The Mail Tribune reports the 80-pound German shepherd named Basco was adopted in November by Debbie Richter in Medford after he was discharged by the military.
Hip problems such as arthritis can lead to early death for larger dogs, and surgery options such as hip replacement have a limited chance of success for an older dog like Basco, who is 7.
While researching alternatives, Richter says she found MediVet-America, which offers a stem cell treatment for joint problems in dogs and horses using the animal's own stem cells to regenerate damaged tissue.
An Oregon State University veterinarian will perform the procedure.
