Osteoarthritis is an incurable disease that causes joint pain and stiffness and may ultimately lead to surgery or even joint replacement.

This debilitating disease affects not only humans, but also man's best friend. Now, a local vet is using a therapy developed for people to help your dog stay in stride.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that will affect 60 percent of dogs over 20 pounds.

"I was really sad, it makes me really sad," said Meghan Zucker. Her 12-year-old black lab Max has spent his life hunting and hiking with his family. But over the last couple of years osteoarthritis had limited Max to doing the minimum.

"He was walking around the block, it was probably 10 to 15 minutes at the most before he could not literally, physically go anymore," said Zucker.

That's when she brought Max to the Alameda East Veterinary Hospital seeking a surgical repair.

However, Dr. Kevin McAbee recommended a less invasive therapy in the form of an injection that's been used with humans for years.

"If we can stop the chemical reactions that are showering his joint with inflammation then it might be worth it," said McAbee. "What we've attempted to do is create a product that utilizes the dog's own immune system, its' own blood to try to create a protein called Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein or IRAP."

With Max under mild sedation, the IRAP is injected directly into the joint.

Simply put, the protein blocks the chemical reaction that causes inflammation and cartilage damage without surgery, which can be costly and painful.

"I enjoy surgery, that's what I was trained to do, but man, when I can find a therapy that can get around having to anesthetize a patient and to inflict pain on a patient then I will take that therapy any day," said McAbee.

The therapy involves three injections over three weeks.

"We noticed right out of the gate that he was different," said Zucker.

After his second round of injections Max was up to his old tricks again; even going on a weekend hunting excursion.

"He's back to being able to participate," said Zucker. "He's a different dog, and I do think it's from the IRAP."

Since IRAP therapy is new to dogs McAbee isn't sure how long the effects will last. But so far his first patients are still seeing the benefits after six to 12 months. IRAP therapy costs about $500, by comparison surgery starts at $2,500.

It can also reduce the amount of expensive oral medications your dog has to take which can be harmful.

If you would like more information about IRAP therapy, visit www.aevh.com