Benefits
Canine hydrotherapy is a complimentary therapy which aids the recovery of many post operative procedures and can assist in the management of arthritis and degenerative joint disease.
The treatment involves exercise in warm water and in a controlled manner with zero impact on the joints.
Warm water dilates the blood vessels, allowing an increased flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the muscles and assists in the removal of waste products.
The action of the dog moving in water means that the muscles work harder. Every leg movement is harder for the muscles due to the resistance of the water. However, the exercise is less painful for the dog in the weight free environment of the hydrotherapy pool.
Over time, the flexibility, range of movement and general fitness should improve, allowing the animal to move more freely and gain muscle mass to support the affected joints. To enable this each dog will receive an individually tailored program and will be closely monitored throughout each hydrotherapy session.
Because hydrotherapy is a form of rehabilitation and physiotherapy, your dog may only receive this treatment with a signed referral form from your veterinary surgeon. If you have any questions about this process please do not hesitate to contact us.
The benefits of hydrotherapy:
- Increased joint mobility
- Improved muscle mass and tone
- Reduced inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
- Improved circulation
- Assists weight loss
- Provides mental stimulation and improved mental wellbeing
Conditions and Injuries that are treatable with Hydrotherapy
Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness as a result of wear and tear to the jointOsteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the disease of the joints leading to inflammation, gradual loss of cartilage and calcification deposits within the joint. This can be a debilitating disease that can result in severe pain, swelling and lameness. The elbow joint is most commonly affected and seen in the older dog.Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia is characterised by the malformation or distorted appearance of the joint. The joint does not fit together properly and causes instability and often lameness, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis.Cruciate Ligament Injuries
This kind of injury is often caused by trauma to the knee joint. The ligament can often tear due to twisting and turning during play or exercise. This injury can be repaired with surgery, and hydrotherapy is then a very effective way of rehabilitating the joint. In humans, it is often an injury suffered by footballers.OCD – Osteochondrosis Dessicans
This is a disease that is commonly seen in young dogs. It is the failure of cartilage development and involves a fragment of the surface of the joint breaking away and leaving the joint uneven and painful, leading to swelling and lameness.Obesity
Being overweight can cause animals to become short of breath and exercise intolerant. It can also lead to diabetes, respiratory disease and many joint ailments. The excess weight puts great stress onto all the joints, making them stiff and sore. Hydrotherapy in this case, promotes weight loss and the ability to exercise in a weight free environment, encouraging an increase in fitness, flexibility and stamina.
CDRM – Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy
This disease can also be referred to as RM. It is a neurological disorder causing progressive wasting of the hind limbs, leading to eventual paralysis. It is most commonly seen in German Shepherds. Hydrotherapy can help build muscle mass to support the bone structures and improve strength and fitness, providing a higher quality of life for as long as possible. Sadly, this condition is not curable.
Hydrotherapy can also be used for many other conditions such as:
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Legge-calve Perthes Disease
- Luxating Patella
- Panosteitis
- Spondylosis deformans
- Soft tissue injuries
