Testimonials: Disc Disease, Back and Neck Problems

Related Article: Comparison of Decompressive Surgery, Electroacupuncture and Decompressive Surgery Followed by Electroacupuncture for the Treatment of Dogs with Invertebral Disk Disease with Long-Standing Neurologic Deficits (PDF)
from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (June 1, 2010)

Princess Clover

"Princess Clover’s Care at “CARE” has been life altering. She came to CARE unable to use her hind legs, in pain and recovering from disc/spinal surgery. In the last four weeks she’s strengthened her core, her legs and relearned the art of “walking the runway” almost without staggering. She’s now mobile at home, happy and improving daily. The staff and Dr. JW are my heroes. 'We' love you.
Blessings & Gratitude,"

J.B., June 2010

P-Chan

"As long as our drives were, our experience at CARE made it all worth it. P-chan started with significant spinal pain and luxating patellas, making simple things like getting up and walking very difficult. She couldn't enjoy running freely at the dog park or beach anymore, and cried going up and down a couple stairs to the yard. We even noticed that she couldn't sit straight like she had before.

Within a couple weeks of starting at CARE, we'd seen great improvement, and she loved going for hydrotherapy and PT exercises. At her final evaluation, she'd gained good muscle bulk with more balance to her stand and gait, and more importantly, she is pain-free off medications, and runs as if nothing had ever happened. Our primary vet was doubtful about us heading out so far for these visits, but I plan on bringing P-chan in soon to show her what a difference CARE's coordinated team approach can make."

J.L.N., June 2010

Georgy

"I was in England with my husband for the summer when I get a call from my mother who was taking care of my dog Georgy, that she was dragging her legs. Within three hours, Georgy was having major back surgery. Being so far away was really hard. My mother was scared that she has to do this on her own. It seemed so overwhelming.
Georgy’s surgeon recommended Georgy go to C.A.R.E.

Right from the first appointment – it felt like we had found the road to recovery for Georgy. Dr. Waldman and the whole staff are so caring and professional. And the attention to detail that C.A.R.E. shows to their furry clients is something I wish we saw in human rehabs. Because I was away, they were so kind as to send me videos of Georgy in the beginning of her therapy!! It made me feel so much better seeing her progress. C.A.R.E. doesn’t think it is a big deal to go the extra mile for their patients parents!!
Georgy LOVES going to C.A.R.E. – her tail wags like crazy when we pull into the parking lot!!

And even more important, Georgy can walk again!!!! And she keeps getting better and better. C.A.R.E. is a place of healing and hope for both the patient and the patient’s parent."

D.B.L., June 2010

Cooper

"CARE has been more than care for Cooper. I would like to come back a dog!! To have the wonderful care and treatments you do so well."

M. F. & L.F., June 2010

TJ Stubbs

"The Entire staff has been friendly and helpful. Any questions were promptly answered and any problems rapidly addressed. We saw our dog go from a point where he was dragging his back legs to where he is walking and even running in a very short time. The staff seemed even more pleased with his progress than we were and we were overjoyed. We cannot say enough about the care given to our dog and the work and accomplishments achieved. We tell everyone about the wonder work done here and the hope there is for handicapped pets."

D.R., January 2010

Sofia

"Just before Christmas 2008, Sofia, our 5 year old standard dachshund, suffered a ruptured disc and required surgery. After 6 weeks she suffered a second ruptured disc and needed emergency surgery. She was unable to stand or walk on her rear legs and had lost control of her bladder and bowels. Our surgeon referred us to CARE for physical therapy.

After two months of 3x a week therapy, including doing underwater treadmill, exercises and acupuncture, we see a marked improvement in her ability to try to walk again. We also received a series of exercises to do with Sofia at home. In addition, Dr. Oxford designed a dietary program aiding in Sofia’s rehabilitation that we will continue to follow.

Everyone at CARE is absolutely amazing, professional and most of all loving. Doctors and therapists for us two-legged creatures should take lessons. We would recommend CARE to anyone without reservation. Thank you for all you did to help return Sofia to a happy life!"

The grateful ‘parents’
K.L., June 2009

Daisy

"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

Tinkerbell

"The worst day of my life was 3/20/08 when my miniature dachshund, Tinkerbell sustained a T12-13 disc rupture and became paralyzed. She was treated surgically and recovered well but still had residual functional defeats. Sure, she is a very accomplished and fierce competitor in the obedience show ring; I wanted her to have every opportunity for maximum recovery.

As a nurse with a strong rehab background I knew she needed expert help. CARE Animal Rehabilitation was the answer to a dream. From the initial evaluation through her extensive rehab center based and home progress, my little girl made amazing progress. The staff are professional, compassionate, caring and ever knowledgeable about breed and species characteristics and needs so that a completely individualized program can be developed and modified as needed for each patient. Dietary and food supplement modifications are also a strong component of the program presenting a true blend of the medical and holistic approaches to treatment. I am totally committed to continuing on at home program, to maintain her going, and also have had my second dachshund, Romeo, also a show, evaluated and started on a home program to prevent an injury like Tinkerbell suffered.

Thank you CARE Rehabilitation Staff.
Tinkerbell & Romeo thank you, too!!"    

P.R.H., Feb 2009

Chester

"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

Lee

"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

Kayla

"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

Mosley

"California Animal Rehab is incredible. They went above and beyond my expectations. When I brought my dog, Mosley, into the center, she had no use of either of her back legs and had not for 6 months. We had done some treadmill work at a facility in Indiana. I had seen small glimpses of hope and nerve responses, but to nearly anyone else who saw her, she was a lost cause. She had sores from dragging her legs and she was completely incontinent. I saw the determination in my dog and I saw that she wasn't ready to give up. Dr. Waldman saw that too. Our initial meeting was very personal and detailed. She spent time with Mosley. One thing I have never felt in this center, like you do at other doctor offices, was that I was just another paycheck. They are never rushing through their treatments and at the same time, Mosley is never left in the waiting room to be seen. Everyone can appreciate that sort of respect!! The entire staff is great! Mosley's improvement since she came to CARE is unbelievable. Her vet suspects she has a "disk disease" that caused paralysis from a slipped disk. She spent months with no use of her legs. CARE brought her from there to completely walking! She also has more control of her bathroom issues. She is a happy, happy dog. My neighbors call her the "miracle dog". It was amazing and emotional to watch the videos comparing her first day or rehab to her most recent visit. I'm so grateful for everything CARE has done for me and Mos. They will always have a special place in my heart."

J.G., November 2008

Sammi

"SAMMI'S BACK! Let me introduce you to Sammi. A most unique dog. He is an eight year old spinger spaniel who was lucky enough to have met a most unique team of humans to help him. While barking at a neighbors dog one day, Mom noticed he had begun limping. His limping became worse, and after only two weeks his limping had turned into falling down. Upon her visit to her local vet, she was told he had a spinal injury. Further tests revealed that he had a slipped disk just below his neck. Well, a

After the surgery and nine days in the hospital, Sammi came to C.A.R.E. He could not walk at all, or even hold his little head up. Nobody was sure if he would ever walk again. Dr. Jessica took good care of Mom that day and Amy took him into her heart and into her world of rehabilitation. She worked with him tirelessly everyday, as did the entire crew of C.A.R.E. They showed us that anything is possible and they showed Sammi how to be strong. And he did. Now, Sammi is walking and running like the other dogs. What a beautiful thing life is.

THANK YOU ALL AT C.A.R.E. SO MUCH FOR GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!
LOVE, SAMMI"

More on Sammi: Sammi's Story (PDF Article) | Montage of Sammi's Progress (Video)

Indiana

"Indiana was treated like canine royalty by the staff at C.A.R.E. during his rehab. He made great improvements in the 4 weeks he was with Dr. Waldman, Dr. Kramer, and company. It is one of a kind treatment and now my dog will finally swim since he had aqua therapy at C.A.R.E.

Thanks to all of you!"

B.P., October 2008

Pasha

"WHOOSH. . ." That was the sound of my finally exhaling the nervous breath I hadn’t even realized I had been holding until I walked into CARE and met its amazing staff. The love of my life, Pasha, at the tender age of four had already undergone back surgery for two herniated discs that almost paralyzed her.

Two years later, I awoke to the same heart-wrenching sound of my baby in pain. From that moment forward, I lived with the constant dread that she may have to undergo more surgery, remain perpetually medicated or, worse yet, that she may become imminently paralyzed.

Then, I found CARE. From the moment I walked through the doors into its facility, which I fondly refer to as the "oasis of tranquility and peace," I felt an immediate sense of hope, which has not been misplaced. Pasha’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. In less than two weeks, she was nearly back to her joyful, playful, mischievous self. And, although her back problems are chronic and she will have setbacks throughout her life, it is by no means a small measure of relief that I have CARE to turn to and lean on whenever Pasha and I need it.

It is not simply the phenomenal medical support that makes CARE truly exceptional. It is the TLC that the entire staff lavishes on your loved one and you that has earned CARE my undying devotion. So, thank you, thank you, thank you! I would be utterly lost without you.  You guys are absolutely priceless!"

S.L., October 2008

Tucker

"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

Kylie

"From the moment we started noticing a problem with Kylie, to the total rehabilitation of her, CARE has been absolutely amazing, professional, attentive, loving and dedicated. Everything including the staff, service and care/attention was outstanding. Kylie is doing beautifully."

L.K., August 2008

Leo

"Thank you for helping us and Leo so much! We have learned so much since the minute we walked through the door for the tour! The advice and techniques we’ve learned are invaluable. We know with tough love and prayer, Leo will be walking again soon! We’re committed to his full recovery. We thank you so much for all your help! You guys are not only knowledgeable, you are awesome! Thanks and God Bless!"

L.D., July 2008

Cleo

"Cleo can walk! Thank you CARE! Cleo was hit by a car on Jan 30, 2008. After 6 days in ICU at ASEC, she was released to me, stable but unable to lift herself, sit up or walk.

In March, Cleo began physical therapy sessions with CARE twice a week. Water therapy and physical therapy, plus exercises Cleo and I did at home. We also added vitamins and supplements, as suggested. The results were slow but steady, but all positive. Around the end of May, Cleo stood up all by herself and took her first few steps. Now, in July, only 6 months later, Cleo runs around the backyard with my other dogs. If I believed in miracles, she'd be one. I believe in supplements, physical therapy and the dedication of your staff. Cleo would never have regained her ability to walk without the physical therapy program at CARE."

S.G., July 2008

Akela

"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.

Dickens

"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.

Boo Boo

"In April my 3 year old mastiff, Boo Boo, suffered a spinal cord injury while playing with his brother, which left his both hind legs paralyzed. He gradually regained use of his left hind leg, and with time was able to support himself with his right hind leg for brief periods at a time. However, his right paw knuckled and he had no voluntary movement, so his leg would drag behind him when trying to walk; and we had to use a sling (walkabout) to help get him around. Although there were minor changes over the next few months, he still needed the support of the sling whenever he was up and because it was so difficult to watch him dragging his right leg, I'd "walk" him with his foot on top of mine. Needless to say, he had no independence. However, his attitude and personality remained great and he didn't seem to know he couldn't do the things he used to do and well actually, he still did them, but now he had me hanging on to him so he wouldn't fall! Although we felt fortunate to have Boo Boo at all, and were thankful for the progress he had made, the extent of his care was really taking a toll on all of us. With an 185lbs. growing boy, it wasn't going to get any easier.

When Boo Boo began his treatment at CARE his right paw knuckled, he had lost muscle mass, and he had no voluntary movement- i.e. Picking his leg up or advancing his right leg. He also had "toning" where his leg would be rigid and stay that way when he exerted himself. This caused much difficulty when he attempted to sit/lay down or when getting up. We were also concerned about his lack of progress overall. Within the first week at CARE the toning noticeably decreased. He started to utilize his muscles and gain flexibility and strength over the next weeks. Finally, during the 4th week he began initiating with is right leg and showed the ability to slightly raise it. At this point his knuckling still interfered with his ability to take a step, so an occupational therapist designed a splint for him, and now he can actually WALK!! It's still early and Boo Boo needs support and lots of practice, but thanks to CARE this is a major "step", and we expect that he will continue to just get better. Although it required commitment and the 3 hour drive 2 times weekly got old, it was definitely worth the effort just to see him "walk" again!

When we came to CARE in August, we felt it was our last hope for Boo Boo to regain the use of his right hind leg. We had tried the "at home" exercises, but found them too difficult due to his size, often the need of 2 people, time constraints, and the lack of confidence in our ability to perform them correctly. CARE has been such a positive experience for both Boo Boo and me. Although Dr. Waldman and Amy competently used many different treatment modalities, one important theme seems to be the healing power of laughter and play. All the staff combines hard work with patience and affection towards the animals. After bringing Boo Boo to the clinic 5 times per week for 4 weeks, I was impressed with their level of commitment. I felt that not only were Amy and Dr. Waldman investing in the clinical challenge of Boo Boo's situation, but they had a genuine desire to help Boo Boo walk again and improve the quality of his life. Although he had specific appointment times, they often worked with him other times during the day and were progressive in working with other professionals develop adaptive equipment. Boo Boo loved his "family" at CARE and enjoyed going to "camp" everyday and we are SO grateful!"

J.V.

Monkey

"In July 07 our 4 yr. old peekapoo Monkey suffered a ruptured disc and required emergency surgery. The post-op prognosis was not good with regard to Monkey being able to walk again, and also her ability to control her bladder and bowels.

We were referred to CARE to get Monkey into physical therapy, but mainly because they do a lot of work with paralyzed dogs. We went with the unfortunate idea that Monkey would need wheels.

From the first day at CARE I knew that if there were any chance of Monkey walking that these were the people to help make it happen. Without giving false hope, they were positive, supportive, enthusiastic and most

importantly believed in Monkey to regain as much as she could.

After 2 months of therapy at CARE Monkey went from 95% paralyzed to walking. (Albeit with a few falls here and there!) She came to being dropped off there, and during a 10 day stay she really made a dramatic improvement. I dropped her off dragging her legs, and when I picked her up she walked to me!

When Monkeys work was done, it was very hard to leave everyone there. They gave her so much time, love, and care that there really isn’t any way to show gratitude.

Hopefully this will never happen to us again, but if it does we know where to go to find our way back!"

Sincerely,
M.R.F.

Crush Jackson

"I was very worried about what to do with Crush Jackson when he was hurt, and your facility gave us such hope and we have become a great team all the way from all of you to me at home. We love CARE it has given our life and sport back."

R.A.

Pepper

"What a pleasant rewarding experience it was to take my dog to CARE.
Dr. Waldman and Dr. Kramer took over, together with their very dedicated, capable and caring staff, the rehabilitation of my 3 year old Shitzu-Poodle “Pepper”.
Within 2 months of 2 visits a week, which included acupuncture, manual therapy and underwater treadmill Pepper was back walking and playing, without pain, as if he had never had a problem.

Bravo CARE! And thank you so very much."

P.N.

Wily

"While under the care of a dogwalker, Wily was hit by a van. Neurologists had little hope that he would have use of his hind legs. This was April 8, 2008. He began at CARE about 2 ½ weeks later, and for the next 8 weeks, began the most amazing healing process ever. It's nothing short of a miracle what Drs. Jessica and Amy and the entire staff at CARE have done for our boy. Every single day we saw, and still see, improvement. Wily went from me having to express his bladder and using a sling, to wobbling about and falling, to now chasing our cats again and singing. We are beyond overjoyed to see Wily back on all fours and back to his spirited self – we are stunned and in awe.. and completely grateful. The combination of exercises, the treadmill (although Wily had to do it dry for a long time because he doesn't like water), acupuncture, diet, and everyone's sheer will made it all happen, and we couldn't be more thankful. We will continue for awhile at CARE as Wily still has a little bit to go. Our goal now is to get him back to the park with his friends!"

R.F.

Benny

"Benny had back surgery on July 03, 2007 with an 80-85% expected recovery. We found CARE 6 weeks post surgery and Benny could walk but only with assistance as he slipped and fell every few steps. We started a program of acupuncture and therapy 2x a week and saw progress immediately. But, after 4 weeks was our biggest breakthrough-no more "monkey pants" or rather assistance with a sling.

I would say we are now at 90% fully recovered and we are still working towards 100%. We would never have seen this recovery rate without the loving staff at CARE. They truly changed our recovery outcome and helped me to know how to help my dog for optimum results.

Thank you thank you thank you!"

L.A.D.