Peanut

Condition: feline with torn cruciate, dislocated knee, and bone spur
Rehab categories: Shockwave and Chiropractic/Manual Therapy

Peanut's Story

Peanut was brought to the SF SPCA October 2017 as a stray. Because of his sweet, friendly nature, a local rescue organization named him Friendly Phil and fostered him to a home where he didn't have much room to move around. I was already fostering a cat named Delilah when I was asked to foster Phil as a hospice case, and I agreed, but after just a few days in my home, it was clear to me he was energetic, happy and playful, and probably younger than the stated 10 years. I asked that he be re-tested whereupon all his values were indeed within normal. If he hadn't been mistaken for a hospice kitty, he would never have come to me. I renamed him Peanut because his body is shaped like a peanut shell, and because he's so extremely cute.

Now that he had room to run and jump, he began to limp and to sit with his rear left leg outstretched. The agency agreed to pay for tests that uncovered a torn cruciate, dislocated knee, and bone spur, very likely the result of being hit by a car. The agency found a medical angel to pay for surgery if I agreed to adopt him. By then I was so in love, I eagerly agreed, and surgery was scheduled for June. But by April, his pain was so severe that he starting wimpering and groaning in his sleep. Fortunately, the surgeon had a cancellation a few days later. His surgery was a huge success, but he still had a long way to go. He had three PT appointments at the surgeon's office, but was still very stiff and in obvious pain, and his limp was pronounced.
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My vet recommended Dr. Ilana Strubel. What a blessing! After a series of five sessions of manual therapy combined with focused, low intensity, Extracorporeal Shockwave for his ongoing myofascial pain, joint pain, and muscle contracture, he has responded beautifully. His limp is barely discernable, and he no longer appears to be in pain. He is completely off pain meds, is much more flexible, and has greatly increased range of motion.
I will continue to bring him to Dr. Strubel for treatment. Her skill with manual therapy and with shockwave treatments is extraordinary. I'm grateful for her care and expertise.

Peanut Before Surgery

Peanut getting Shockwave

Peanut Cozy at Home