As little as 0.1–0.4 mg of the GHRH therapeutic plasmid (equivalent to 11–13 μg/kg) delivered under the proper EP conditions in a single injection has an important biological impact by physiologically increasing IGF-I levels, that stabilizes or improves kidney function and anemia, has the ability to reverse wasting, and extend life in ailing feline or canine subjects. The gene discussed is GHRH; the disease is anemia.