THIS paralysed pooch could give hope to thousands of disabled people, including Superman star Christopher Reeve.

Pyrenean sheepdog, Gem, is the first canine in the world to undergo pioneering surgery which aims to restore control of her back legs and bowels.

The first stage of the operation, being done free of charge, was completed on Monday, when cells were removed from her nose by expert vets at Cambridge

University.

The cells will be grown in a laboratory before they are inserted into the dog's spine in June.

Gem's owner, Beverley Morel, 40, of Hawthorne Road, Bickley, says if the operation is successful it will give hope to people who have been paralysed.

She said: "This is extremely exciting medically it is like being Columbus searching for the new world.

"Even if she just regains control of her bowels it could pave the way for thousands of people who have paralysis to regain a huge part of their dignity."

Gem was hit by a car five years ago, broke her back and was expected to die.

But orthopaedic vet Tom Yarrow carried out heart surgery to save her life at Royal Veterinary College, London.

She never regained control of her back legs or bladder, and has had to use a wheeled cart attached to her back half to get around ever since.

When mother-of-two Mrs Morel heard Cambridge University's specialist veterinary college was carrying out pioneering research into animal paralysis she asked if they would treat Gem.

After the surgery, Gem will undergo physiotherapy three times a week in a pool at Brands Hatch used by injured greyhounds, to help rebuild the muscles in her back legs.

To follow Gem's progress log on to http://www.naturallypaws.com

April 29, 2003 10:30