Four Leg Rehabilitation Therapy

TESTIMONIALS

TO: FOUR LEG REHABILITATION
FROM: BARB TIMMER
DATE: FEBRUARY 2001
RE: BAXTER'S TREATMENT

I am more than happy to provide you this written reference with regard to the effectiveness of Baxter's physiotherapy treatments post surgeries.

Baxter had a double cruciate surgery in July 1999. This was not only difficult for him but for us as well as he is a 150 lb. Great Pyrenees who, literally, "did not have a leg to stand on" after this surgery.

Part of the post-op instructions was to keep him quiet and confined for the first few weeks and after that restrict his activities until the knees were completely healed. Having said that, the veterinarian referred us to Laurie at Four Paws to see if she could help in any way.

With a dog this size, it was extremely difficult getting him up and then down steps to the outside for bathroom breaks. He relied completely on us for help in standing. Even after 10 days or so, he would stand by himself to do his business but would not walk on the legs. By that time, we had an appointment with Laurie Edge-Hughes at Four Paws Physiotherapy. After the very first appointment, you could see he was not as stiff and with the exercises she gave us, he could progressively do a little more every day and was getting a little bit more flexible in between appointments.

We have no doubt that we would have had considerably more difficulty with him if we had not gone to physiotherapy. We feel his muscles would have been extremely weak after a few weeks of inactivity and are ecstatic that we acted when we did.

We had the chance to use this therapy again as Baxter needed a second surgery on one of the knees in February 2000 as the cartilage that still remained detached itself and needed to be removed. This time we booked an appointment with Laurie within about 5 days of his surgery. This time was easier, of course, because he had a good leg to help support him. Nevertheless, he was holding that leg up as you would if you were in a cast and after the very first appointment, he was already toe-touching the ground.

We feel that the effectiveness of the physiotherapy treatments played a major role in Baxter's recovery and would highly recommend Laurie at Four Paws for these treatments. Her background, skill and experience in this area as well as the way in which she handled our dog made us and him feel very comfortable.

Barb and Bert Timmer
Calgary, Alberta

My three year old Akita (Kobe) has had more that one surgery. Both of his knees have been operated on due to crutiate tearing. After his first knee was operated on it never seemed to completely heel. I took him for chiropractic care, and acupuncture but nothing helped. After his second surgery on the opposite knee the chiropractor recommended Four Leg Rehabilitation. The first time I met Laurie I was very impressed with her knowledge, friendly personality, and her obvious love for animals. Kobe liked her right away, I am sure it also had to do with Laurie working out of her home (no vet clinic smells). Kobe had about four appointments with Laurie. I was really pleased with the way Laurie showed me how to continue Kobe's exercises at home. As it turned out Kobe had to have another surgery on his first knee. An orthopedic surgeon performed this surgery. What thrilled me the most after this surgery was Kobe's recovery time. With therapy, guidance and supplements (suggested by Laurie) he bounced back incredibly fast. Laurie is a wonderful therapist, I recommend her to everyone who has any concerns about their pets, and even the ones who don't! I really don't know where my dog would be today without all of Laurie's therapy and support.

Thank you Laurie!

Tracey Geddes & Kobe

My 12 year old shepherd cross (Teddy) was experiencing back pain and was walking on three legs at times. The vet thought it might be arthritis due to his age. We tried a number of anti-inflammatory medications and herbal remedies to no avail. I heard of a chiropractor who worked with animals so we went there numerous times. It only brought short-term relief at best. One vet was trained in acupuncture so we tried that. It also proved ineffective. I thought I had exhausted all medical resources and that I may have to put the dog down. We went for a walk at Edworthy where I met "Baxter the dog's mom." She told me that Baxter had been successfully treated at "Four Leg Rehabilitation Therapy." Having a very high opinion of physio therapy, I brought Teddy there. Laurie didn't rush through like previous medical persons, but did a thorough assessment. The cost was also reasonable. She found the affected areas and worked on them. She also gave me some home exercises for Teddy. He was back on four legs right away. A few times Teddy got too rambunctious, put his back out and was back on three legs. We went back and Laurie learned how to put him back in again immediately. I swear that Teddy would smile when she was done. Teddy progressed to where he no longer ever put his back out and stayed on four legs. We were both very happy with the services. When I got another dog, a four year old shepherd cross, I brought her in for an assessment. She didn't have any problems that I was aware of, but I wanted to be proactive about any future concerns. It was advantageous. She did have some minor problems that will become major/expensive problems if not treated now. Overall, I would highly recommend Four Leg Rehabilitation Therapy to anyone with an animal they care about.

Debbie Blacklock B.Sc. M.H.S.