Power of pyjamas

Eric's owner Christine Smithies took drastic action to stop Eric ripping his stitches out. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Most of us have heard about Puss in Boots, but what about Dog in Pyjamas?

That's what Eric the rottweiler was while he was recovering from rare stem-cell surgery. Last month the 8-year-old had a $4500 procedure to inject stem cells into his elbows, feet and a shoulder to repair his arthritic joints.

While he was recovering he had to don custom-made pyjamas to stop him gnawing at the stitches in his belly.

Owner Christine Smithies initially tried to make Eric wear a conical Elizabethan collar, but without success.

"Because his neck is so huge we had to have the biggest size which was like a satellite dish. We had to take drastic measures. He had to wear his pyjamas so he wouldn't chew himself."

Less than six weeks after the surgery, Eric has shown a marked improvement. "He's got more joie de vivre."

Veterinarian David McCormick said the injected cells would be growing new tissue and were having an anti-inflammatory effect, easing pain and swelling.