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Home > Testimonials Menu > Arthritis and Aging Pets
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My 11 year old darlin' Hannahbelle just yanked my arm right outta my socket ~ and I couldn't be more thrilled! Late last year Hannahbelle was hardly able to complete her simple walks let alone pick up the pace for a squirrel chase. She may have looked wistfully at a squirrel darting up a tree and only to look back at me as if to say, "I'm gonna have to pass, mom." After a full blood panel at our local vet, I learned our then 10 year old, 66 pound mix, was healthier than most dogs half her age. Having just gone through rehab for a rotator cuff tear myself, I knew the drag of aging and thought Hannahbelle deserved some treatment. A friend had been to C.A.R.E. and raved. After hearing about the underwater treadmill and P.T. treatments I knew I'd lived in Southern California way too long when I made an initial appointment and trudged over from the Valley. Reluctantly, I bought the package from Dr. Jessica Waldman. Who could say no to such a loving and wise soul! It was definitely a commitment and loving act - as well as a hard hit to our family vacation fund - but I'd do it again and again in a heartbeat. Hannahbelle is SO much more comfortable and back to smiling and even chasing her pals! We keep up her P.T. on our own now and feed her a special real food mix along with supplements fit for the princess she is. Don't think twice! The money and time just comes and the efforts are well worth it! And along with canines, we met some wonderful fellow clients and professionals!
Go C.A.R.E. go!
S. Gold, Fall 2011 |
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What a wonderfully special place! Right from the start the warm introduction by Callie on the phone (who seems to take everything in 'stride') to the first hello by Brittney and the entire front office team…to JoBim’s new favorite doctor and one I truly trust and respect - Heather Oxford – what a delight she is – warm, caring and so very smart and 'open' and now Nicole for acupuncture – so kind and dear (lovely addition) and then therapy begins – what a staff of talented assistants and techs – CAT + Dave + Jimmy + Amanda + Laurie + Steve + Jake + Jennifer + Juan + Stephanie (and if I’m missing anything – I don’t mean to!) The list goes on and on – each with distinct personalities and talent – but they all have in common an ‘ease’ and a love of animals.
There is of course – the physical therapists – Josh and Noriko on the weekends too – and Amy who is full of patience and strength and is unique in her calmness and understanding for both the patient and their 'parents'.
What an amazing team – that JoBim and I truly appreciate and cherish. They do CARE – and it shows! Thanks CARE!
J. Bush, June 2011 |
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Dear everyone at CARE, those of you I met and spent time with – Dr. Waldman, Dr. Oxford, Dr. Kramer, Dr. Arellano, Cat, Stephanie, Callie, Laurie, Steve, Kerrie, Juan, Amanda and Dave, thank you for all of the work that you do and for the caring and cheerful way that you do it. Everyone is very professional and very regular, meaning so natural and there is a vibe of calm, positive, without tension.
Wednesday was euthanized a couple of weeks ago, I laid beside her, with my hands on her, looking into her eyes as she left her body. We buried her in the desert by our olive trees, the grave is neat, three large boulders, solar lights, the view of Mt. San Jacinto and open space. She was loved and very well cared for, again thank you for taking good care of her and giving her love too!
Enjoy the beauty of spring! With gratitude, love and blessings. Thanks CARE!
H. DiSalvo, April 2011 |
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My experience has been great. Everyone at rehab seems to go the extra mile to help Rudy. Dr. Waldman has been very informative with Rudy’s condition. Rudy has definitely benefited from rehab. As Rudy has arthritis has good days and bad days. Rudy will continue his rehab for another few months. Thank you to all the great staff! Thanks CARE!
R. Williams, March 2011 |
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"My 14 year old Bichon, Mollie has been coming to California Animal Rehabilitation for a year. She had a fairly disasterous case of arthritis. Mollie started out coming two times per week; then once a week, then once every two weeks.We continued for this length of time because Mollie was thriving and now behaves like a 7 year old.
Both Mollie and I are so grateful for her miraculous recovery. I plan to continue coming here since I now have a puppy on my hands instead of an old lady. These people are terrific. I couldn’t recommend them more highly. It’s a very lucky dog that comes here."
V. S., June 2010
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"Before we were referred to CARE, my 16 year old Shepherd Doberman mix, Kimberly had been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy and severe arthritis in her lower spine. We were referred to CARE in January 2010 after Kimberly suddenly was unable to get up from a lying down position and had severe weakness in her back legs. To complicate things further, Kimberly also had re-injured her left hind knee from an old injury when she fell on our stairs several years ago, and now she could not walk. When Kimberly first started therapy at CARE, Kimberly could not put any weight at all on her left hind leg, she could not get up by herself nor walk by herself. Kimberly had to be totally lifted and supported to get up or walk. I was so worried that Kimberly’s prognosis would not be good. But after just over 1 month of therapy by the devoted CARE doctors and physical therapists, Kimberly is not only happily walking all by herself and at a quick pace, but she is also starting to get up by herself! I can tell that Kimberly is really enjoying getting back to being her energetic self! Kimberly is also enjoying her new healthy diet incorporating fresh vegetables, whole grains, and protein which was specifically recommended based on Kimberly’s situation, and now Kimberly is really wolfing down her meals! Kimberly and I are grateful for the care, expertise and devotion of the doctors and physical therapists at CARE. I know their diligence has given Kimberly a new lease on life!"
H., June 2010
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"When our vet referred us to CARE we were thrilled to find out that there were people out there doing this sort of therapy for animals. We’ve had a wonderful experience and Emma loves coming to therapy. Everyone has a positive outlook and you can tell they really love animals. Overall it’s been a really positive experience and we are thrilled that these people really do CARE!"
P. Savoie
May
2010
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"My Chocolate Lab Coco is 14 ½ years old! At age 14 yrs, 2 months, her vet referred us to CARE due to her severe muscular skeletal problems and her arthritis. This combination of issues presented Coco with a huge decrease in her mobility skills. On a positive note, Coco is in good overall health!
I was so nervous and worried about Coco’s condition, but right at the beginning Dr. Waldman and the CARE staff reassured us that we’re not “alone”. Each and every staff member is pleasant, helpful and personable.
I was overwhelmed at the beginning of the program. Soon enough this became our daily ritual – which Coco looks forward to! Her progress is phenomenal! She has lost 8 pounds, is more agile, much happier and has even returned to some of her old habits!
Family and friends have seen Coco’s transformation and are stunned! She is an example to all of us that diet and exercise is key! We are blessed to have a happy, healthy Coco in our home. We thank CARE for helping her to meet her original goal of : increasing her mobility so Coco can truly “enjoy her golden years”.
Thank you CARE!
N.J. and D.C.
April 2010
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"The people who work at CARE are the most amazing and caring group of people I have met, ever. The first time I took Sadie to CARE, it was a last ditch effort to save her. Sadie could not stand up by herself, could not put the pad of one of her paws on the ground, she would set the top of her foot down instead, she could not take herself outside to do her business, was lethargic and had no will. We had taken her to two different veterinarians, trying to find out what was wrong with her. She was given several medications, none of which made a big difference, and her condition was a mystery to the vets. Then we found CARE.
From the time we walked in the door, I could feel the love, enthusiasm and care for the animals and their owners. Sadie was thoroughly assessed by a veterinarian and a physical therapist, and I was given an evaluation of her condition, along with a plan for her recovery. It was all very professional and I felt like we were in good hands. A few days later, Sadie had her first appointment. We had to carry her in and out because she was so weak. I was a bit apprehensive, because Sadie did not like anyone other than me to help her. She was a little grumpy that first session, but the people who worked with her were like dog whisperers. It amazed me how kindly they treated her and how quickly they gained her trust and got her to start working. After the first visit, Sadie actually looked forward to going to CARE. I think she liked all the positive feedback and goodies she got when she went there. When she would accomplish something as small as walking, everyone in the room would cheer her on. Sadie also never liked baths, so I was wondering how they were going to get her in the underwater treadmill. She willingly walked in and did her exercise! It was more like a doggie jacuzzi, if you ask me.
Acupuncture was another hurdle I thought she would have a problem with, but the first time, and every one after that, she was so relaxed, she slept through the entire session. Sadie loved the massages she got from the physical therapist, and would groan in pleasure. She even liked the hurdles and the balance board. Sadie wagged her tail the whole time she was there. Before long, Sadie was getting up by herself, letting herself out the doggie door, and even walking blocks with me. I felt like I got my dog back, all because of the wonderful people at CARE. I will be forever grateful to them, and cannot help but sing their praises every time I tell Sadie’s story."
B.A.
January 2010
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"The skilled, compassionate, knowledgeable, quality care that our 13 yr old Black Labrador Retriever, Shelby, received at California Animal Rehabilitation was unforgettable, and very much appreciated!
CARE should be considered Gold Standard in animal care and rehabilitation. We first went to CARE for guidance and assistance in helping Shelby with her arthritis, hip dysplasia, and hind end weakness. We didn’t expect miracles, we just wanted her to be comfortable, and learn some new ways to help Shelby at home. What we got was an increase in her quality of life, and in her comfort level and especially, an increase in strength in her hind end.
We were able to reduce her pain medication usage to an occasional dose, and instead give her a homeopathic anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief as needed (which is only a few doses a month). The combined treatment modalities at each visit worked noticeable wonders! We have tried several of the treatments before throughout Shelby’s life but only one at a time. That is what we feel makes CARE treatments so unique, and so successful. The ENTIRE staff treated Shelby, (and her parents) like royalty! They all love animals, and thoroughly enjoy helping them. They take their jobs seriously and celebrate the improvements they see in their patients, no matter how big or small.
Without fail, at each session the staff’s main goal was to make sure that Shelby left feeling better than when she came in, which is exactly the way I see them treat all of their patients. The conclusive proof of Shelby’s treatment was in the videos taken at Day 1, then half way through her course of therapy, and at her final appt, showing significant improvement in mobility and strength. We can’t express enough thanks and appreciation for all the help they have given us, and all the relief they have given Shelby!"
Sincerely,
WP and MP and Shelby too
January 2010
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"The team at CARE is amazing. My first exposure was to Dr. Jessica Waldman who was not only professional and caring but totally cool. She had a sense from the start that our dog T-bone may have had something else going on. Originally his joints were swollen, he couldn't use his left rear leg, he was feverish and barely eating and was diagnosed with a staph infection. His symptoms dissipated but then a month into his treatment at CARE his symptoms came back and she sent us immediately for follow-up care and confirmed her suspicions- that he has an autoimmune disease.
Her partner Amy Kramer and the other doctors and therapists at CARE are equally talented. They have ALL at different times offered sage advice and suggested new beneficial treatments. The support staff and assistants couldn't be more helpful and loving toward my dog. I was tentative at first about leaving my dog with strangers but they quickly became his friend and advocates. Now when we show up for appointments he runs in the door. Maybe it's the treats, but I'd like to think it's the staff.
T-bone has had a rough year but is starting to look and act like our dog again! We can't recommend CARE enough."
D.S., June 2009
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"Wish dogs could talk so Huckleberry could speak for himself and tell everyone just how genuinely loving and effective all the CARE-givers have been. Then again, the fact he can’t wait to get out of the car when we get there, says it all.
Huckleberry is only 4 years old, so it was not only devastating but shocking to discover that this sweet young Lab had developed severe arthritis in his front elbow. Quite suddenly he was in so much pain he could hardly stand. The prognosis from the two respected vets I consulted was very grim. However, both did tell me that there was a new rehab called CARE, having remarkable results with cases even more extreme than Huck’s. Same day, a good friend told me his 16 year old dog could hardly walk she was in so much pain, until he found out about CARE and now she’s feeling great.
What CARE has done for Huckleberry seems like a miracle. Actually the unique combination of medical doctors, physical therapists and dietary experts all working together under one roof is the real miracle. Thanks to CARE, Huckleberry is pain free, without using potentially life-shortening drugs. Read all of Huckleberry's Story (PDF).
I cannot thank EVERYONE at CARE enough for what they’ve done for Huckleberry’s body and my peace of mind."
S.D., May 2009
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"I’m Daisy Blanchard and I have been coming to the CARE center since April of 2008. My original graduation date was considerably delayed as, midway through my original therapy program, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I had to forgo therapy while I underwent chemotherapy.
When I returned to the CARE program I was much weaker than when I started. I was also diabetic and had an eye problem related to my diabetes. When I originally came to the center I had been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. That was hard enough on my 13 year old body. Little did I know that would be the least of my worries! Anyway, I came back to the center with my cancer in remission, resumed all of my therapies and finally graduated. Along the way, we got my diabetes under control and all those nasty acupuncture needles helped clear up my eye problem. I am now in my continuation course and my Mom says I am doing really well. She says I probably wouldn’t be walking now if it wasn’t for CARE. She gets all teary-eyed when she says that!
Everyone at CARE thinks I am really sweet and good but the truth is the CARE staff are the really sweet ones. They are very patient and kind and dedicated to making me as well as I can be. Best of all, Mom and I have made some very special friends and we love Dr. Jessica."
D.M.B., May 2009
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"When we first brought Lee to CARE, he was very depressed, was losing weight and could hardly walk.
Since he has been treated by CARE, he is a new "person." He is so happy, enthusiastic, and full of life and energy. He has been doing underwater treadmill, physical therapy exercises and acupuncture. Everyone who knows Lee says that he is making a marvelous recovery.
We recommend CARE for any dog with a degenerative neurological condition. Lee is now strong, happy and playful. He loves coming to his therapy at CARE. The staff is so skilled, knowledgeable and caring. Lee is going to continue his rehab indefinitely, because it is helping him so much and gives him wonderful quality of life."
L.A.C., Jan 2009
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"I do want to say how great everyone is there at CARE - what a wonderful facility. Beyond the exceptional care and rehab work that is done...for me it's the personal touch, the genuine care, fondness and desire to get licks that won me over!!
I have recommended you, and God forbid things get worse there is no other place to go but to CARE. Hopefully that will be a long way off because of the hands on therapy that you all taught me that will continue to keep my boy limber. We walk a lot more and when we are in Oregon and WA. all he does is swim and run."
C.H., Jan 2009
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"The CARE and treatment that Kayla received from the wonderful staff at California Animal Rehabilitation was life changing, not only for her but me too.
Kayla is 13 and is strong, happy and healthy due in large part to her therapy regime. I watched her go from lethargic depressed and sore, back to a vibrant, prancing and thriving.
I would recommend C.A.R.E. to anyone, because the gift of a happy, healthy
pet is the best gift I can give someone.
Kayla and her sister Ruby say thank you too!!"
T.A., November 2008
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"I am writing this as a testament to not only the miraculous healing that took place for my dog, Tucker, but for all of the dogs I have been witness to over the past year we have gone to CARE.
Tucker is a ten-year-old yellow lab who was overtaken with degenerative disk disease. When he came to CARE, he was in excruciating pain. With the help of everyone at CARE, Tucker went from what appeared to be death’s door to a pain-free, rejuvenated existence. He now looks and acts like a five-year-old lab and is also happier than he has ever been. Because Tucker loves coming to CARE, we have continued on a maintenance program.
In addition to the therapies performed at CARE, I believe one of the most therapeutic aspects is the absolute love and “care” generated by everyone who works there. They believe that every patient can not only improve but exceed all expectations. And, therefore, their patients demonstrate dramatic outcomes!
I have seen countless cases come to CARE – dogs that are paralyzed, crippled and considered hopeless by normal veterinary standards. These dogs have been miraculously regenerated back to health.
I am truly grateful to CARE for facilitating Tucker back to puppy-hood and supporting me in my belief, that I also hold for my patients, that everyone can change their life and their reality."
M.R., September 2008
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"When we first started Truffles had just torn his ligament and was in a lot of pain. He had trouble moving and lost his appetite and energy. I was skeptical of physical therapy for dogs first, but since Truffles was quite old we wanted to avoid surgery. We thought we’d give it a try. After 3 or 4 sessions, Truffles conditions were visibly improved. He started to move around more and got his composure back. After 4 weeks he is almost back to his old self. I could not believe the difference the therapists have made!"
Josie Tong |
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"Zoey is now 14. Before we rescued her (when she was still a puppy) – she had been hit by a car and her leg was shattered. Surgery repaired her leg, but she always walked (hiked, ran) with a limp. As Zoey got older, arthritis set in and she was less able to go on long walks and appeared to be in pain. Acupuncture and herbs helped, but only to a point, and pain medication also helped, but was very hard on her liver. So, our vet recommended CARE. From our first consultation with Dr. Waldman, we knew we were in expert hands (and more importantly Zoey was). Now, only four weeks into her treatment, Zoey’s transformation is remarkable and thrilling. It is unbelievable the progress she has made. She has so much more energy (almost like a puppy), she’s gotten stronger, built muscle and seems to be out of pain for the first time in years. Dr. Waldman, Amy, and the entire staff are all amazing. It is a calm, focused, relaxed environment, where every employee is conscientious, and takes a personal interest in Zoey. Zoey loves going there. Between her new diet, the treatment she’s gotten at CARE, and the exercises they’ve shown us how to do at home, Zoey has a new zest for life, runs around, and seems genuinely happy. We would highly recommend CARE to anyone. It is a place of true healing."
K. Ford & N. Fichman |
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"Dear Dr. Jessica & Staff,
It’s been so much fun getting to know you. You make my back and hips feel so much better. I especially like walking on the treadmill and the great massages you give. My muscles have grown and have helped me walk and run properly. Thank you for all the low calorie treats. However, I don’t like eating less at mealtime ☺ Woof Woof, Mr. Zeke A gorgeous, loving, sweet 11 ½ year old Golden Retriever."
A. Horwich
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"Dickens was giving up on life due to mobility issues before we were referred to CARE. He could barely walk due to old age, arthritis + spine issues. With the love + CARE of all of the employees + therapists here he is now able to follow us around the house go on short walks, is back to stealing chips off of the coffee table and friends have stopped saying “your dog is on his lasts legs”. It has been refreshing to see a staff of people who enjoy their work so much and to see all the animal clients enjoy their therapy so much."
L.L. |
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"Dr. Waldman and everyone at C.A.R.E has performed nothing less than a miracle with our thirteen and a half year old Lab, Arlo. When I brought him in, he had just had laryngeal surgery, then pneumonia. He was terribly weak, would barely lift his head, and would not eat. He had such bad arthritis and muscle atrophy that he could not stand nor walk, on his back legs at all, and he had to be walked with a harness to keep his back legs from dragging on the ground.
Through the loving care and expertise of Dr. Waldman and Amy (I don't know her last name!) who is such a talented physical therapist, Arlo became evidence that miracles can happen. He is now able to stand and walk, wander the garden and sniff the grass, bark at birds, and really enjoy his life, something I was so worried that he would never be able to do again. When we came to C.A.R.E I
told Dr. Waldman that I wanted Arlo to be able to run on the beach, even if it were just one more time in his life. She said, "Well, let's try". I know she was protecting me from my hopes, but what I saw from there on out was great knowledge, and experience, and most wonderfully, a determination to do everything she could. She kept her promise, and put him on a regimen of acupuncture,
anti-inflamatories, physical exercises and massage. The funny thing is that Arlo, terrified of the groomer, and shaking when we go to the regular vet, gets himself up and to the door excited to go to his therapy.
The end of our story is that we have been to the beach three times now, and to watch him trot in and out of the tides and sniff seaweed and play, even though still a still a little wobbly, and not as speedy as he used to be, he looks to be just about the happiest dog ever. And I am the happiest dog owner. I do not have enough words to thank Dr. Waldman and Amy and the wonderful and amazing staff at C.A.R.E. Their commitment and caring have supported us and carried us a long way. I cannot possibly think what we would have done without them, and I will be grateful always for the life they gave back to Arlo."
D.R. |
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"Mid 2007 I first noticed Quinn my nine year female German Shepherd dragging a back leg at the end of a good walk. The symptom persisted and became more apparent until September 2007, a neurologist confirmed my worst fears: Quinn had Degenerative Myelopathy, an incurable autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, similar to MS in humans. In addition to DM, x-rays also revealed arthritis in her lower back and knees. The future looked bleak for my constant companion. I learned that generally there is progression to paralysis in 3-6 months, when DM is untreated.
Fortunately my neurologist suggested physical therapy and referred me to CARE. At the end of this month, August 2008, Quinn will have made the 12 month mark! She is still moderately mobile, happy, well adjusted dog.
Quinn has had weekly acupuncture, hydrotherapy and general physiotherapy sessions. I am convinced that without treatment, I would have lost her within 6 months. The therapy has maintained her mobility and most important, her quality of life. Dr Waldman and Dr Kramer’s treatment has extended her life and also provided me with guidance and support in dealing with a devastating disease. The entire CARE team of professionals is amazing! Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
H.W. |
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"CA.R.E. has given ME a boost. I have a 14 year old German shepherd and her remarkable improvement and her enjoyment of her “lessons” eases my heart. Her back left leg had been giving way and twisting around her right rear leg. Now, she has more muscle and self corrects her stance. The facility and the staff have a healing energy and I have great confidence in their treatments, respect, and affection for their clients."
A.R. |
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"Although we are both in the fitness industry, we finally had to face the fact that our 4 year old Mastiffs, Atlas and Thea, were fat. Really fat. We tried different food and exercise combinations; however, we had little success. With Atlas weighing 215 lbs and Thea around 175 lbs their mobility was limited and painful arthritis was making their lives less enjoyable. Atlas was having trouble just standing up and Thea’s hips were getting worse by the day. Then we found C.A.R.E. a neighbor, who had received treatment at C.A.R.E. for her Golden Retriever, referred us to Jessica and Amy and we are so glad she did. Jessica put them a diet that not only had them shedding those extra pound, their allergies cleared up as well. Amy showed us how to work with our dogs so that after our time at C.A.R.E. we could continue their rehab on our own. We couldn’t be happier with the treatment our dogs received, nor could we give them a higher recommendation. Atlas is now a spry 193 lbs and loves being chased by his sister again, and Thea, a svelte 158, is back to tug-of-war and fetch. Thanks C.A.R.E."
R.M. and Y.L. |
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"Our mastiff, Lulu, tore a ligament in her knee. Apparently it's a common injury, and all the vets we spoke to insisted that she would need a very invasive, traumatic surgery. The only vet that suggested that Lulu might be healed without surgery was Dr. Waldman.
After eight weeks, Lulu made a significant turnaround! She walks without a noticeable limp and seems to be pain free. She puts early all her weight on her bad leg now. And we have the tools and techniques to keep working on her leg at home and make sure she stays strong and flexible.
A big thank you to Dr. Waldman, Dr. Kramer, and the rest of the CARE staff for helping our little girl feel good again."
M.D. |
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Copyright
2010 - 2012. All Rights Reserved. California Animal Rehabilitation.
3200 Olympic Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA, 90404 Map
Phone: (310) 998-CARE
Phone: (310) 998-2273
Fax: (310) 998-2274
Hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 6pm,
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