disk surgery and rehabilitation, the dog temporarily recovered the ability to walk.
However, within a year his condition relapsed, and he was diagnosed with paralysis of the hind legs, leaving him incontinent.
Seeking an alternative solution, KARA formed a partnership with the Medipet Animal Hospital, which specializes in treating severely ill and injured rescue animals through its animal regenerative medicine center.
Dungdung, who was immobilized when he was rescued. (Image: KARA)
Since March 2024, Dungdung has undergone two stem cell therapy sessions at Medipet, combined with water rehabilitation, cycling exercises, and laser treatments. The results have been astonishing.
“The paralyzed legs regained nerve and muscle function, allowing Dungdung to slowly move them again,” explained a regenerative medicine expert at Medipet. “This shows stem cell therapy can open new possibilities for healing animals with severe, rare, and intractable conditions.”
The expert expressed hope that this treatment could not only improve the health of suffering animals but provide a new lease on life for those who had lost hope.
“The success of stem cell therapy marks significant progress in the animal welfare field, and we hope this technology can help save more animals,” said Jeon Jin-kyung, head of KARA.
Dungdung was found at a factory in Paju.
The group will continue its rescue efforts for animals in distress while collaborating with Medipet on Dungdung’s ongoing treatment.
“We desperately hope that through intensive care, Dungdung will be able to walk again,” said Kim Hyun-jung, director of KARA’s animal hospital. Kim emphasized that stem cell therapy could substantially improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms for elderly animals, those who suffered abuse, or were injured in accidents.
She added it represents an important step in enhancing welfare for unadopted senior animals within the organization by working with outside expert institutions.
Updates on Dungdung’s pioneering stem cell treatment are being provided on KARA’s website and official social media channels.
Dungdung undergoing aquatic rehabilitation therapy.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
