Hydrotherapy at Compass Canine
Your session at the centre starts with a health check for your dog, letting us get to know each other and allowing them to build trust in me. As long as no unexpected issues are found, then we will move on to fitting a harness or flotation vest. The next step is showering - this is the first introduction to water for the dog in the centre, but is also important to warm them up ahead of entering the pool or treadmill.
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Your dog will be fully supported whilst entering the pool or treadmill; I will be getting in with them and staying there throughout the session to support them. They won't be swimming or walking for the entire time they are in the water. Rather, we work in short sets to get maximum benefit, and also to ensure that they do not overexert themselves. Swimming or walking in water is hard work!
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After their treatment, we head back to the shower to rinse off the water from their treatment. If you like, you can bring some shampoo for your dog to be used during this post-treatment shower. Your dog will then be dried off with one of my 'magic' towels! Please bring an additional towel if you would like to dry them further, and also a drying coat (especially in the colder months!)
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Last, and definitely not least, your dog will be paid for his hard work with a treat or two from me!
Macey
My dog started to see Sara following a spine operation. Originally the treatment helped Macey to get movement and strength back.
We have continued coming as maintenance and to keep her back strong.
I would highly recommend it.
Xena
Since Xena has been doing hydrotherapy the improvement is very noticeable. She does not have any issues now with getting down to a lying position and from lying to standing as before Xena struggled in doing this. She can also jump into the car now as before I had to lift her in.
Stairs are a lot easier now for her to as she would really struggle up and down them without limping and hurting her hind legs.
Xena is a lot happier now as she can join in with off lead runs for a bit now which she really enjoys and does without crying in pain. She also seems to enjoy going for her treatment.
Kelly
Kelly has improved immensely with the help of Compass Canine, she had become unable to get on the bed or in an armchair or in the car without help and was unhappy that she could not do agility. We were advised to try Hydrotherapy by Langford Vets the Bristol University vet teaching hospital where she had been referred by our local vet. Now she is back to normal getting in the car etc. Even getting up on to my lap while I am in an armchair, and she is enjoying agility again albeit slower than she used to but the speed has started to pick up.
Below are some of the conditions that can benefit from hydrotherapy
Arthritis - Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. The joints, or hinges of the skeletal system, are responsible for coordinating the movement of a dog. All activities, such as running and jumping, require the use of the dog's leg joints. Over time, or because of injury or infection, the tissue in the joints becomes inflamed and causes serious pain for the dog. There are three types of arthritis; osteo, rheumatoid and infectious, and it can be very painful for the dog. You can find some very helpful information on the Canine Arthritis Management website and Facebook page.
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Cervical Malformation Syndrome (Wobblers Disease) - This causes cervical vertebral instability or misalignment, which leads to spinal cord compression. Signs can occur from four months of age, however it most commonly presents between four and seven years old. Affected dogs will have wide leg positioning when standing and walking, and often have problems turning.
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Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM) - A condition found commonly in German Shpeherds, this is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that affects the hind limbs. The onset is usually from five year old, and is a progressive condition. Sadly the cause is unknown, and whilst it is untreatable hydrotherapy can contribute to a better quality of life for affected dogs.
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Cranial Cruciate Ligaments - The cruciate ligaments are in the knees. A cruciate ligament injury is the result of a partial or complete rupture (tear). The cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament is the one more commonly affected, though the caudal (posterior) can rupture as well. When the cruciate ligament tears, the tibia moves freely from under the femur, resulting in pain and abnormal gait. Sudden lameness in a rear leg is often the first sign of injury. If an injury remains unaddressed, arthritic changes can begin quite quickly, causing long-term lameness and discomfort.
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Elbow Dysplasia - Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (ED) is caused by the abnormal development of the elbow joint due to problems in the growth of the cartilage on the surface of the joint or the structures around it. These growth problems lead to secondary osteoarthritis, which is irreversible and will cause lameness and pain. The disease can begin in puppyhood and affect the dog for the rest if it's life. Unfortunately, the elbow seems to be especially prone to this type of disease due to its similarity to a hinge, and its propensity for high motion. It is also the joint which normal forelimb gait is most dependent on and so any small changes in any part of the joint will cause large changes in function.
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Hip Dysplasia - This type of disease directly affects the hip joints of dogs, which is the bone structure that attaches the dog’s body to the hind legs. The hip joints are ball and socket joints that rotate freely to allow dogs to walk normally. There are two ball and socket joints present both in animals and humans, one for each leg. If these two joints don’t match in shape and in form, or if one of them grows abnormally, limping will occur. This is one the symptoms of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia normally occurs during a young dog’s growing stages. Hip dysplasia may affect both the left and right hips, causing intense discomfort to your pet. The disease usually develops due to the laxity of the ligaments, connective tissues, and muscles around the joints.
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Legg Calve Perthes Disease – caused by the stopping of the blood supply to the hip joint, causing the joint to shrink; usually found in small breeds.
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Osteochondrosis Dessicans (OCD) – this occurs when a layer of cartilage covers the end of the bone and continues to grow quicker than the growth of the dog. Causes pain when walking. It is most commonly seen in the stifle, elbow, shoulder, and hock.
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Obesity - Dogs are considered to be obese when they weigh more than 15% over their ideal body weight according to their breed type. The health risks to an overweight dog are serious and can be life-threatening. Conditions which can occur through obesity include arthritis, bone and ligament damage, high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory problems and cancer. You can use the body condition charts here to review your dog's weight.
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Patella Luxation - The patella is the bone we know as the knee cap. A groove in the end of the femur allows the patella to glide up and down when the knee joint is bent back and forth. In some dogs, because of malformation or trauma, the ridges forming the patellar groove are not prominent, and a too-shallow groove is created. In a dog with shallow grooves, the patella will luxate (jump out of the groove) sideways, especially toward the inside. This causes the leg to 'lock up' with the foot held off the ground. Usually found in small breeds.
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Vestibular Syndrome - Sometimes referred to as canine stroke, although rare as a dog health problem, occurs when the blood flow is disrupted to the brain due to either a blocked artery or a haemorrhage. Common signs include head tilt or turn, loss of balance, loss of vision, circling and falling.
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This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you are unsure if hydrotherapy is right for your dog, please contact us or speak to your vet.