WHY HYDROTHERAPY?

There are several properties of water that contribute to the many benefits to be had by the canine patient. These include:

• Buoyancy – the buoyant force supports the dogs weight reducing weight bearing.
• Viscosity – movement in water is much slower on land, meaning that if dogs have poor balance, they can be well supported in the water and even work on improving balance. This viscosity also causes resistance which is very beneficial for strengthening as the dog's limbs push through the resistance of the water.
• The warmth of the water (approx. 31 degrees) helps the muscles to relax, so comfort increases, joints loosen and movement is overall much easier than on land.

What type of conditions benefit from Hydrotherapy?

Orthopedic:

• Cruciate surgery or injury
  
• Medial patella luxation surgery or conservative management
• Elbow dysplasia – post-surgical management, arthritis management, conservative management
• Hip dysplasia – post-surgical management, arthritis management, conservative management
• Shoulder instability
• Fracture repair
• Arthritis
• Spondylosis
• Polyarthritis
• Limb amputation
• Ligament repair
• Arthrodesis
  
• Senior pets with weakness, poor mobility

Neurological:

• IVDD – surgical or conservative management
  
• FCE (Fibrocartilaginous embolism)
  
• Degenerative myelopathy
  
• Polyradiculoneuritis
  
• Polyneuropathy
  
• Wobblers
  
• Degenerative neurological conditions
  
• Brachial plexus injury