How soon after surgery can my dog start hydrotherapy?
That depends on what type of surgery your dog had? You will need to speak to your surgeon with regards to the best time to start hydrotherapy and is it the right type of therapy for your dog. Surgeries such as TTA or TPLO for cruciate repairs are typically 9 weeks post surgery. Some surgeons like to wait until post xrays are completed before therapy begins. There is a great deal of healing that needs to take place before a full swim stride is allowed.
How long will it take to rehab my dog and how often should we come for therapy?
This depends on so many variables such as: Age? Breed? Type of surgery? Spayed or neutered? Nutrition? Supplements? The general well being of the dog prior to surgery or injury? Complying to At-Home exercises and conservative management. Plan on 2x a week at least for post-surgery and injury. Geriatrics and arthritic clients should be here at least once a week.
My dog is beginning to get weak in the hind end and I haven’t been to the vet in a while, can I still get therapy?
Your dog needs to have had a visit to the vet within the last 6 months, I do not accept any hydrotherapy clients without a vet referral.
My dog is incontinent (having periodic urine and bowel movements) in our home, can I still bring my dog for therapy?
Please discuss this with the therapist in depth, hydrotherapy may not be for your dog in this case. We do provide swim trunks for the dogs in all sizes however if there is a bowel movement in the pool I have a protocol to close the pool, drain, refill and many clients suffer because of this as I normally have to close for 3 days, a $250 fee applies if this happens.
My dog is due for vaccinations and just had surgery or was injured?
I do not recommend that your dog receive any vaccinations during this “healing” stage for your dog. Please discuss this with your veterinarian; perhaps they could do a titre test or what until your dog is good health.
Which dogs would benefit from Hydrotherapy?
Pre and Post Surgery | Cruciate Repair | Osteoarthritis | Fibro-cartilaginous embolism | Elbow and Hip Dysplasia | Spinal Injuries | Paralysis | Improvement of Circulation | Relaxation of Muscle Spasms | Torn Ligaments and Tendons | Soft Tissue Damage | Neurological Conditions | Maintenance Programs | Endurance Programs | Canine Weight loss Program | Water training for working dogs
