hydrotherapy

Hi guys, have any of you had any sucess stories with hydrotherapy? my exes boy had an op on his crutiate ligament two months ago and hes doing okay but still holding his leg up. Hes a big boy so we thought it may take a while but i suggested hydrotherapy to her as its a chance to build muscle without any weight bearing. She found a place in stalbans that will do an hours session for £20 with hoists etc and his first session is on 27th dec. Would love to hear some input from someone thats been there as she is at her wits end worrying about him.

Its something we are starting in the new year, I think it sounds amazing for recovering from an op, and to build muscle, Nathen is he big or overweight? Loosing the weight is important, hydrotherapy will support the joints, but gentle exersize/diet (if there allowed) will need to go hand in hand Xx

It sounds like an excellent idea to me. They have it available at Rockys vet but have not needed it so far.

Great way to exercise without the weight burden on the joints, I'm sure you'll find it of great help, please let us know how you get on with it.

it is supposed to work wonders! hope it goes well

janey wrote:

Its something we are starting in the new year, I think it sounds amazing for recovering from an op, and to build muscle, Nathen is he big or overweight? Loosing the weight is important, hydrotherapy will support the joints, but gentle exersize/diet (if there allowed) will need to go hand in hand Xx

He was overweight when she got him but has leaned him down to 36kg and he is slim now. Hes a staff cross mastiff so a big boy anyway. when the vet did op he found some bone growth on the joint due to athritus and trimmed it off for free. The guy she is taking him to built the pool for his own dog and now treats dog homes for free and he sounds like he knows what hes talking about. Will take some vid if im allowed and post up. It sounds like perfect therapy to me but havent heard much about it with dogs.

Well we start in Jan also

janey wrote:

Well we start in Jan also

Good luck mate hoping it goes well for you xx

I think it's a fabulous tool. It's used on horses a lot with a lot of success.

I've used it with great results for myself but never used it on a dog.

Yes swimming is very good for dog's, I use it for Bullseye every now and again

Hi Nathan,
Hydrotherapy is excellent, really does help build up strength, but and its a BIG but, An hour sounds too long for a first visit. I would have thought a few minutes to start off with and increase it each session. Perhaps give the Vet a ring first and be advised by him as to the length of time.

It is an hours session but he said its alot of in for a bit and then out for a break so not in the water all the time. He has asked for a vets note to say hes happy with it and that his general health is also okay for hydrotherapy too.

Thats great I'm sure he'll do well.

Bullseye! wrote:Yes swimming is very good for dog's, I use it for Bullseye every now and again

Love the pic. Did you start because of any problems or just for the fun of it?

For the exercise, it's good for injuries though, but remember 10 minutes is tantamount to 10miles running, that's the session I normally have with Bullseye, our hydro-therapist give him a shower before going in the pool, do few laps round, then finally come out for a dry off with a big hair dryer thingy

Wow thats fantastic! Think i might take my two if thats the case. Thanks for the info mate

Just got back from Rileys first session and Im very impressed.
the guy built it for his own dog over 10 years ago, got trained up and now treats dogs at rescue centers for free.
he was super calm with riley who was a tad nervouse to begin with but about mid way riley was chasing after balls in the water. first steps was making sure he knew where the steps where to get out the pool and then a few 3 foot swims to the stairs. he seemed to know exactly when to give him a break as he was never puffing or panting and during the breaks he just floated at the edge of the pool next to the steps with his bright pink life jacket lol (the only one that fitted)
Far from being tierd out after the session Riley seemed very invigorated and intrestingly weight bore on his bad leg all the way back to the car!
Claire is starting him off with two sessions a week for three weeks and the guy said he would only need one a week after that for maintenance. Over all very impressed with the set up and the guy that swam with riley was fantastic. when I get some pennies together Im going to get Marley down there for a few fun swims and later on Laska too.
Wish I had got a few pics but was so engrosed in it all shouting praise etc I totally forgot.

glad it went well!

Great news, really pleased all went well Xx

Second session today and again went really well, this time got a vid of him and a few piccies. each time he came out for a break he was walking up and down the pool like he wanted to get back in. next one is next thursday which I cant make but progress is looking good so far as each time he got out he didnt lift his leg at all

Watched Paul O'Grady's Christmas show " For the Love of Dogs" and they used hydrotherapy post op on a terrier.

great stuff Nathan

He looks to be really enjoying it. Hope it does the trick for him.