The Animal Acupuncture & Rehabilitation Center

Dr. Sosna met with my dog and me after I adopted him from the Humane Society, knowing that he had cervical mylopathy (causing him to knuckle) and with the understanding that surgery was probably the next step. She spent a lot of time with us and told us that she wasn’t against surgery for him but I should be aware that one of three things would happen: he’d get better, he’d stay the same, or he’d get worse. She told me that if I wanted to wait and see, try giving him some supplements she recommended (Cod liver oil, vitamin E and Dasuquin) and to keep an eye on his knuckling and refrain from over-​exercising him for a while. This is what I did (no surgery) and five years later my dog shows absolutely no sign of knuckling and appears to be beautifully fit and active.

This clinic is sets a new standard in skilled and compassionate veterinary care. We have a young Schnauzer mix dog named Lucas that was in a situation beyond hope, and Dr Sosna, Nina, Lindsay, Elmer, and all the staff at this clinic made the impossible a reality for Lucas. This dog was a rescue from the streets, found badly beaten and battered by cruel people, Lucas had a completely broken back — and no mobility at all. We rushed him immediately to our vet, but we were told that there was no hope for him, and that he should he put down to end the pain he was in. The vet said that the only chance was a veterinarian surgery specialist that he knew of 3 hours away, and while we were discussing this; Lucas picked his head up and became suddenly alert — the message was clear: this dog wants to live. We took Lucas to the surgery specialist, and the operation was a success! But the specialist and several vets after said that though Lucas would live, he would definitely never have any use of his rear legs. The staff at the Animal Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Center however took a closer look and told us that there was a chance that they could help. Lucas has received intense therapy through water/​treadmill exercises, obstacle courses, behavioral training, and other varied and unique techniques developed specifically for him. The doctors and nurse staff here know Lucas by name, even calling or texting us to ask how he is doing (addressing Lucas in their messages, we are his secretary staff), and if for some reason he missed an appointment, they never miss a beat to check with us and make sure he is ok. They have treats and smiling faces waiting to greet him each time he comes in, never have we seen such devotion and sincere personal interest and care shown by veterinary staff! Because of the skilled care and tailored attention that Lucas has received here: Lucas is walking! The dog that was said would never walk again by several experts is using his back legs, he is standing, he is walking, he is playing! The staff and facilities here are second to none, and we cannot thank them enough for giving our sweet boy a second chance, for giving him what all the others said was impossible, and for the kindness and skill that made a situation of no hope into a triumph.

Dr. Sosna and her incredible team (including Physical Therapist Danielle Robbins, and Nina, Shiny, and Elmer) are awesome! My dog had an ACL surgery and he loved coming in for his PT and water therapy. They were so attentive with him, knowledgeable, patient, and caring, and I feel so lucky to have found them. My dog’s leg is now very strong and stable, and it’s all because of the outstanding treatment he received. They are also very personable with me, by offering me water or coffee, sending a holiday card, making follow-​up calls to check on how things are going, and just being very caring in general. I would highly recommend them for any treatment your animal may need. Two thumbs way up, and I’d give 10 stars if I could!

My dog Kilo (a Belgian Malinois) suffered a paralyzing injury some years ago when he was seven years old after falling 2 ½ stories down an elevator shaft. Fortunately, the folks at Vet Specialty Hospital in Sorrento Valley were able to treat his brain injury and initial spinal cord injury and save his life.
After two weeks in intensive care at the Vet Specialty Hospital i was able to take Kilo home. i carried him because he was completely paralyzed (i won’t go into how i managed to bathroom him and feed him as i lived alone, but was able to figure out how to balance him while he did his business and made a support device to hold him upright while he ate).
Fortunately the Vet Specialty Hospital recommended Dr. Claire Sosna for possible rehabilitation. i will never forget the day i carried him in to her rehab facility. Dr. Sosna took a good deal of time on intake to review his history and to examine him and then to immediately start him on a course of water therapy treatment.
Dr. Sosna exhibited a good deal of enthusiasm and predicted that «we» would achieve great results. You may imagine how anxious i was at this time with my best friend paralyzed and looking to me to help him. i welcomed her positive and caring attitude for both of us and that sense of knowing that i had a resource to help Kilo was a turning point for me from a sense of impending loss to that of renewed hope for a return to an active life for my Kilo.
Kilo and i started a course of water therapy three times a week. He was put in a large tank of water with a flotation vest. Alison (a Vet Tech) got in the tank with him and physically moved his legs for the first several times as he was paralyzed and hung motionless, supported only by the flotation vest. He was a bit nervous on the first time but quickly became accustomed to the procedure.
i was at home one night after about 6 treatments (two weeks) when i heard Kilo making a noise behind me on his bed. i looked around and saw him struggle to his feet and move some 10 feet or so across the living room floor toward me before falling back to the floor. His desire to return to my side was most apparent and i could see the focused love in his eyes. It was a most emotional moment for us both.
Following that evening, his recovery seemed to show almost geometric improvement and over the next sixty days was able to first regain the ability to walk then next to trot and finally to jump and walk up stairs on his own.
i continued a course of treatment over the years with a day or so a week combining treatments with water therapy, floor exercises and acupuncture. Kilo much enjoyed the exercise and attention that he got from Dr. Sosna and her staff.
Elmer (Vet Tech) was such a constant in Kilo’s life over the several years working one on one with him in the water therapy as well as the various floor exercises. Elmer always exhibited great patience, technical competence and love for his work with Kilo. But then, as i observed in my time there, also with all the other pets going through rehabilitation received similar treatment and respect.
Another team member that was of great help to Kilo is Danielle. Danielle is a Physical Therapist for real people and also works with the furry friends also with Dr. Sosna where her special medial training, interest, and skills may be applied to healing wounds and related physical issues.
Kilo lived to be fourteen and had a most improved quality of life until the end when he died suddenly from cancer. By the way, Dr. Sosna came to my home that final day to be with the both of us as Kilo crossed over the rainbow bridge. i know that most of you folks reading this have had the experience of losing your furry friend and know the depth of loss and at times the feeling of despair that may overwhelm one.
Further, during the many years that i and Kilo participated in his physical therapy i saw many many folks with old dogs, dogs post-​surgery, and dogs with chronic health challenges treated with the same great skill and love shown to us.
In summary, Dr. Sosna and her staff are most knowledgeable and friendly. Her work and that of her staff with respect to the treatment and rehabilitation of animals may be their chosen vocation but also is truly a labor of their love for these animals.
i would suggest a sign over the entrance door to her rehabilitation center to say «Miracles Happen Here»
See Kilo «in the tank» with the treadmill on the bottom and the water to relieve pressure on the joints:

This place is absolutely amazing. My
Pug has been coming here for several years and he is doing so great! He has done the water therapy, exercise therapy and the accupuncture.
We came in when pugsley was first diagnosed with hip dysplasia and was limping due to the pain in his hips. Dr. Sosna and her team (Nina and Elmer) have helped him immensely. He no longer limps and he Is doing so much better! He is so much stronger and overall a much more happy pup. He loves his sessions and looks so forward to coming!
I cannot recommend this place enough — Dr. Sosna is so knowledgeable and really cares about your pet’s wellness. We have used many supplements that she recommends that work wonders. She truly cares and wants the best for your dog! Nina and Elmer are equally wonderful and are so fun to work with! They are an amazing team.
Thank you animal accupuncture and rehab for all you’ve done for my baby!

Dr. Sosna and her knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff have helped two of my dogs rehab from orthopedic injuries. AARC came recommended by both my orthopedic vet, as well as a friend whose dog had also successfully rehabbed at AARC. Dr. Sosna and her staff genuinely love dogs and clearly love what they do. Their genuine interest and passion in seeing my dogs recover to 100% made the entire rehab effort seem like we were all part of the same team, which is how it should be!
Danielle Robbins, the on-​site physical therapist, is also OUTSTANDING and was an integral part of the rehab plan for both of my dogs.
I hope that my dogs do not sustain injuries in the future, however, if they do, I am glad that AARC will be there to help get them back on their feet.

My experience was not a pleasant one. I believe there are better places out there to take your dog to and I would avoid this business if you truly want to help your dog.
I brought my 14 year old husky in who was post amputation on her foot due to cancer. She was not walking due to healing complications. I explained my situation to Dr. Sosna and that my main objective was to get Coco walking again due to the doctor giving her a short window of life left. She has very aggressive cancer. When I first walked in I noticed there was tiled floor rather than matted floor and Coco could not walk on it. If you are a facility that helps dogs why on earth would you not have carpet or some other coating on the floor that dogs can actually grip. I had to physically help Coco get back to her room as a result. I met with Dr. S and she gave Coco an exam. We spoke about my goals for her therapy and I was very honest and upfront about what I was looking for. She did NOT do any rehabilitation to Coco, we mainly spoke and she felt a little bit of Coco. She then gave me some recommendations for therapy which I accepted at the time because I was feeling vulnerable and desperate. My dog is my life and I couldn’t get any other appointments with any other rehab places since they were full. So I took a chance.
Dr. S recommended acupuncture and water therapy but would not begin the water therapy until Coco’s foot was healed. She also recommended that I see her partner Dr. Robbins for actual rehab. Dr. S stressed that if I was not happy with the acupuncture we could always change it so I bought a package for $ 1,500 that included multiple sessions of each. After two appointments I began to notice that this was not the right match. I took my dog to a swim session to help alleviate some pain of which I had my primary doctor’s approval for. When Dr. S heard this she yelled at my fiancé. She told him that we were putting our dog in jeopardy and could kill our dog. I explained to her that my dog was miserable since she could not walk and this was the first time I had seen her happy in months. I explained to her that Coco had a life jacket on and I was in the pool with her and she mainly floated. Not once did she listen to my concerns and feedback.
Dr. S plan was to let Coco stay the course and continue to let her rest. She had been resting for 3 months and was over it. She was miserable. I explained this to her but she didn’t care. Dr. S was closed over Thanksgiving break and offered me no solutions, at home care, or any suggestions to help over the break. I felt no support or compassion from her at all. Over the break I went and met with other rehab places in San Diego and I realized what a mistake I had made in signing up with Dr. S. I left her a voicemail to cancel all appointments and to call me back to discuss a refund for unused services. Do you think she ever reached out or called me back? NOPE. Who did call me back was her partner Dr. Robbins who operates a separate business out of this building American Dog. She is the doctor who will actually be performing rehab since Dr. S does not do that, not quite sure what she does beyond acupuncture. Dr. Robbins and I had a 40 minute conversation about Coco and my concerns, she listened. She didn’t sell me on any additional services and I voiced my frustrations with Dr. S. Since they are not linked in any way there was not much she could do for me in regards to her, but I will say Dr. Robbins is great and I would not hesitate to use her services for your dog.
Dr. S eventually called me back 1 week later. She stated she would issue me a refund and I needed to provide my credit card information to do so. I emailed her that information two days later and waited. I waited and waited and waited. I left two more messages, two more emails, and then called one more time. This time she actually picked up the phone and told me that her bookkeeper had the information and was going to process the refund by the end of the week. So I hung up believing this would happen. Of course it did not, she owed me over $ 1,000 and was waiting a month right before Christmas to process this refund. I finally got fed up and had to personally drive all the way to her to face her in person. When I walked into the lobby she was with a client and I asked her where my refund was, I could see she was not happy I was there and doing this in front of a client but she brought this on herself. She told me she would process it this afternoon! What happened to the bookkeeper?! In the end she did process me a refund for $ 994 which is less than I should have received. She never sent me an itemized receipt to explain the refund.
Dr. S cares only about money and not the well being of your pet, I spent $ 650 to learn this lesson and want to help you avoid the same mistake. BTW Coco is walking again after two weeks in other rehab with someone more reputable in San Diego who listened & cared.

Dr. Sosna and her staff have been invaluable to my 12 year old paralyzed (but not any more!) dachshund. Even though my dog Pico had back surgery once before nothing prepared me for the long road ahead. But, Dr. Sosna was immediately comforting because of her knowledge and experience. I followed every order and attended every session because I knew that she would get results and she did. I am forever grateful for her accessibility and feedback. Every time I had a question she was there to answer it. My Pico is on her way back and even though she still has more work to go she is walking and all her bodily functions are working now. I could not ask for anything more. Her staff Nina and Elmer are unfailingly cheerful and positive and together they make a good team for anyone walking in with a problem. I recommend them all.

My cat Pandora and I love Dr. Claire Sosna! Pandora has a pretty serious heart condition and subsequently kidney problems as a result of all the medications she’s on. The addition of Chinese herbs and acupuncture to her regimen has been wonderful! I feel that Pandora is doing as well as she is because of Animal Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Center. I recommend anyone with a sick pet to add these great services to help with the health and happiness of their beloved fur babies.

I have a 10 year old Siberian husky, Stellar, that was having issues with pain. The staff at the center helped my girl get back to her puppy self. She has shown steady and great improvement. Thank you to the team for being caring and kind and all they do!

My MIn Pin goes to physical therapy at this clinic and he works with Danielle. She is amazing. He loves going and I love the way she handles him and how kind and caring she is. She is highly knowledgeable about what she is doing and I have a great deal of trust in her.
I am very thankful I found this place.

Claire diagnosed my dog when 3 other vets could not. She got her back to health promptly. I am eternally grateful! Some had suggested putting my poor little girl down. (She’s only 8) Now she acts like a 4 year old again.

My 5 year old pitbull blew out both knees at the same time (torn ACLs). After her left knee surgery, she could barely walk on either leg. I signed up for 10 sessions, water treadmill and the obstacle course therapy. My dog showed immediate signs of improvement and started rapidly regaining her muscle strength. She is doing so well in fact that the surgeon has suggested that surgery on her right knee might be avoidable after only 2 months of treatment.
The staff is friendly and really cares about each patient. Best of all my dog actually looks forward to coming here!
–Andre

I wanted to give myself a week to reflect on my experience at Animal Acupuncture and Rehab Center, so I could give a reasonable review of the service I was provided. Unfortunately, the passage of time has not mitigated my dissatisfaction.
My dog, Sparky, is a thirteen year old border collie. His normal vet at VCA Peninsula Animal Hospital (Dr. Brookman) diagnosed him with arthritis and recommended Dr. Sosna for acupuncture, so I made an appointment.
One of her assistants called me the day prior to my appointment to remind me that I was scheduled, and to ask me to arrive fifteen minutes early to fill out paperwork. All good, I arrived fifteen minutes early the next day, after the thirty minute commute to Sorrento Valley. I stood in the waiting room for a few minutes until someone greeted me. The doctor put me in a room for about fifteen or twenty minutes to wait, with no paperwork to fill out. Sparky was becoming more anxious by the second, as we were in a scary new place in a small, mildly claustrophobic room.
Finally, they moved us to a third room, where we sat and waited. Eventually, I was given paperwork to fill out, which took no more than ten minutes. After a while, her young son entered the room to retrieve the paperwork. He came back in several times after that to assure me his mom would be with me shortly.
Sparky was getting more nervous, and I was getting more frustrated as the minutes passed. I told myself if I had to wait more than an hour, I was getting up and leaving. Finally, at minute fifty-​five, she entered the room. She brought her own dog into the room… which is fine, the dog was friendly, but Sparky is very excitable around other dogs, and after waiting for so long, it would’ve been nice to have the focus solely on the dog who was in pain.
We talked for a little while about his condition. She said she had three assistants, none of which were there on this day, so I guess it fell to me to be the assistant when it came to lying him on his side and holding him down so she could feel his limbs. He was pretty upset at this prospect, scared and in pain from being held down against his will. Dr. Sosna oscillated between speaking to him in a calm, patient voice, to acting annoyed with him, moaning «Stoooooopppp» at one point. I continued to bite my tongue, trying to be polite.
Her diagnosis contradicted my normal vet’s — she didn’t think he had arthritis at all, just nerve compression in his lower back and a pulled groin muscle. How she was so sure that her diagnosis trumped Dr. Brookman’s, I’m not too sure, considering she didn’t take any x-​rays or blood work or urinalysis or anything besides feeling his limbs, while my regular vet did all of the above.
She made her recommendations: lots of Chinese herbs and supplements, many of which she had for sale, and a ten-​session package of acupuncture combined with underwater treadmill therapy. I asked her if we were going to do any acupuncture today. She said no, this was just a consultation. A consultation that cost $ 92… more than any vet I’ve been to.
In the end, she never apologized for being an hour late or for being understaffed, nor did she offer some sort of conciliatory discount. I was left with the feeling that the folks at Animal Acupuncture were more interested in lining their pocketbooks than in providing good customer service to their human and canine clients.

Dr Sosna is kind and understanding with my dog and my concerns. Evening hours help with scheduling. My dog loves coming here!

In March, my husband and I came home to find that our 8 year old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog could not stand, walk, or really move at all. We took him to emergency care. After x-​rays and an MRI, the vet determined he had suffered a spinal stroke in his C5. We were devastated and did not think he had a chance of recovery.
Conner, a 130 pound dog, could not walk, or stand when we took him to see Dr Sosna. I had to carry him in. He started water therapy, and it took 2 assistances to be in the tank with him. He lasted about 1 minute. I was skeptical that he would ever walk again.
I am happy to report that after two months of water therapy, acupuncture, and message therapy, Conner completed 25 minutes in the water tank, can now get up, walk, stand, and is almost completely recovered.
I owe this all to the fine staff here. They truly cared about Conner and his overall health and recovery, and I am very happy with the care and outcome of his treatment.

My sweet girl had a ruptured disc leaving her paralyzed, the doctor didn’t recommend surgery bc her spinal compression was so severe. She was a 9 year old German shepherd, best dog ive ever had. I went to dr sosna over pawsitive, bc she an acupuncturist and told me more dogs recovered than didn’t. Then Once the appts started with dr sosna things changed. I suppose she knew lady was a lost cause but I was too naïve and loving to know that. I spent more time with docs vet tech than her. Then, When I got emotional I’d get, «just give it more time». I mean, She was after my dogs best quality of life right?? not my wallet? Yea, I was naïve. Lady didn’t make it, poor thing was sitting in her feces and piss while I worked causing bed sores and more, I could give that «more time» so I made that horrible choice. Dr sosna called the next day to remind me of my appt I had for lady after she was in doggie heaven, I called back and left a message to inform what happened. I never got a call back or refund for the 200 $ worth of water therapy I paid for and didn’t received. My girl was my life, she was my family, hell, only family I had out here. And the only regret I have is choosing a place that cared more about profit And their name than the emotional and physical well being of their patients and owners. I would never come back here. If u are a low percentile, you will be treated as such, but ur money will be accepted with open arms

Our 15 y/​o lab, Buddy, had a stroke in February 2013 which left him partially paralyzed. The neurologist recommended we take our dog for acupuncture/​water therapy and gave us a list of nearby places. He told us we should expect Buddy to regain mobility within 2 — 6 months. This was on a Tuesday. I went home and researched all of the acupuncturists on the list and chose Dr Sosna because she was the only one who is also a veterinarian. I made an appointment for Thursday — just two days after my dog’s stroke.
When I arrived at AARC, Dr Sosna had already been in touch with Buddy’s neurologist as well as with his regular veterinarian. She spent well over an hour with us discussing everything from Buddy’s diet to his mobility while also performing acupuncture. To say that Dr Sosna exceeded our expectations is an understatement, and, most importantly, Buddy was able to walk with assistance that very same night! Within a few days, Buddy regained full use of his legs and is still going strong thanks to Dr Sosna and her staff! Buddy continues to see Dr Sosna at least twice a month. Dr Sosna has been a great resource to us during Buddy’s recovery and continues to be throughout Buddy’s golden years. Needless to say, I highly recommend Dr Sosna.

This rehab center with Dr Sosna was professional and clearly compassionate in dealing with our Pomeranian who had ACL surgery in May 2013. In June we began rehab. The water treadmill was instrumental in healing and Gracie, my Pom, who also mastered the course they set up for more rehab exercise is completely healed. She is very happy (as is her demeanor) and is running the stairs again and playing with free abandon. Many thanks to the Doc and her patient and well-​trained staff.

My dog could barely walk last winter … I took her to the vet who suggested some medication as well as Dr. Sosna at Animal Acupuncture & Rehabilitation.
After an initial consultation when Dr. Sosna described my dogs problems in great detail, we’ve been going once to twice a week since then and my dog has gone from a barely walking old dog to a spritely and exuberant dog!
She is 9 years old and Dr. Sosna and the staff at AARC have added years to my dog — also, the quality of her life is so much better. Now she is able to go on 2 long walks a day or go to the dog park and run for 30 minutes at a time!
I highly recommend Dr. Sosna and AARC!