Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a therapy programme, utilising the properties of water. Treatment should be carried out by appropriately qualified and trained hydrotherapist (or physiotherapist). The aim of treatment is to improve an animal’s function.

The benefits of hydrotherapy depend very much on how the hydrotherapy treatment is carried out. For some dogs simply floating or swimming gently in water can relieve pain and inflammation. For others more vigorous exercise is used to increase the range of movement in the limbs, increase muscle and strengthen and support joints.

Water can also be used as a means of supporting dogs in a non-weight bearing (pool) or partially weight bearing (UWTM) environment to allow movements that would not be possible on land, perhaps because of weakness or injury. This is particularly useful for dogs that have spinal problems.

Hydrotherapy can also increase cardiovascular fitness and help with weight loss.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a therapy programme, utilising the properties of water. Treatment should be carried out by appropriately qualified and trained hydrotherapist (or physiotherapist).

The aim of treatment is to improve an animal’s function.

Vet Referrals

Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (RCHs) are required to obtain either a letter of referral, or a signed form giving permission to treat with hydrotherapy, from the animal’s veterinary surgeon.

No dog will receive hydrotherapy treatment without this.

Pool Care

All Registered Canine Hydrotherapists are trained in Pool Water Management. The pool or underwater treadmill chemical levels are tested several times a day to ensure that the water is safe and always has sufficient disinfectant properties to protect both the animals and humans from any risk of infection.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

  • Decreased pain perception.
  • Decreased pain and inflammation.
  • Possible feeling of wellbeing due to release of endorphins.
  • Relaxation of muscle tension and/or muscle spasm.
  • Reduction of oedema (swelling).
  • Increased range of movement in water helping to ease stiff and arthritic joints.
  • Non weight bearing – less joint concussion avoiding further damage after injury or for dogs with some form of dysplasia.
  • Support for weakened or spinal injury dogs in neutral spinal position – increased core stability gained with swimming, walking in underwater treadmill and dynamic standing exercise.
  • Reduction of frustration for dogs on cage rest or reduced exercise – less likely to be ‘uncontrollable’ on land Increased muscle strength.
  • Improved muscle patterning and recruitment helping to improve gait patterns (reduction in lameness)
  • Increased active range of motion – choice of hydrotherapy pool or underwater treadmill depending on which joints require increased flexion or extension.
  • Improved cardiovascular fitness.
  • Potentially earlier return to normal activities.
  • Slowing of progression of some symptoms of degenerative diseases.
  • Improved quality of life.
  • Prevention or reduction of muscle atrophy
  • Possible feeling of wellbeing due to release of endorphins and this may result in better mobility and a reduced medication requirement.
  • Dogs with neurological deficits benefit from hands on gait retraining – particularly in the underwater treadmill.

Conditions treated with Hydrotherapy

In general conditions treated with hydrotherapy fall into the following categories:

Orthapaedic

Soft Tissue Injuries

Degenerative and Medical Conditions

Age Related Conditions

Neurological

These conditions can include:

  • Arthritis
  • Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
  • Cruciate Ligament Rupture – either conservative management or post-operative recovery
  • Patella Luxation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (formerly known as CDRM)
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Spondylosis – spinal arthritis
  • Mobility problems related to age
  • Obesity Control

Contraindications and Cautions for Hydrotherapy

It is important that you inform the hydrotherapist of any medical condition that may affect hydrotherapy treatment. Some medical conditions contraindicate hydrotherapy and others mean that hydrotherapy treatment should only be carried out with caution.

However there may be some situations where the benefits of hydrotherapy can outweigh possible concerns.

Pre-Operative Hydrotherapy

If surgery is planned, pre-operative hydrotherapy can provide several benefits.

  • The dog has time to become familiar with, and confident in, a hydrotherapy situation before it undergoes the surgery. This is particularly important for dogs that have never swum or who may be fearful – learning to swim immediately post operatively is not ideal.
  • The therapist has an opportunity to build up a positive relationship with client and dog so that the client feels confident of the care the dog will receive following surgery.
  • Some veterinary surgeons use pre-operative hydrotherapy to improve strength and fitness to condition prior to surgery, helping to reduce recovery times post operatively.
nurse dog

Referral for Hydrotherapy

If surgery is planned, pre-operative hydrotherapy can provide several benefits.

  • Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (RCHs) are required to obtain either a letter of referral, or a signed form giving permission to treat with hydrotherapy, from the animal’s veterinary surgeon. No dog will receive hydrotherapy treatment without this.
  • Clients may contact hydrotherapy centres direct but, in every case, even for a ‘fitness’ swim, they will be informed that their vet will be contacted for background information and to obtain permission for hydrotherapy treatment.
  • In cases where there are first opinion and referral vet(s) and/or physiotherapists involved in the animal’s care, all parties will be contacted for clinical histories and reports. This is to ensure that the hydrotherapist has a complete picture of the animal’s condition, behaviour, clinical history and any cautions or contraindications for hydrotherapy.

Pool or Treadmill (UWTM) Hydrotherapy?

The hydrotherapy pool allows the animal to exercise in a non-weight bearing environment which relieves pressure on joints reducing pain and encouraging movement. The pool is especially useful for encouraging natural movement and motivating dogs by retrieving or play.

In the underwater treadmill the water height can be adjusted to precisely control the amount of weight bearing. The degree of weight bearing can be increased as the animal strengthens or recovers. The speed of the underwater treadmill can also be changed to achieve the best possible movement of the limbs. The dog can be viewed from all angles and this is especially useful for assessing how it is moving and to make adjustments to get better quality movement. Re-educating gait or correct limb use is particularly important for dogs learning to walk again after spinal problems.

How clean are hydrotherapy pools?

All Registered Canine Hydrotherapists are trained in Pool Water Management.

The pool or underwater treadmill chemical levels are tested several times a day to ensure that the water is safe and always has sufficient disinfectant properties to protect both the animals and humans from any risk of infection. Detailed records are kept of measurements and treatments.

You should expect clean/clear water though possibly with an amount of fur floating on the top if the last client was a Newfoundland or large German Shepherd!