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Spring / Summer 2009 |
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| Greetings!
Hello and welcome to our 2-Year Anniversary Celebration Issue.
Since opening in June 2007, we have treated more than 1,000 pets with the most amazing success stories. Our clients are testament that a pet's life does not need to end because of mobility issues.
We want to send out a big thank you to all the pet owners who have trusted us with their pet's care. In our two-year journey we have seen paralyzed dogs walk again; we have created many surgical alternative success stories for owners; we have reminded several pets that they do have 4 legs to use; and we have seen time and again that senior dogs can indeed act like pups again!
At California Animal Rehabilitation we know that pet rehabilitation enables your pet to achieve a healthier, happier, and most certainly longer life filled with all of the sniffs, kisses and cuddles they deserve.
Please forward this newsletter and share the news about the benefits of pet rehabilitation and therapy with your pet owner friends.
Dr. Jessica Waldman and Dr. Amy Kramer | |
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California Animal Rehabilitation
IN THE NEWS
MSNBC.COM
LOS ANGELES TIMES
CBS
KTLA: Channel 5
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CONGRATS
2009 GRADUATES!!!
We are so proud of our pets and especially their owners for sticking to the homework and therapy programs to get their pets back in the swing of enjoying everyday life. Another big wag for some of our recent CARE Graduates
Bella W. Bob P.
Mojo P. Boomer M.
Brodie T. Charlie F.
Jake F. Charlie S.
Duncan J. Holly F.
Gus M. Auggie B.
Arrow G. Alex Z.
Joey A. Layla H.
Rocky F. Rose F.
Shelby T. Timid P.
Zooma K. Bear G.
Emma S. Sofia L.
Tinkerbell H. Emo I.
Rye M. Estelle T.
Blackjack G. Lee C.
Madison D. Buck D.
Norman M. Lili B.
Peanut J. Louie R.
Nixon R. Maggie R.
Daley C. Daisy B.
Joe L. Guiness B.
Jasper H. Kyra O.
Roxy M. Leo D.
Harrison A. Mac R.
William S. Mollie S.
T-Bone S. Sam N.
Indie G. Mochi A.
Duff G. Sitka A.
Sadie A. Moose G.
Roxy D. Pixie T.
Murphy G. Niko R.
Chloe M. Belle D.
Weber S. Maggie A.
Liza Meredith F.
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Graduation Day for Guiness!! |
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HI!!!
I'M NIXON
I'm a 1 yr old spayed female shepherd mix. Unfortunately my family left me at the shelter after I was hit by a car. After suffering for 2 days with no medical attention the shelter thought it most humane to euthanize me but I was rescued by Cage Free K-9 just in time, and took me to the best orthopedic surgeon in town!! He repaired my pelvis but my right hind leg and part of my tail could not be saved.
 BUT..having three legs doesn't hold me back at all!! I have lots of energy and love to run around. I am a little shy at first, and it takes me some time to warm up to some people; I think because I had such a rough first year, its hard for me to trust humans. But once I get to know you, I am extremely sweet and love to cuddle and give kisses. I will truly make a great, loyal, and loving companion.
CageFree K-9
Rescue Foundation
310.202.6900
cagefreecanines.com
Contact:Jill Winter |
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Watch Dylan splash through therapy in this adorable video!!!
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RUFF SCHEDULE??? 
WE ARE OPEN for Saturday appointments from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Because it's becoming such a popular day, we highly recommend booking your treatments well in advance. |
MUCH LOVE RESCUE  |
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Meet Theresa otherwise known as "Mother Theresa" as she is the most giving selfless cat we have met! Rescued from certain death from the North Central shelter with her 4 nursing, 3 week old kittens, Theresa seemed to be in perfect health and a very good mom. But,within a few days time, Theresa and her kittens endured a series of obstacles that challenged their health and lives. These obstables unfortunately took the lives of 3 of her 5 kittens. It's been over two weeks; and the silver lining is that both Theresa and the other 2 are doing great!! They have been named Peter and Francis as they are both little saints and miracles in their own right.
Quite frankly neither Theresa nor any of her kittens should be alive today, but they are finally out of the woods and thriving.
Please contact Much Love Animal Rescue if you can make a tax deductable donation, and/or if you are interested in fostering or adopting Theresa, Francis, or Peter.
Thank You from Much Love!
Contact Info:
Much Love Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 341721
Los Angeles, CA 90034-1721
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More Food  More Love
By Dr. Jessica Waldman, Veterinarian and Medical Director
California Animal Rehabilitation
It's dinnertime and we've all been guilty at least once. Your adorable furry, four-legged companion puts her head in your lap, and with heart-melting, pleading eyes looks up at you-well, more likely at the tasty morsel on the end of your fork. How can you resist? But, one forkful leads to another and then, before you know it, your best friend becomes, the way some owners describe them, as "fluffy" not fat.
The unfortunate statistic is that somewhere between 35-50% of all pets in the U.S. are overweight. This can lead to serious health issues including endocrine disorders, stress on the cardiovascular system, and can significantly affect mobility causing chronic pain. One vet study cites that if an overweight pet loses just 10% of her body weight, 30% of all symptoms will disappear.
California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE) has had patients of all species and sizes lose weight as a part of its overall holistic program, including two sibling English Mastiffs which together lost a total of 35 pounds. Several toy breed patients have lost up to two pounds, or 20% of their body weight, significantly helping them regain more comfortable mobility.
The majority of animals we see at CARE are overweight. This is a major focus above and beyond the primary reason why the pet came in, because the excess weight can have such an impact on other issues. The CARE team teaches owners how to manage their pet's weight through customized diet plans that draw from eastern and western medicine, in combination with a proper exercise regime. If your pet is overweight, a simple strategy to help them is to reduce daily food intake by 25%. Add some cooked, chopped root vegetables or other vegetables to the meal as well; this will make your pet feel more full due to the higher fiber content. Another strategy is to feed smaller, more frequent meals, just like people.
And also like people, a pet's metabolism is affected by how much they move around. Strategic muscle building can increase metabolism, which in turn means she will be burning more calories. This does not mean longer walks. Instead try 10-minute sand walks on the beach or 10-minute hill walks 2-3 times a day, or even the simple repetition, or in gym terms-"sets"-of "sit" to "stand" which will increase hind limb strength. All of these will also give your pet a cardiovascular workout.
Until your pet can learn to count calories, it's up to you. Your pet's health is in your hands, literally.
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 LEAVING TOWN OR WORKING LATE?
We are happy to board your pet while you jet out of town. The bonus is that they will also receive their therapy and of course, TLC. Please call for rates and availability. |
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Huckleberry's BACK
and Ready for His Close-Up
By Dr. Jessica H. Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT &
Dr. Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT
Huckleberry is a 4- year-old Yellow Labrador, whose full time job outside of playing and hanging out with mom, is working as a magazine model for a doggie door company.
About two months ago huck was suddenly hardly able to put down his left front leg. After a thorough exam by his regular vet, Dr. Hiatt, Huck and Mom were referred to California Animal Rehabilitation ( CARE ) for suspected arthritis in his elbow.
When he arrived at CARE, Huck was hardly using his left front leg at all. Dr Oxford examined him and found that he had severe range of motion deficits in his elbow with pain (meaning Huck couldn't bend or straighten it normally) and suspected arthritis was at play.
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Sonny Joins the CARE "WALK OF FAME!"
by Dr. Jessica H. Waldman, VMD, CVA, CCRT
 Sonny was a happy, bouncy 8-year-old Yellow Lab who had not a care in the world (except for a few chronic orthopedic issues like ankle arthritis and a long-term ACL tear with arthritis in his knee). He also didn't mind that he was a bit overweight; however the obesity issue was exacerbating his degenerative conditions.
However, Sonny's life changed on December 22, 2008, when he was unfortunately hit by a car. His many injuries included toe fractures, a left hip that went out of the socket, spine and rib fractures, and spinal cord trauma - which had left him paralyzed in his hind limbs.
The team at ASEC (Animal Surgical and Emergency Center) stabilized and treated Sonny for seven long days, at which time they referred his Mom to California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE) for therapy for his multiple injuries, and to learn to walk again.
The first time Mom brought him in, it was pretty safe to say that Sonny was a mess. Dr. Waldman conducted his initial evaluation and poor Sonny had cuts, wounds, abrasions, and swelling all over his body; he had a urinary catheter because he couldn't go on his own; it was impossible for him to stand or walk; and he was having head tremors due to stress.
Despite these ailments, Sonny was so sweet and affectionate, and even managed to wag his tail a few times. Dr. Waldman reassured Sonny's mom -- who had to leave town, and leave Sonny boarding -- that he was going to be okay.
Click Here For Full Story
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 Get up to SPEED at CARE... MORE HUMANS! You might have noticed a few new faces around - or at least your pets have certainly picked up on their scent:
Dr. Heather Oxford, DVM, MPH, CVA, CCRT
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Public Health Certified Veterinarian Acupuncturist (Chi Institute) and
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (Canine Rehabilitation Institute)
Dr. Oxford is a Bowling Green University and Emory University graduate. She has a Master's in Public Health in Epidemiology. After one year with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA - yes, you will likely hear her southern draw - she continued her pursuit of animal care at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating in 2005, she completed a 1-year specialty training program as an intern with California Animal Hospital in Los Angeles. Dr. Oxford uses a combination of Western medicine and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine in her rehabilitation programs to optimize your pet's quality of life. Dr. Oxford lives in Los Angeles with her very Southern husband, Wade and their German Shepard, Tess.
 Dr. Nicole Schiff, DVM, CVADoctor of Veterinary Medicine
Certified Veterinarian Acupuncturist
Dr. Schiff received her Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from UC Davis in 1997, and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis in 2002. From 2002 to 2008 she practiced small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center of Southern California.
When her own dog was diagnosed with epilepsy and benefited immensely from acupuncture treatments she was inspired to pursue an understanding of how acupuncture can complement more traditional western therapies. In 2008 she completed a certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture from Colorado State University. She enjoys integrating acupuncture with other treatment modalities, and has lectured at veterinary meetings on the scientific basis of acupuncture.
Dr. Schiff is also dedicated to working with several Los Angeles based non-profit groups that work to alleviate pet overpopulation. She lives in the South Bay with her husband Dan and their beloved dog Barkley.
 Dr. Noriko Yamaguchi, PT, DPT, CCRT
Physical Therapist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
After graduating from Smith College cum laude with a major in Biology in 1996, Dr. Yamaguchi moved to Los Angeles to begin a Ph.D. program in biological oceanography at UCLA. During graduate school she became involved in marine science outreach programs with primary schools and decided to finish her graduate studies with a Master's degree in order to teach. After six years of teaching in Santa Monica Dr. Yamaguchi continued her studies and in 2008 completed a doctorate of physical therapy from USC.
During physical therapy school, she did extensive research on the human ACL , as well as honing her interest in applications to animal rehabilitation. Today, Dr. Yamaguchi continues working with her "human job" at USC helping people recovering from strokes; as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) she has taken additional coursework in Kinesio taping. In her free time, she enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, hiking with her husband and Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kailey, watching baseball, and spending time with her two cats, Ridley and Mica.
 Amanda Warden, Therapy Assistant Candidate, Certified Canine Therapy Assistant (CCRA)
A familiar face to most of our clients, therapy assistant, Amanda Warden is currently enrolled in the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a certified canine therapy assistant (CCRA.) Amanda says that she enjoys combining classroom learning with the application at CARE, she states "I like to learn the mechanics of the problem so I can better understand what we are treating and why." And, she does it all with a winning smile!
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TESTIMONIALS
 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 pastime. We were afraid that 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 the pain. Her walks were kept at a minimum and climbing the stairs happened only on "good" days. Upon the recommendation of both the surgeon and our veterinarian, we decided to take Cookie to CARE. Our goal was to make her comfortable and allow her to do some of the things she had previously enjoyed.
We have been enrolled for 5 weeks. Cookie now only has medication on difficult days (once 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 by the direction 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 thing 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 her mobility back and we plan on continuing with maintenance therapy after our initial eight weeks is over." -
 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.
 Read More Testimonials |
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| Thank you for the opportunity to help your pets.
Sincerely, |
Dr. Waldman, Dr. Kramer & the CARE Staff
California Animal REhabilitation
3200 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 998-CARE (2273)
[email protected]
CalAnimalRehab.com
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