Testimonials: Post-Surgical Recovery

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.

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.

Gus

"Amy created a personalized physical therapy program for my 130 lb. Bernese Mtn. Dog after he fully tore his cruciate ligament. Even though I live in WA and she practices in CA, her detailed program and ability to answer all my questions produced 100% recovery. With cruciate tears, there is a very high percentage of injuring the other leg unless you have a good PT program to SLOWLY restore the mobility and muscle of the first. One year later, Gus is doing great!!! Thanks Amy."

J.S.

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.

Arlo

"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.

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.

Ben

"My Mom and I want to thank you for taking such good care of me. My Mom was so sad when my leg broke at my hip - especially since I am just two years old. My doctor told my Mom after I had surgery that I would be better in six months. Well Mom worried and worried as I just wasn't myself. Alii felt like doing was lay around. My leg hurt and I could no longer have any fun chasing my sister Belle or climbing my cat tree to watch the birds.

My Mom looked on the Internet for help for me and consulted with my doctor. The same day they both found CARE in Santa Monica. Mom called their phone number and spoke to Dr. Amy. Dr. Amy told her about CARE and what they did for animals and decided I should go there and get treatment. She was told I was to be their first cat - imagine that!

Well, I was welcomed with open arms. All the staff was just wonderful. My friend David met me at the door three mornings a week with a smile. Dr. Jessica worked with Mom on my diet, gave me acupuncture and developed my programs. Dr. Amy put me through my paces and also worked with me on the water treadmill. As you can imagine, I discussed with anyone who would listen .... AT THE TOP OF MY VOICE. ... how much I disliked that. But, everything they did made me stronger and stronger.

I came to CARE very weak and unable to walk straight and true. My Mom had even bought portable stairs for the house so I could get into my favorite chair and to help me get up on the bed. I despaired at ever being able to run again, much less climb my cat tree. After finishing my treatment at CARE I am a new cat. I can run, I can jump, and I can walk straight and best of all, Saturday I RAN up my cat tree for the first time and felt very proud. I owe the new me to CARE. I heartily recommend these wonderful caring people. They do terrific things for dogs, but now they can say they do wonderful things for cats, too. I am living, walking, and jumping proof. Thank you. Thank you."

Love,
BEN "the cat" and his mom C.B.

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.

Eddie

"Eddie has made great progress at C.A.RE. He could hardly walk when he first arrived for therapy. With much extra effort on the part of Amy Kramer and Jessica Waldman, Eddie is an active, happy dog who continues to improve."

N.D.

Xena

"Dr. Jessica Waldman and Dr. Amy Kramer and the staff at C.A.R.E. provided
the ultimate recovery and rehabilitation for Xena my Jack Russell Terrier
puppy. They have gone above and beyond to bring Xena full circle in her
recovery. I am forever indebted to them for the nurturing and care Xena
received while in therapy at their facility.

At 7 months old Xena my very active Jack Russell Terrier puppy had Femoral
Head Ostectomy (FHO) Surgery. She had a congenital condition that she was
born with and the only alternative was the surgery. As she was recovering
from the surgery I was attempting to find the best rehabilitation for her.
At first I took Xena to swim therapy for a few weeks but it did not seem to
completely help her recovery. I started doing more research on animal
rehabilitation and found out much to my surprise that there were certified
professionals right here in Santa Monica! I contacted C.A.R.E. and after
2 weeks of therapy at C.A.R.E. Xena was putting her leg down and attempting
to use it! She progressed rapidly through the program and at 4 weeks the
difference in girth between her surgical leg and her non-surgical leg was 1½
inches and she was using her leg more than 95% of the time. At 8 weeks the
difference was ¾ of an inch and she was using her leg 99% of the time!
Today Xena is using her leg all of the time. She will occasionally lift it
because she is tired or out of habit. C.A.R.E. taught me to look for signs
that she is tired or over doing her activity and to scale back. C.A.R.E.
also taught me the appropriate exercises for Xena to do for her recovery.
C.A.R.E. also provided nutritional counseling which has made a significant
improvement in Xena’s diet as well as my own! Xena was also treated with
acupuncture and ice for her pain. Xena turned one on August 27th and is 4
months post-op. C.A.R.E did exactly what it says on their home web page
“Veterinarian + Physical Therapist =The Gold Standard in Rehabilitation
Services for Your Furry Family Member”. Xena received the Gold Standard in
Rehabilitation Services from C.A.R.E and it shows! With C.A.R.E.’s
assistance Xena has met all of her goals and has exceeded my expectations.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and Xena's!"

C.C.

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.

Mason

"Hello, my name is Mason. I am a little scrapper rescued from Sepulveda Boulevard in Sherman Oaks after miraculously crossing the street in the dark. My mama saw me and after a few minutes, scooped me up from my hiding spot behind a tire of a vehicle. Other than being scared, starving (only weighed barely 4 pounds at 6 months old) and cold I showed no signs of injury. After being given the OK from the vet that I was not carrying anything contagious, I met my new brothers and sisters. I chased after anything that would move and enjoyed pulling myself up the 7’ tall cat tower. I couldn’t jump up but still had all around good times.

Then my “unknown” injury was discovered. I started to have a bit of a limp and was x-rayed while I was at the vet for being neutered. It turned out that I had a very wicked acetabular fracture on my right side. What that means is my pelvic bone was broken all the way across the bone near my hip socket and my leg was held somewhat in place by sheer luck. If you saw the x-ray you would cringe. My mama took me to a surgeon to have my bones plated together and the head of my femur removed (as the hip socket could not be repaired) and the procedure was mostly a success. There was a risk that the nerve to my leg may be damaged. After I was able to get up and walk around, I did so on only three legs. My right rear leg just dangled and I had no sensation between my toes. I had issues with the nerve.

Enter my wonderful friends at C.A.R.E.
I started my sessions (twice a week) with only hope of regaining at least some use of my leg back. Every time we showed up we were greeted warmly by all the friendly staff. I was really little and somewhat nervous everyone put me at ease and made my visits a comfortable, wonderful experience. Between the acupuncture and natural diet choices, thanks for the sweet potatoes, with Dr. Jessica (a silent meow to you) and all the manual therapy (didn’t like it, but had to do it) with Dr. Amy (even though she wore doggy socks) I started to use my leg a little. Only problem was I wasn’t walking properly. I was walking with my toes curled under and would not lift my foot/leg over obstacles. Well as time went on I showed some more improvement and began to have some sensation between my toes and lift my leg over very low obstacles about 60% of the time.

My mama was happy, but I wanted more. With the help of all my friends at C.A.R.E., I pushed myself and soon was working on the “big dog” therapy items, including the underwater treadmill. Yes, in the water and everyone survived unscathed. By the time I graduated, I had gained 3 pounds, increased the muscle mass in my injured leg and I was taking the stair/ramp obstacle like a pro, the underwater treadmill…no sweat and now I walk properly 100% of the time and have full feeling in my foot. I am so fast now that I almost trip my mama many times as I run from one room to another. I have discovered the hammock in the window which I can now jump high enough to enjoy. I can climb the cat tower properly and fly off of it to the bed which I promptly bounce off of to run after my brother Howard. I also chase him into the bathtub and do not care if I get wet as I do not fear the water.

Going to C.A.R.E. helped me be a true kitten and now I run around at home like nothing is wrong or ever was. The only down side to my healing success is that I no longer see all my new friends out there in Santa Monica.
THANK YOU EVERYONE!! I MISS YOU, BUT THANK YOU!!!"

November 2008