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Canine Hydrotherapy
The use of controlled exercise in warm water has long been used in the field of human rehabilitation and has shown a wide range of benefits whether prior to an orthopaedic surgical procedure, post-operatively in the same situation or to increase fitness and help with arthritic pain. We have installed a dog swimming pool similar to this one used by pain management experts at Bristol Vet School.
We have also invested in an underwater treadmill which allows the patient to exercise to varying degrees of difficulty while being supported by varying levels of water which allows the joints of the limbs to experience less load than they would walking in fresh air. This treadmill is basically similar to a human jogging machine but in a nice open tank allowing the water level to be increased to that required. The whole experience is designed to be as stress free for the dog as possible and most tend to enjoy it after a little initial hesitation!
The Lothian Canine Rehabilitation Centre aims to use the most up to date canine hydrotherapy equipment to assist in increasing muscular strength, range of joint movement and circulation in a variety of situations where this is deemed necessary.
Additionally correctly applied canine hydrotherapy can hasten return to normal functioning after orthopaedic surgery has been performed with reduced swelling and decreased need for pain killers.
Trustworthy Canine Hydrotherapy Advice
The staff of the LCRC will be able to advise owners on the best therapies available and can tailor a programme for any specific situation whether its arthritis in dogs or to encourage weight loss. These programmes may include use of either the underwater treadmill or jet pool or perhaps either where pets can walk or indeed swim against varying resistances and with varying degrees of buoyancy to best assist their condition.
Equipment in use is supplied by HydroPhysio™, leading manufacturers in both human and veterinary hydrotherapy equipment as supplied to the University of Tennessee, widely regarded as leaders in the canine hydrotherapy field.