Testimonials: Knee Injuries (Post-Surgery)

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

Megan

"There’s no question Megan improved with the wonderful care at CARE. Everyone here is incredibly friendly, helpful, and taught me so much at how to help Megan in all areas: nutrition, physical activity, and more! Thank you so much for all of your help! I’ll be continuing to send folks your way."

B. B., June 2010

Marlowe

"Marlowe saw the coyote before we did, pulled away and gave chase. We found him nearby, his paw impossibly bent, bones shattered and ligaments blown out. After an expensive operation, we were not looking to spend more, and we looked forward to his recovery after 15 weeks in a cast.

The recovery was slow, but he did start walking better. To a point. He plateaued and we decided to follow the vet’s suggestion that physical therapy could help. When I had a knee injury, it was the only thing that really helped. So we brought him to CARE and he went through several treatments, including hydrotherapy and acupuncture. It was not a miracle cure, nor is it a thing where you bring the dog in and he gets fixed.

No magic here--it’s work. The staff is involved and dedicated, and they give the dogs a lot of loving care. And they have all kinds of great apparatus to work with, things you could not duplicate at home. But they also gave us our homework; we had to do therapy at home, too. We were given a printout with the exercises to do and we were pretty good about it. Twice a day at first, then once, and of course we missed some days. Again, the staff was a great help in teaching us and answering our questions about the exercises.

I believe the therapy, their work and ours, helped Marlowe to walk better and recover in a shorter time. The swelling became less and less frequent, the need to ice disappeared. Dr. Waldman also made suggestions for his diet—a mix of kibble and real foods, which I know is very good for our dogs (we have two). Now Marlowe walks just fine, and we’re letting him run, getting him back in shape. He will never be quite the same, his paw is still a little deformed. But don’t tell him that. He was always incredibly fast. I don’t think he’s lost a step. We are very glad we took this step at CARE."

D.W., September 2009

Emmett

"It has been 3 months since our 6-year-old pitbull Emmett tore his cruciate ligament in his hind leg. About 5 weeks after surgery, Emmett was still refusing to use his leg and began showing signs in his other hind leg that he may need a second surgery for another condition. Needless to say, we were beside ourselves. Then, the surgeon referred us to CARE in hopes that we could get his surgery leg functioning in case the second surgery became necessary down the line.

I remember how desperate we were to find someone to help Emmett. At the time, all we could really hope for was that one day he would be able to walk on all 4 legs again and, although I honestly didn't think it was possible, even walk up and down the stairs. After just 2 short months, CARE far exceeded my expectations. His progress was immediate and the attention Emmett received while there was exceptional. He was apprehensive the first couple of times, but soon couldn't wait to get there and absolutely loved everyone (although his favorite thing to do was walk on the underwater treadmill and this is coming from a dog that hates water!) Emmett now walks on all 4 legs and even walks up and down our stairs. He still has his limitations and we have to stop him when he tries to run and jump, but his energy is back and we couldn't have asked for anything more. We will be forever grateful to CARE for the patience and kindness they showed to Emmett. I truly don't believe he would have progressed to this point without the effort from everyone at CARE."

D.S.

Shelby

"I am completely satisfied with the care and rehab Shelby has received. She exceeded all expectations I thought she would have in such a short time. Shelby is now ready to go back into the show ring and start winning. All thanks to CARE."

M.L.

Nate

"In May of 2008, Nate was diagnosed with an ACL tear in his rear left leg. A Tibial Tuberosity Advancement procedure was performed and after a difficult recovery, I began to look for further rehabilitation care. Since Nate was so large (200+lbs), it was important to begin his rehab as soon as possible especially since the chance for an opposite leg tear was fairly high.

Thank goodness I found C.A.R.E.! Dr. Waldman immediately changed Nate’s diet and after getting baseline measurements, began an 8 week course of intensive rehab which included acupuncture, laser and treadmill therapies. Dr. Kramer also began stretching and massaging Nate. The staff was wonderful and was extremely professional.

Nate thoroughly enjoyed his treatment (even the underwater treadmill!). I was allowed to watch, encourage and participate in his recovery. The kindness, professionalism and attentiveness shown by everyone at CARE has been astounding and Nate has made an almost perfect recovery. I am extremely grateful that I was able to find CARE and highly recommend it to all animal owners looking for amazing care."

H.P.

Brooklyn

"Words are not enough to express our gratitude for the excellent care Brooklyn received at California Animal Rehabilitation Center. Upon meeting Dr. Wladman, Adriana, Amy, and the staff at CARE I knew Brooklyn would be in good hands.
Brooklyn, a cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, who was diagnosed with two medial luxating patellas before the age of one year, needed so much more post-surgery. I was told by my pet insurance and referred to CARE by Dr. Olds, a local veterinarian. I met with Dr. Waldman about 4 weeks post-surgery. At that time, Brooklyn had at best a very awkward gait, could not run, and I’m sure must have been experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort. Dr. Waldman and her team worked with Brooklyn for 16 Sessions, 2 times a week with an evaluation in between. I could see the transformation during the 8 weeks, and was grateful and amazed. After 16 treatments with CARE, Brooklyn has gained inches and strength in both legs, has no difficulty walking, no awkward gait, and in fact, she routinely runs along the beach with my husband and me.
We took her out this past weekend and we have never seen her as strong. I know that it is due to the expert care Brooklyn received at C.A.R.E. with Dr. Waldman. I only wish my mother had received such great treatment from her physicians after her two knee surgeries!

Dr. waldman and her team are a Godsend, and I am so very appreciative of their loving, kind, and life-changing treatment they provided our lovely family member, Brooklyn."

H.E.

Shiva

"CARE and Dr. Waldman provided the best veterinary care our 2 and a half year old maltese has received in her short life.  We originally brought Shiva in for pre- and post-surgery physical therapy to assist with her recovery for luxating patellas.  Through Dr. Waldman’s persistent, diligent and thorough care, we found an undiagnosed severe AA instability that had contributed to Shiva’s gait problems and caused painful episodes.  During her time at CARE, Shiva’s gait has improved, her self confidence has improved and more importantly she is currently pain free and happy."

T.Z.