Patient Spotlight: Princess Princess is a 3.5 year old Maltese that developed acute onset paraplegia (paralysis) in her back legs on 1/14/22. The diagnosis was Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) a common issue in some dogs, often those with long backs and short legs. In the days leading up to the incident the owners had noticed her walking slower than usual and then at one point she cried out in pain and could no longer use her back legs. She saw her general veterinarian who gave her medication and took x-rays which confirmed an issue in her spine as well as patellar luxations (an issue where the kneecap doesn’t stay in place), they also suggested she do rehabilitation.  At her initial rehabilitation evaluation she had deep pain sensation only in her left back leg but not her right. She also had a delay in conscious proprioception (which means knowing where their body part is in space), but would correct with repetition and toe pinching. Her prognosis was poor to fair for return to normal function but that with treatment there is a chance of improvement in function including the possibility of spinal walking (being able to walk without having deep pain sensation or conscious proprioception). The owners would still be responsible for helping her urinate and defecate which was also taught to them at their initial appointment along with a home program so that they knew how to help her at home. The idea of a wheelchair was also mentioned but owners wanted to try rehabilitation first. Treatment was focused on reconnecting the messages between her brain and her back legs as well as maintaining core strength. A lot of attention was given to helping her improve her conscious proprioception and ability to stand with manual work focusing on decreasing compensatory tightness in her neck and front limbs. The licensed physical therapists used modalities such as LASER and electrical stimulation as well as a lot of manual work to help improve all of her functional deficits. Specific exercises were also performed to help her regain the ability to stand and move her back legs. Princess is now able to stand and walk (likely spinal walking) unassisted for short periods of time.

Service Spotlight: Shockwave Therapy Shockwave therapy, officially known as Electrocorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses focused acoustic waves to treat specific areas of the body. The acoustic waves travel through soft tissue to customized depth’s to trigger the body’s repair mechanisms in that area, enabling healing and long-term improvement of a variety of conditions. The result is increased circulation and an almost immediate reduction in pain. Conditions in rehabilitation that can be effectively treated with shockwave therapy include:  Hip and Elbow dysplasia Osteoarthritis Intervertebral Discs Disease (IVDD) Degenerative joint disease Tendon and Ligament injuries The machine we use at BARC Torrance is a modernized shockwave unit called the PiezoWave² which delivers Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT). The PiezoWave² doesn’t require sedation like traditional shockwave machines do and has been proven effective with relieving pain and improving mobility.   This therapeutic modality is painless and non-evasive! Call us at 310-542-2727 to schedule or if you have any questions

Get To Know: Tori - Rehab Assistant Where are you from? Glendale, CA What do you like to do when not at work? On my days off, when not cuddling with my dog Samwise, I love to play video games and work on my art projects. Favorite color? Periwinkle! Favorite food? Korean bbq is my guilty pleasure. What got you interested in working in rehab? My love for animals got me interested in rehab. I loved seeing the success stories and wanted to be a part of the process. What is a fun fact about yourself? I was in a movie. My dad was Kyle MacLachlan and my mom was Elizabeth Shue on film. Have you been on any fun or unusual vacation spots? My favorite place to visit was Japan. I’d move there in a heartbeat if given an opportunity!

Dr. Erin Bukofsky PT, DPT, CCRT

GOLPP WHAT IS GOLPP Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy (GOLPP) is a degenerative neurologic disease of unknown cause that typically affects the larynx (a portion of the trachea involved in breathing and producing sound) and the hind limbs of older dogs. The disease isolates peripheral motor nerves, meaning nerves that are responsible for muscle contraction and muscle movement. Interestingly, these types of neuropathies tend to affect peripheral nerves that have the longest tracts. Such nerves include the tract that innervates the larynx (recurrent laryngeal nerve) and the tract that innervates the majority of the hind limb (sciatic nerve). Thus, common signs of GOLPP that pet parents notice are a progression of difficulty breathing, hoarse/raspy breathing or barking, exercise intolerance and eventual hind limb weakness. The esophagus can also become affected, which can read more...

In Loving Memory...

Al Bebe Bella Chimay Chloe Dolores Elphie Emma Gene-ah Jack Jake

Kona Lala Luke Mala Olivia Onyx Perla Phoebe Precious Eloise Prince Punkin

Ralphie Red Rocky J Rocky N Sir Cujo Sonny Tess Willy Zoiee

BARC Rolling Hills Our satellite clinic is located at 720A Deep Valley Road, in the heart of Rolling Hills Estates. Currently open for acupuncture, rehabilitation, underwater treadmill, cart & brace fittings and homeopathy evaluations. Check out the website barcrollinghills.com or call us at (310) 265-0065 with any questions

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Beach Animal Rehabilitation Center | PH: 310-542-2727 | Fax:310-542-2726 admin@beachanimalrehab.com | www.beachanimalrehab.com