What is hydrotherapy?
Canine hydrotherapy is a form of hydrotherapy directed at the treatment of chronic conditions, post-operative recovery, and pre-operative or general fitness in dogs.
Who would benefit?
A number of conditions in dogs may be aggravated by or may show slow or no improvement as a result of weight bearing exercise.
Among these are hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), conditions most common in medium to large purebred dogs, such as German Shepherds, Labradors or Golden Retrievers; chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), a degenerative disease of the spinal cord which causes hind limb problems in German Shepherds; and luxating patella which is seen predominantly in small and toy breeds.
Injuries to the cruciate ligament, or other ligaments, may also make post-operative weight-bearing exercise in dogs problematic.
Obese dogs, while requiring exercise, may aggravate existing conditions or injure themselves due to the weight exerted on their joints if walked normally.
The benefits
Increased circulation
Warm water increases the circulation of blood to the muscles increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients and flushing away waste products. Leading to muscle relaxation and a reduction in pain and stiffness. Improved circulation reduces swelling around the injured area and enhances healing from injury
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure applied by water assists in reducing swelling by forcing body fluid (oedema) away from the affected areas
Muscle strengthening
Swimming tones most major muscle groups and improves the dogs overall fitness. Movement in water is more difficult due to the resistance of the water. Water based exercise uses 30% more oxygen than land based exercise
Cardiovascular workout
Under water the chest is under pressure from the force exerted by water squeezing inwards, this means every breath requires more effort, the muscles used in breathing have to work harder which will improve the whole respiratory system.
Hydrotherapy can be used for the treatment of Arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, muscle, ligament and many other types of soft tissue injuries.
It is also considered to be a natural anti – inflammatory through it’s ability to reduce soft tissue swelling
On land each step creates a shock wave which travels up the limp and is absorbed by bones, tendons and joints. Swimming allows strengthening of the muscles while avoiding this shock wave
What next?
To benefit from treatment at the West Midlands Canine Hydrotherapy Clinic call
01922 456 236
or visit us at
Value Vets (Lazy Hill)
21 Anchor Road
Aldridge
Walsall
WS9 8PT.
Referrals
To get a referral from your veterinary clinic, please download a referral document below and take it to your pet care provider.
Opening hours
Hydrotherapy
Tuesday & Thursday
11:00am - 1:00pm
Value Vets (Lazy Hill)
Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 6:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am to 11:00am