Testimonials: Knee Injuries (No Surgery)

Related Article: Rehabilitating Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture (CCL) (aka ACL in people) (PDF)

Loui

"Loui was diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament and TPLO surgery was recommended by consensus of 5 different veterinarians, however, after reviewing literature about this procedure, we were not convinced that it was safe for an old dog like Loui because there was risk for several complications.

 We made the decision to create our own version of conservative management for Loui at home instead of rushing him into surgery. We noticed some improvement but it was not enough and we were not sure if we were giving him the proper care until one day we heard about the Animal Rehabilitation Center in Santa Monica. We set up an appointment with Dr. Waldman and during Loui's evaluation we were very impressed with the level of knowledge she has about canine rehabilitation. She answered all our questions and gave us hope.

 Dr. Waldman and Dr. Kramer created an 8-week program which included physical therapy, hydro-therapy and acupuncture. Additionally, Dr. Waldman recommended natural supplements, diet changes and a home exercise plan. The results were outstanding! Loui recovered 100% extension and flexion of the knee. It has been 4 months since Loui's last evaluation and he is still enjoying his long walks, visits to the park and plays with his little brother.

 Words cannot express the gratitude that we have for the time, patience and energy Dr. Waldman and her staff placed into the care of our Loui. If anyone out there is looking for an alternative to TPLO surgery and an professional and nursing staff then look no further as they are right here in Los Angeles."

D.R. and T.R.,June 2010

Happy

"CARE was a great experience for Happy and for me. Happy got the help she needed to gain confidence in herself and her ability to move around as she has always done. And she experienced the types of therapeutic exercises she will probably for the rest of her life in a calm setting. She also got to see other dogs having some of the same difficulties she was having. For my part, I got the information and training I need to take care of Happy in the best possible ways. And I got to see other pet owners coping with the problems of their aging pets. I feel I am much better equipped to care for Happy in the best possible ways as she grows older. I feel we won’t have nearly the surprises as would have been the case had we never come to CARE."

S. F., June 2010

Einstein
(also listed below, but this post is via projectthanx.com)

Dear friends,

Every Friday, Project Thanx, is granted permission to celebrate and honor those we wish to thank! This week you’re in for such a treat, especially if you’re animal lovers.

Dr. Jessica Waldman (a Veterinarian) and Dr. Amy Kramer (Doctor of Physical Therapy) joined their collective passion and expertise in Canine Rehabilitation (they’re both certified) opening California Animal Rehab, a Santa Monica facility where daily miracles occur for both animals and their owners!

A few years back our dog, Einstein (in the photo at left), had a torn ligament in his back leg. It’s difficult enough when you see a beloved family pet limping around exclusively on 3 legs in pain…the same pet who absolutely lives to play ball. All day. Every day. It’s even worse when you’re told by a vet that surgery is advised. Invasive surgery. The kind of surgery that doesn’t assure you of anything, except that your animal will be at least temporarily traumatized, and his full recovery can’t even be guaranteed. That’s the predicament we found ourselves up against – two highly respected, extremely competent and certainly very compassionate vets had us thinking that this might be our best and only solution. Then we heard about the angels at California Animal Rehab. And make no mistake, these folks are angels. (You can read more about Einstein’s journey on their website. Go to Testimonials/Pet Recovery Stories/Knee Injury/no surgery.)

Dr. Waldman and Dr. Kramer (who we fondly now call Jessica and Amy) created an at home exercise program for Einstein. The combination of both home care and visits to C.A.R.E. for water threadmill therapy, as well as acupuncture, assisted our dog in making a full recovery.

If you want to see a true miracle…

Watch the video on the California Animal Rehab website called Sammi’s Story. Take the time to experience this story that travels from Sammi’s evaluation to recovery at: www.Calanimalrehab.com

So on this Friday, Project Thanx takes this moment to say THANK YOU to Dr. Waldman, Dr. Kramer and their very special staff. You are extraordinary healers for both animals and families as well!

With love and appreciation, Robin
April 2010

Pixie

"We thought that we had seen everything with our 3.5 year old English Bulldog, Pixie. When she was diagnosed with a CCL rupture in her right leg, we had little knowledge of what our options were. She was deemed a non-surgical candidate due to previous complications with surgery so we decided to go with Conservative Management. With a willingness to try everything possible, we had our evaluation with Dr. Waldman and she was very hopeful for Pixie from Day One. Gradually, over the 8-week period, with the combination of change in diet, supplements, therapy and strength and flexibility exercises, we went from feeling hopeless to confident. Pixie LOVED going to CARE every week. The staff at CARE took really great care of her and she's had a great recovery. We're very happy with the final result as Pixie is able to walk again with both legs equally and have a good quality of life."

T.T., July 2009

Bowie

"My 13-year old Sherpherd/Rott mix, Bowie, had a CCL injury. I thought I
would have to undergo a traumatic surgery but I did some research and when I
learned that 50% of dogs who do the CCL surgery have the other knee damaged
within a year, I then understood that it might be because of overuse of the
good leg and no use of the injured leg. That's when CARE made sense to me.
Instead of surgery and not using the injured leg for up to 6 months, the
opposite was needed...the immediate right use of the injured leg in the form
of dog rehabilitation exercises. What I learned at CARE was this CONCEPT of
how to get Bowie to start using his injured leg in the correct way and to
rebuild the atrophied muscle in this injured leg.

CARE has created such a tremendous philosophy and concept, they have given
me the confidence to do the rehabilitation on my own along with their 8-week
program of hydrotherapy, massage, accupuncture, physical therapy and correct
supplements and medication. This 8-week program was 1/4 the cost of surgery,
saved Bowie at 13 from having to suffer through a surgery, and every day has
been a quality day. The people at CARE eased my mind, brought Bowie to
better health, and gave me the tools to, in time, have a full recovery by
doing the home rehabilitation.

Thank you to all the Doctors and Facilitators at CARE."

M.C., June 2009

Cookie

"When our 8-year old Terrier mix, Cookie, was unable to walk for a month last Fall, it was devastating to us. We took her to a surgeon who explained that Cookie had torn ligaments in both knees. She had always been an active dog, and walks and playing were her favorite pastimes. We were afraid those days were behind her.

After the surgeon decided it would be best to allow the knees to heal on their own with scar tissue, we began giving Cookie medication daily to manage her pain. Her walks were kept to a minimum, and climbing stairs happened only on 'good' days. Our goal at CARE was to make her comfortable and allow her to do some of the things she had previously enjoyed. We have been enrolled now for 5 weeks. Cookie now has medication only on difficult days (only twice in the past 2 weeks) and she has a renewed pep in her step. She climbs up and down the stairs, and it is only be the directive of the CARE staff that during her therapy she does not go on longer walks. She would if we allowed her to! She has gained 1 inch of muscle on each hind leg, has lost weight, and has a greater range of motion in her legs.

These improvements happened all at the same time (the last 5 weeks!) due to the amazing and caring staff at CARE. One other things came out of our experience at CARE. Cookie and I have bonded like never before. I cannot thank the staff at CARE enough for giving Cookie back her mobility, and we plan on continuing with maintenance therapy after our initial 8 weeks is over."

A.J., May 2009

Gustavo

"One month ago, it was painful to watch Gustavo take every step with a cruciate rupture in his hind leg.  After rehabilitation therapy at CARE along with the exercises you have given us to do at home and changes in his diet, G barely has a limp and it is easy to tell that he once again enjoys his walks. 

Just a very great big Thank You!!"

B.A., May 2009

Mocha

"Ever since I was a kitten, I've had a luxating patella (dislocating
kneecap). I used to be able to shake my leg and kick my knee back into
place. At some point, I injured myself, rupturing the cruciate ligament in
my knee. Then my kneecap got stuck in a dislocated position, and scar tissue
formed. I started limping, and my muscles atrophied in my left leg. I was in
pain some of the time, and I didn't move around very much. I stopped going
upstairs. On some days, my mom had to practically beg me to eat.

My mom took me to several veterinarians who all recommended lateral suture
surgery. She didn't like the potential trauma and risks involved with
surgery, and she knew there must be a better way to help me. She started
researching alternatives on the Internet, and found CARE's amazing website.
There was a testimonial from a woman with a Labrador who had ruptured her
cruciate ligament-just like me! CARE had helped her dog without surgery.
Plus, there were testimonials from other cat moms, so they worked with cats
too. CARE was an answer to my mom's prayers. She could hardly believe her
luck, and she couldn't wait to call. My mom braced herself because so many
doors had been closed on her. She called and spoke with a kind woman named
Adriana who said they could help me. My mom was cautiously optimistic.

From the moment we walked into CARE, every member of the staff treated us
with so much kindness, compassion and warmth. They all wanted to meet me,
pet me and comment on my cuteness. I must admit I'm not a huge fan of vets,
but Dr. Jessica has really good energy. She's warm, kind and gentle with
me. She measured my joint angles, range of motion and observed my movement,
recommending an 8-week program of rehabilitation. When I met Dr. Amy, my
physical therapist, I really bonded with her. She is soothing, gentle and
loving with me. She treats me as if I'm a member of her very own family.
Sometimes I get scared and try to hide, but she's so patient with me. Dr.
Amy has a gifted touch, and I melt into her massages.

My mom and I have been driving to CARE from Orange County (more than 100
miles roundtrip) twice a week for 8 weeks. It's well worth the drive.
They've been treating me with acupuncture and a variety of physical therapy
modalities. I have made tremendous progress. At home, I'm happier, more
active, less painful. I run up and down the stairs, and I've even climbed to
the top of the tall cat tree a few times.

CARE is the perfect name because everyone who works there sincerely cares.
I've never met so many kind-hearted people in one place. They are sensitive
to my catlike needs.
My mom and I are so grateful for Dr. Amy, Dr. Jessica and every member of
the amazing staff at CARE! They are defining the cutting edge in animal
rehabilitation with compassion. It's a place where pets and their parents
come in with issues and come out with hope, love and peace-of-mind. In my
opinion, it's the cat's meow."

Purringly Yours,
Mocha and T.H., October 2008

Bosco

"Bosco was diagnosed with an ACL tear at the end of May. We were told by our vet that surgery was the only answer. We believe in having surgery only as a last resort and did a search to see if there was a place nearby that did rehab for animals. Thankfully my husband found CARE. After Bosco's first visit, we immediately saw signs of improvement.

The doctors and staff at CARE are angels. Very kind, patient, knowledgeable. We were given hope at the beginning and now after 8 weeks of visits Bosco is walking without limping, off steroids, just generally back to his old happy self.

We're so grateful to have been able to avoid surgery and have wonderful results.

Thanks so much!"

S.M., July 2008

Katie

"We are delighted with the treatment and TLC our 8 yr old Lab, Katie, has received in therapy at CARE. Before contacting Dr. Waldman I was beginning to think that major surgery was the only option for Katie's torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament. Dr. Waldman and Dr. Kramer did a thorough evaluation of Katie and recommended a program of therapy and acupuncture. They answered all my questions and sent updates to our primary veterinarian throughout her treatment. Katie has had very good results and I'd recommend CARE to anyone seeking an alternative to orthepedic surgery."

A.S.

Toshi

"Toshi came to CARE by recommendations from Brent-Air Animal Hospital.
It was either having surgery or therapy. Toshi choose therapy.

Dr. Waldman and Dr. Kramer were very helpful for her treatment and after the16 weeks session, I can say that Toshi now walks almost normal.

A very slight limp (she always had one) and now trots like before (back to being happy).

My special thanks to Dr. Jessica Waldman, Dr. Amy Kramer and the staff at CARE for all of their hard work to restore Toshi back to normal."


Thanks Again,

B.K. and S.K.

Ginger

"Ginger was diagnosed over a several month period by one of the top veterinary surgeons in Los Angeles as having a soft tissue injury which was inoperable. It was so frustrating and worried me. She was having difficulty in standing and obviously affected her mood as well-as she was always an extremely active working dog. Having been through rehab myself for various leg injuries, I went on a search for a canine physical therapist. I was pleased (and shocked) to learn that I found the ONLY certified canine rehab vet/therapist team in the entire state of California when I met Amy Kramer, and Dr. Jessica Waldman.

Since working with them, Ginger has made an amazing recovery and is now RUNNING on the beach. She and I can't thank them enough for all their professional insight, expertise and compassion they bring to their work."

M.B.

Einstein

"When we found out our 9 year old dog, Einstein, had torn the ligament in his back leg, we were obviously distraught. It’s difficult enough when you see a beloved family pet limping around exclusively on 3 legs in pain…the same pet who absolutely lives to play ball. All day. Every day. It’s even worse when you’re told by a vet that surgery is advised. Invasive surgery. The kind of surgery that doesn’t assure you of anything, except that your animal will be at least temporarily traumatized, and his full recovery can’t even be guaranteed. That’s the predicament we found ourselves up against – two highly respected, extremely competent and certainly very compassionate vets had us thinking that this might be our best and only solution. Then we heard about the angels at California Animal Rehab. And make no mistake, these folks are angels.
Eight weeks after Einstein began his twice a week therapy, consisting of acupuncture, massage, stretching tight and underused muscles, and yep, even hydrotherapy on an underwater treadmill, he’s walking almost 100% of the time without a limp. And slowly but surely, he’s returning to much of the same activity that’s made the first nine years of his life happy and healthy ones. Even better, we’ve learned to continue using at home many of the same exercises this kind and gentle and loving staff of trained professionals have patiently taught us during this adventure.

We have to admit, we really enjoy the smiles and looks we get from the many friends who hear us say “Einstein’s in rehab.” But the truth is, we couldn’t be happier that we found this haven, this wonderful sanctuary where the people who work there are totally committed to using the same techniques that nurse us humans back to health. As we were told us front, “if it works for humans, why can’t it work for animals?” We’re here to say that it does! And we can say without hesitation, we’ll continue to be “lifers,” allowing Einstein to thrive physically (and us mentally!) for as long as we’re lucky enough to have the fourth member of our family (our son’s in college, but he’s still our third!) with us."

N.B. and R.B.

Lulu

"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."

Best,
M.D.

Mylee

"Thank you so much for the love, attention, and patience you gave to Mylee! She’s our little angel and the progress that she has made is astonishing! She loves running on the beach, wrestling with her brother, Dexter, in the back yard, and chasing rabbits in the Arizona desert. Who would have ever thought that she would be capable of such activity?! She runs circles around us! We are so proud of her accomplishments and are so appreciative of all you’ve done."

B.P.