hydrotherapy

[cazboldy]

hi

thinking of taking my dog for some hydrotherapy......

anyone have any experience of this?

she is in recovery from a spinal stroke see here
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/the_doghouse/1733880-My-poor-lovely-collie

[topbannana]

I used to work at a private rescue with a small outdoor pool (not as posh as it sounds!!) I have seen amazing changes in dogs after hydrotherapy an some not quite so good.
Some years ago a rescue lurcher we had needed a cruciate repair, a risky operation due to her appalling treatment before us and the resulting health issues. Once her stitches were out I carried her to the car then down to the sea everyday. I waded out to my waist (it was summer thankfully!!) with her on a harness, placed her in the water, pointed her at the shore and held on :)
Our vets were amazed at her progress considering all that was stacked against her and she went on to enjoy several more years of four legged activity :)
I would say that it is not cheap and you may find you are many miles away from your nearest centre (as was the case with us) I would discuss it with your vet and see what they have to say.

[cazboldy]

am only about 20 mins from my closest one, and it was the vet who suggested it..... cost is a factor, not sure how often she would need to go for it to make a difference for her?

liking the sea idea, but at least 40 mins from the nearest beach

[Scuttlebutter]

We took our lovely elderly greyhound bitch to hydro as part of the management of her arthritis. We did it after a lot of discussion with the vet, and with their encouragement. Initially, she went once weekly and after an initial intensive phase, reduced her frequency to a maintenance programme of visiting fortnightly. We think it gave her an extra year of good quality of life and mobility - she passed away a year ago this week of an unrelated problem, age 13.

I would have no hesitation in recommending it, especially if your vet has suggested it.

We had an excellent therapist - very thorough, very professional and very gentle with our dog. She was not a water loving dog before her treatment but used to really enjoy going.

It is expensive, as insurance did not cover us since her arthritis was a pre-existing condition, but your policy might cover you. In any case, we think it was worth every penny.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

If you can get your dog on to a floating treadmill these have even better results than swimming. I regular recommend this.

[cazboldy]

lonecat she has not got the use of her hindlegs yet, so don't think treadmill would be any use

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Ah without use of all 4 limbs then physiotherapy is often of more benefit at this stage than hydrotherpy.

[cazboldy]

doing that

she is taking her weight now with support, but has a lot of muscle wastage, so vet thought it might help

[Lonecatwithkitten]

The floating treadmill may well work then they fill it to chest height the dogs wear a life jacket so are supported in the water. It promotes the correct muscles for walking which swimming does not. I have a patient who had a prolapsed disc currently having this treatment after a hemilaminectomy surgery.

[cazboldy]

ok thanks - ill look into it