SAN DIEGO — Acupuncture, dogs on treadmills and cold laser therapy - all non-traditional medicinal rehabilitation approaches for animals.
For dog rescue groups, medical care can be costly so now Tsavo’s Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Center is expanding its campus to help canine rescue organizations.
At the rehab center in Del Mar, Fred the Boston Terrier mix dragged his hind legs but when on the underwater treadmill, he walked with confidence.
The underwater treadmill and swimming is just two of the non-traditional therapies for dogs at the rehab center. The owner, Maja Wichtowski, who has a Canine Rehabilitation certificate, says it’s the only full-service facility in San Diego County.
“We might use cold laser therapy, or we might use shock wave therapy- it’s like a deep ultrasound, we will use massagers, we will use acupuncture,” said Wichtowski.
She started the center 13 years ago, naming it after her dog Tsavo who passed away from cancer. Instead of using traditional medicine, she used alternative methods and he lived a vibrant life for ten more years.
The center treats dogs with a disorder, abuse or illness with rehabilitation and fitness so they can become more adoptable and live a fulfilling life.
Maja said Dachshunds, who are known to have back problems, come in barely walking and leave self-reliant. She said eight out of ten are able to walk or get around.
“Dogs come in totally defeated and they have nowhere to turn and we give them a second chance,” said Wichtowski.
Maja said rescue canine rescue organizations spend about 90% of their funds towards medical, leaving little for education. Now, the center is expanding to help rescue groups.
Four-acres of land in Escondido will be built for a complex to provide exclusive veterinarian and medical services to rescue groups with a 30 to 100% discount, the owner’s non-profit Dog Dreams Foundation will help cover the cost.
Also, a rehab and hydrotherapy center will be available and rescue owners will also receive a discount.
“Let’s create an umbrella for them where we can get them that top notch vet services so that we can get them the quality of medicine at a discount,” said Wichtowski.
The owner hopes to break ground on the new campus in six to eight months.
