“Wish dogs could talk so Huckleberry could speak for himself and tell everyone just how genuinely loving and effective all the CARE-givers have been. Then again, the fact he can’t wait to get out of the car when we get there, says it all.
Huckleberry is only 4 years old, so it was not only devastating but shocking to discover that this sweet young Lab had developed severe arthritis in his front elbow. Quite suddenly he was in so much pain he could hardly stand. The prognosis from the two respected vets I consulted was very grim. However, both did tell me that there was a new rehab called CARE, having remarkable results with cases even more extreme than Huck?s. Same day, a good friend told me his 16 year old dog could hardly walk she was in so much pain, until he found out about CARE and now she’s feeling great.
What CARE has done for Huckleberry seems like a miracle. Actually the unique combination of medical doctors, physical therapists and dietary experts all working together under one roof is the real miracle. Thanks to CARE, Huckleberry is pain free, without using potentially life-shortening drugs. Read all of Huckleberry’s Story (PDF).
I cannot thank EVERYONE at CARE enough for what they’ve done for Huckleberry’s body and my peace of mind.”
S.D., May 2009
Huckleberry is Back, and He is “Photo-Ready!”
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 left elbow with pain (meaning Huck couldn’t bend or straighten it normally) and she also suspected arthritis was at play.
Elbow arthritis is common both older and in younger dogs when their elbow shape isn’t normal from birth (like Huck). So, as they age, it can become quite painful.
Dr. Oxford also found that Huck was dealing with some back pain along the mid-spine, likely from compensating for his front leg limp. Then Dr. Oxford had to break the news that our fashion model was also overweight – in her file notes she wrote: “weight loss!!!”
That day, Huck’s mom was given a detailed home exercise program aimed at increasing the range of motion of his elbow, for back pain management and strengthening. A new eating regime was created for Huck that included supplements and a full nutrition plan (since mom likes to cook!), with strict weight loss goals.
Huck was put on an 8-week therapy program and started coming to CARE twice a week where the therapist team gave him a workout of active exercises, therapeutic laser, PST, manual work, strengthening, underwater treadmill and acupuncture.
Just shy of wrapping his 8-week program, today, our star model, Huckleberry is limp free! He has also lost 15 pounds and is bursting with energy! Mom says, “Thanks for getting Huckleberry his job back!” We are so excited for him because Huck is a great example of how weight loss in conjunction with therapy is often the key to overcoming chronic problems. Check out his “before” and “after” pictures!
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After
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After
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