Pre and post surgery conditioning

It is beneficial for a dog to be as fit as possible prior to orthopaedic surgery. Swimming is an ideal way to increase cardiovascular and general fitness – especially if a dog is otherwise on restricted exercise due to its condition. When hydrotherapy is intended to be part of the post-operative recovery program, benefits are gained more quickly if the dog is already accustomed to the water. Not all dogs can swim and many are not relaxed in the water initially - so it helps if they have already been introduced to the pool and are familiar with the staff and routine. Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to reduce inflammation and regain mobility, without putting unnecessary stress on the joints, following surgery. Fitness can be regained quickly and safely.

Hip Dysplasia

Especially useful for young dogs on restricted lead exercise regimes. Canine hip Dysplasia is a degenerative, painful condition where the hip joints have developed abnormally. The head of the thigh bone (femur) does not fit properly into the hip socket (acetabulum). These “ball and socket” joints become malformed and unstable, causing inflammation and weakness.

Depending upon the severity of the problem, Dysplasia can lead to painful and sometimes crippling arthritis. Older dogs with mild Dysplasia may be treated successfully with pain relieving medication and a gentle, structured exercise programme.

Younger dogs with Dysplasia have a much greater risk of developing debilitating arthritis. It is difficult to restrict exercise for very young dogs and swimming can allow safe exercise without risk of damage to the hips. Following a structured exercise program of lead walking together with hydrotherapy, can prevent the Dysplasia worsening due to laxity in the supporting ligaments and muscles. Veterinary surgeons are using hydrotherapy to keep puppies fit and well muscled while they wait for the dogs to reach 18 months to 2 years old. This supportive approach, together with the natural tightening process that maturity brings, can sometimes remove the need for surgery.

Severe Dysplasia is sometimes treated surgically by either total hip replacement or femoral head excision. Either way, appropriate exercise is vitally important to maintain muscle mass  to help improve the stability of the hip joint; maintain endurance and cardiovascular fitness and maintain the health of the articular cartilage surrounding the joint. It is also important to reduce the level of pain in the joints. Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to encourage joint mobility and stabilise the joint through building up muscle mass quickly and safely. Consistent, regular, gentle exercise such as swimming is the key to effective management of Dysplasia in conjunction with regular medication and supplements.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition involving the chronic degeneration of cartilage and fluid around the joint surfaces resulting in joint inflammation. It can also involve the formation of new bone around the joint surfaces. Arthritis is a slowly progressive disease which starts with almost undetectable discomfort and may progress to the point where the animal is in such pain that it is reluctant to walk, get up from a resting position and may even refuse to eat.

It is extremely distressing for the owner to see their animal in such discomfort. Conventional treatment for arthritis involves the animal taking painkilling and anti-inflammatory medication and injections to help restore the joint fluid. In addition, it is believed that regular but moderate exercise is beneficial, particularly swimming.

Hydrotherapy is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that encourages full extension of the limbs. The soothing effect of the warm water encourages more fluid movement of the joints, leading to decreased levels of pain, increased range of movement and often a reduced need for painkilling medication.

Spinal Injuries

When a dog has suffered spinal injury or had surgery due to degenerative joint disease, it is advisable to restore movement gently and steadily. Hydrotherapy is an ideal form of exercise as the warm soothing water encourages gradual movement and will encourage efficient circulation. Following spinal surgery it is vital that exercise is carefully controlled and that the dogs' movements are restricted and supported. Swimming is an excellent way to improve circulation and encourage mobility within these restrictions, without putting any undue pressure on the spine and joints. Muscle can again be built up successfully to support the affected less stable areas. Often there is temporary paralysis of the hind limbs pre and post spinal surgery.

The use of a water current played onto the top of the paws promotes a swimming reflex movement resulting in limb movements that the dog cannot make consciously on land. This kind of exercise in water is one of the ways of maintaining fitness whilst waiting for inflammation to decrease and nerve repair to take place. The key to successful post-operative recovery is regular hydrotherapy as soon as possible after spinal surgery. Some dogs need to swim for a short time every day for perhaps a couple of weeks followed by longer sessions perhaps three times per week. They often do well quickly. Other cases improve significantly, but very gradually over a period of months.

CDRM (Chronic Degenerative Radiculo-Myelopathy)

CDRM is best described as a progressive wasting disease of the hind limbs, usually (but not exclusively) affecting the German Shepherd breed. The classic symptoms are a painless, slowly progressive rear limb weakness or paralysis caused by neurological degeneration. There may also be discomfort due to arthritis in the hip or lower back area but this usually improves with moderate non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming. Over a period of time a dog suffering with CDRM will become progressively weaker. The rear limbs begin to lack co-ordination and may start to shuffle along.  Classic early symptoms are wear on the claws of either or both hind paws and knuckling of the paws. In the final stages full paralysis is likely to occur coupled with incontinence.

In recent years, there have been advances in the treatment and care of dogs with CDRM and as a result they are living longer and more comfortable lives. Exercise is one of the main factors in managing a dog with CDRM. Regular exercise is extremely important in maintaining the well-being of the affected dog, maximising muscle tone and maintaining good circulation. This is best achieved by regular exercise on alternate days, in conjunction with days of rest. Consistent, controlled building of muscle tone through exercise can help delay the progression of CDRM.

Hydrotherapy is an ideal form of non weight-bearing exercise which helps to maintain muscle bulk for as long as possible and to improve general fitness and enhance quality of life. Dogs that need to be carried or supported on land really enjoy the freedom of a large pool. Movement of all four limbs in water and the ability to play are vital ingredients for maintaining co-ordination and balance.

Cruciate ligament injuries and post surgery recovery

The cranial cruciate ligament originates on the outside of the thigh bone (femur) and crosses the knee joint at an angle to attach at the front, inside of the shin bone (tibia). This ligament prevents forward movement of the tibia, internal rotation and hyperextension of the knee. Ruptures of the cranial cruciate ligament are one of the most common orthopaedic injuries in dogs. There is disagreement among experts about whether arthritis is the cause or result of failure of the cruciate ligament. However degenerative damage is seen far more often than straightforward damage caused by falls or twisting.

The strength of the cruciate ligament depends on the age of the dog as it deteriorates with age. Dogs with cruciate ligament ruptures are also frequently overweight as obesity places additional stress on the ligament. Often the rupture occurs during normal activity by twisting the knee joint during running or jumping. At this point the dog may cry out and and hold up the injured leg. In other cases the rupture may not start with a single traumatic event. The dog may just have occasional periods of lameness that worsen with vigorous exercise. Rupture of the ligament results in instability in the knee. This causes pain, lameness and will produce progressive arthritis or degenerative joint disease due to the instability of the joint. The best treatment available is surgery to stabilise the joint. There are many different surgical techniques available. Whatever the type of surgery, all procedures rely on careful post-operative nursing to protect the joint until it is healed. After 10-14 days of cage rest, most surgeons recommend very restricted short lead walks only for at least six weeks after surgery. However non-weight bearing exercise such as hydrotherapy can be extremely beneficial in enabling the dog to put the affected leg to the ground during this period. Many dogs refrain from using the affected leg on land, but will freely extend it in the water. The gentle stretching of the muscles and ligaments in the water encourages increased mobility of the joint. Some dogs are very hesitant about using their affected leg after surgery for fear of pain. However once they have started swimming and extending the leg in the water they often reach the ramp at the end of the pool and walk out on all four legs. Hydrotherapy is now recognised as an ideal form of recuperative therapy for dogs as, although they are on restricted exercise on land, they can extend their legs fully in the water and build up muscle around the joint to support the weaker areas.

Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration

Hydrotherapy is now viewed by the veterinary profession as being an ideal form of non-weight-bearing exercise to increase muscle mass and maintain cardiovascular fitness. Dogs recovering from a variety of surgical procedures benefit from the warm soothing effect of the water and the ability to exercise freely without putting undue stress and pressure on the joints. Regular swimming restores and maintains fitness levels in dogs that have been on restricted exercise for a variety of reasons.

Cardiovascular fitness

Hydrotherapy is an excellent form of non-weight bearing exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness steadily and quickly. Whether the dog has suffered injury, endured surgery or is just generally unfit for a variety of reasons, hydrotherapy can be of great benefit. When exercise has been restricted, hydrotherapy is ideal as a gently way to increase fitness quickly and safely.

Obesity

Many dogs that are overweight suffer from numerous problems including, stiffness, arthritis and breathing difficulties. In conjunction with a healthy low calorie diet hydrotherapy can be very successful in reducing weight and increasing cardiovascular fitness quickly and safely. The dogs begin to enjoy exercise again and this will lead to improved general mobility and further weight reduction and good health. If your dog is overweight please do something now before it is too late. Go to your vet, get good dietary advice and make sure there is no underlying medical condition resulting in weight gain. It is not advisable to make sudden drastic reductions in the amount of food given.

A dog's metabolic rate changes as it reaches middle age and requires far less food - just like us! It is easy to carry on feeding too much and we see many dogs that are a quarter to half over their ideal body weight. When they lose weight it is like taking years off them and they stop behaving like ‘’old’’ dogs. We have lots of tricks, suggestions and advice to achieve gradual, safe weight loss.

Mental well being

Many dogs have been through the trauma of an accident, injury or complicated surgery. Having endured such an ordeal, anaesthetics, pain relieving medication and tedious days or even weeks on cage rest, they often become very depressed and miserable. We aim to improve their mental well-being with a relaxed, friendly and caring atmosphere as we feel it is vital for their successful recovery. When they realise that hydrotherapy can be quite an enjoyable experience it seems to spur them on to become brighter in themselves. It is a well known fact in humans and animals that a positive mental attitude is an important factor for a speedy recovery. A depressed person or dog is more likely to give up mentally and physically. Cheering up owners is just as important. Dogs are sensitive to feelings around them and everyone needs to be positive and encouraging.

When will Hydrotherapy not help?

Unstable fractures

Severe joint laxity and instability

Active spinal cord compression/instability

Debilitating systemic disease

Infectious diseases

Active gastrointestinal disease

Infectious disease

Extreme aggression