Jack - my wonder dog!

Jack was referred to me in September 2008. He had suffered a collapsed intervertebral disc which had to be surgically removed in August 2008. After surgery Jack had no use of his hind limbs and tail so had to rely on his owners to help him get around with the aid of a sling under his belly. His owners started intensive physiotherapy with Jack as directed by their vet and spent a great deal of time massaging his legs and helping him to learn how and where to place his feet. In the middle of September Jack was ready to take the next step in his rehabilitation programme and came to Vale Hydrotherapy for his first swimming session.

Jack was still unable to stand and walk unaided so he was lifted into the pool where upon his hind legs began moving as if there were nothing wrong, it was so lovely to see. During his first session Jack did 5 x 1min swims with rests in between and although he was tired by the end, he was happy and relaxed. Jack returned 5 days later and already the improvement was amazing, although still unsteady on his feet he was more stable and was able to stand unaided. By session 3, 9 days after his first swim Jack was walking unaided and 10 days after that, he trotted across the carpark! Jack continues to improve every day and he has been the most rewarding case to date that I have had.

Pepe – Male Maremma (Italian Mountain Dog) 

 
Pepe was rescued by his current owner when he was a year old. He suffers from allergies, which have been difficult to treat and isolate.  He was tethered for most of his first year of life and so he became very bored and frustrated. Because of the boredom and the discomfort from his allergies he began to chew and lick his back legs constantly. This became a bad habit, which has persisted throughout his life, despite numerous tests and treatments. His back legs are constantly sore and inflamed as he licks and chews them extensively. They have to be bandaged permanently to prevent him doing any further damage. He has reportedly chewed down to his bone! 

His owner thought hydrotherapy may help and asked the vet if the chlorinated water would be detrimental to his sore back legs. The vet thought it may help so we went ahead and starting swimming him weekly. Since he has started hydrotherapy sessions 3 months ago his general well being and fitness levels have improved extensively. He has lost some weight; he is more fit, active and happy. He is mooching around the garden more, enjoying longer walks and playing with the other dog in the family. To everybody’s delight the licking and chewing  has lessened to such an extent that he has not been bandaged for  weeks. His legs have almost healed perfectly and the hair is growing back.  His owner reports he is a different dog!

As you can see his legs are now completeley healed and the fur is growing back onto what used to be very red and inflamed legs.

His owner is delighted!

Bosun - Newfoundland

Bosun is our largest and hairiest patient at the centre. He has been coming for hydrotherapy since he was diagnosed with arthritis in his elbows in early 2009. We have lots of dogs like Bosun with arthritis who come swimming as they need gentle moderate exercise to keep the affected joints moving. Not using them will cause further stiffness, pain and lameness. The water provides buoyancy so the affected joints can be exercised without putting further stress and strain on them. The warm water also helps to reduce swelling and pain. Very simple yet very effective and Bosun loves the water! Owners often remark how quickly their dog becomes more mobile, comfortable and more happy after only a few sessions. 

Monty started limping and became lame at an early age. His vet diagnosed hip dysplasia and recommended swimming to build muscle on his hips and thighs which would help stabilise and strengthen the hip joints. The swimming has worked a treat and he is much more mobile. He is only allowed restricted lead only exercise so he thoroughly enjoys his swimming as he can safely chase balls and retrieve in the water without stressing his hip joints further.

Iggy - Dogue de Bordeaux

Iggy is a very large dog indeed and one of the biggest dogs swimming here. She didn't take to the water naturally like the Labradors and Retrievers do, so we have been patiently getting her used to the  pool environment and the water. Her owners  bring their boxer Moggy swimming as well so Iggy has been accompanying Moggy and watching her swim from the sidelines. When we finally put Iggy in the water she was quite stressed and splashed a lot but she is becoming  more relaxed and even might be enjoying it! She swims for exercise and to keep her healthy and happy.

Iggy having a well earned rest!        

Mayo - Female Golden Retriever

Mayo damaged her cruciate ligament. Her owners were keen to avoid surgery if possible so the vet suggested swimming and weight loss. It is very unhealthy for any dog to be overweight as this puts considerable extra pressure on vital organs and joints. even more so if the joints are damaged or weak to begin with. Mayo has successfully lost weight and by swimming twice weekly over several months her legs are stronger and joints more stable.

Ace - German Shepherd

Ace loves swimming!

He suffers from Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM) a wasting disease of the back legs. There is no cure but he is a happy chappy. On land he has wheels to get around. He loves to swim and the feedom the water gives him must help to keep him happier and content.

Jess -  4 month old German Shepherd Puppy

Jess has hip dysplasia a condition which means the hip joint is unstable. Swimming will build muscle, strength and help the hips become more stable.

Swimming is excellent exercise for young puppies and also teaches them to be confident in and around water. It is especially important for large breed puppies such as Labradors, Boxers, Bull Mastiffs, German Shepherds etc as such breeds take longer to grom and develop. If they are exercised too much whilst their bones are still growing, it can cause damage to the joints thus leading to problems later in life.