Stem cells help Marine dog walk again

BALTIMORE (CNN) - A scientific breakthrough in medicine is helping one U.S. Marine regain his ability to walk. But this wounded warrior is getting help from a veterinarian's office, not a veterans hospital.

Lex is a survivor of the Iraq war. He and his partner Corporal Dustin Lee were part of an elite team trained to sniff out bombs.

In March 2007, Lex and Corporal Lee were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade that took Lee's life.

For his bravery in staying by Lee's side during the attack, Lex was awarded a Purple Heart, but the attack left Lex unable to walk on his own.

Corporal Lee's parents adopted Lex, and worked on helping him heal.

Baltimore-area veterinarian Doctor Lee Morgan is using canine stem cell therapy to help Lex walk again.

"The idea is that these stem cells will regenerate some of the lost cartilage, some of the lost tissue, maybe even some of the lost nerve function," Dr. Morgan told Baltimore station WBFF on Tuesday.

Stem cells are injected into Lex's hips, knees and bloodstream.

After a round of therapy, Lex is already starting to walk again.

Veterinarians say he could make a full recovery within just two months.