Hydrotherapy has been available, in varying forms, to humans for centuries, in recent times this therapy has been extended to animals, first horses and now our smaller companions.
There are many properties of water that make it a beneficial aid for rehabilitation
Thermal Properties
"It is crucial that the water in a hydrotherapy pool is kept at the correct temperature, 26-30 degrees centigrade is considered to be best for dogs. This prevents the body from cooling on immersion and also prevents over heating during exercise. This thermal effect can warm superficial joints during exercise and maintain circulation, important for both soft tissue injuries and arthritic joints.
Buoyancy
"The main advantage of swimming is the buoyancy of the water, the upward thrust of water against the body reduces the effects of gravity. This provides partial or non-weight bearing exercise, allowing the limbs to move without carrying the full weight of the body, a full exercise programme can continue where the animal would otherwise have to be rested.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Whilst buoyant in the water, the body is affected by a pressure known as hydrostatic pressure, at a given depth an equal pressure is exerted on all surfaces. This, together with the cohesive properties of water helps to massage the affected area as the animal pulls itself through the water. This is very beneficial for treating oedema in the limbs. As hydrostatic pressure increases with depth, the distal extremities are exposed to a greater pressure than the proximal extremities, thus distal to proximal flow of oedematous fluid occurs, helping to remove fluid swellings in the lower limbs. 
Hydrostatic pressure can also reduce an animal's perception of pain allowing them to perform movements they find difficult on land. Meadow Farm 2008
The buoyancy and cohesive properties of the water support the body and unstable joints, allowing the dog to exercise without carrying their full weight on often painful joints, thus allowing free range of movement. This helps increase muscle bulk, improve range of movement and joint stability, whilst also improving cardiovascular fitness and mental welfare.
There are many conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy. Hip/elbow dysplasia are the most common conditions that we are asked to swim dogs for, along with ligament injuries and strains. With these conditions laxity within the joint causes secondary changes, osteoarthritis/DJD, leading to pain and imobility. Hydrotherapy can help to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint, improving stability and increasing mobility, thus slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and reducing pain. "The less an arthritic joint moves the less it will be able to" hence it is important to maintain the maximum range of comfortable movement possible.
Hydrotherapy, in varying forms, is beneficial post orthopaedic surgery. The buoyancy properties of water reduce the carrying load on the limbs, so exercise can usually begin earlier than on land. It is worth considering, in some cases, using hydrotherapy pre surgery to help improve muscle bulk in weakened limbs, this can help to reduce the rehabilitation phase. This can only be done in appropriate cases.
Hydrotherapy is also very effective for neurological conditions especially when used alongside physiotherapy.
We find that most dogs love to swim in warm water, even if they don't appear to enjoy swimming in lakes and the sea. We introduce all animals to our pool facilities very gradually. If you have a nervous dog then please visit us as many times as is necessary, before your assesment session, so that we can get to know him and he us. A walk with us round the grounds, some treats and a chat can often help settle a sensitive dog.
All animals are initially swum in lifejackets, fully supported in the water, with the use of extra buoyancy aids where appropriate. Appointments are booked to allow ample time at each session to reasess your animal, discuss progress, plan the next stage of treatment and adjust your home excersise programme. Your dogs will never be expected to share the pool room with others, the time you book is yours alone and you need not mix your dog with others if you wish not to.
Initial appointments are arranged for one hour with follow up appointments generally being half an hour.
We are always happy to discuss your dog/cat's requirements with you, please give Rachel or Roger a call, we are always happy to chat.
We are only able to treat your dogs after a formal veterinary referral, please download our referral form here.
We are members of The Canine Hydrotherapy Association and The Pet Care Trust
Meadow farm 2008
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Meadow Farm
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Copyright © 2008 Meadow Farm