SANTA MONICA, CA -- Somewhere in all that doggie talk, your pup may be trying to tell you he's in pain. Arthritis, torn ligaments, pinched nerves, dogs ache just like we do.
And some pet owners are turning to rehab to ease the pain.
Pooling their expertise, veterinarian Jessica Waldman and physical therapist Amy Kramer put injured and aging pets back on their paws.
"People want better care for their pets. They want their pets not to be in pain."
At California Animal Rehabilitation, Gus rehabs an elbow fracture in a warm water treadmill.
Bella's balance work strengthens her back and joints. Laser therapy heals tissue and decreases pain.
Charlie learns to use his feet again after a neurological disorder paralyzed him.
"His initial recovery, he could hardly stand, but he could stand. Now, he can walk up a flight of stairs."
12-year-old William just wants to jump up on the bed again. Arthritis slows him down.
"Mobility shouldn't be the reason why a pet's life should end. It should be because they get something we can't cure."
Stretching, strengthening, conditioning. It works for us, why not pets?
"I just see a big difference all the way around, and most people can't tell how old he is, and he's almost 12."
When you're pushing 80 in human years, the paws don't move like they once did, but each step brings back a bit of the puppy William once was.
"Good boy, William."
For more information, contact:
Jessica H. Waldman, vmd, cva, ccrt
California Animal Rehabilitation
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 998-2273
Jwaldman@calanimalrehab.comhttp://www.calanimalrehab.com
