In The News

Excerpted from Fox News Atlanta (http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/Pets-Get-Second-Chance-with-Animal- Rehab-20101008-gda-sd)

ATLANTA - In the past, severely injured animals had to be euthanized or at best, live their lives in pain.

But thanks to rehabilitation techniques used more often on humans, pets now have a chance to have a new lease on life.

You've heard the expression 'a dog's life' - well that life can be very painful if your pet is suffering from an injury.

The metro area is home to Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness, one of only two animal rehabilitation centers in the state. They specialize in getting pets back to peak physical condition because just like humans, animals can suffer from a number of conditions that require physical therapy. And just like their human counterparts, pets have fallen victim to the obesity trend.

Dr. David Filer says between 25 and 40 percent of all pets are overweight, causing them to have myriad health problems.

"That affects their muscular-skeletal system. They have more problems with arthritis. Just like in humans if you weigh more and you have a bad knee or a bad hip, it's going to be all the worse," said Filer.

As but one example of how a veterinary physical rehabilitation can help your pet, Woodpile was rescued from a Pitbull fighting ring, but his problems began at birth. His kneecaps weren't in place rendering his back legs useless.

However, after surgery and just six sessions with Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness, he can now walk on three of his four legs.

"He can become more arthritic and painful as he gets older through his life, so if we straighten out his spine, get him to walk on all four limbs, he'll have a higher quality of life for a longer period of time," said Jonna Kanable of Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness.

An underwater treadmill is just one of the techniques certified practitioners use. There's also cold laser therapy and exercise and range of motion therapy and more, but all are meant to decrease pain and help an animal return to the good life.

Is rehab for your pet expensive?

It's affordable, but prices vary -- one session can range between $75 and $100. Rehab programs are started after a referral from your pet's veterinarian, so consult your doctor first.