Canine Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, used in conjunction with veterinary treatment, can significantly improve the quality and rate of healing following surgery or traumatic injury. In these cases the appropriate use of hydrotherapy can help with rehabilitation and increase the chance of a successful return to full fitness. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial in young growing dogs diagnosed with developmental conditions. Warm water can help alleviate pain in arthritic joints and enable a dog to exercise in a non weight bearing manner, which can assist weight loss, where required. Hydrotherapy is also an excellent way to help develop peak fitness in agility and sporting dogs.
Conditions that can benefit from hydrotherapy
Developmental conditions
- Hip and elbow dysplasia – useful for young dogs who are restricted to lead exercise
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Patella luxation
Degenerative conditions
- Osteoarthritis (DJD) primary and secondary to developmental conditions
- Spondylosis
Pre and post surgical cases
- Total hip replacement
- Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE)
- Arthroscopy
- Cranial cruciate rupture – TTO/TPLO/TTA/lateral suture
- Patella luxation
Neurological conditions
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
- Spinal stenosis
- Intervertebral disc protrusion/degenerative disc disease
- Fibro-cartilaginous embolism (FCE)
- Cervical vertebral malformation
- Spinal injury/trauma/shock
- Discospondylitis
- Neuromuscular disease
- Peripheral neuropathies
Soft tissue injuries
- Tendinitis
- Ligament strain
- Tendinopathies,
- Muscle strains/sprains
Obesity
- (weight loss in conjunction with diet)