Tel: 01989 564191
Appointment Procedure
Once the veterinary surgeon has decided that the animal needs to be referred for hydrotherapy treatment, a referral form can be requested from us. The veterinary surgeon must complete the necessary form and fax it back to us along with a relevant clinical history. Upon receipt of this we will contact the owner to arrange an initial appointment.
INTRODUCTORY SESSION
The first session will be an hour long and will primarily involve getting the animal used to the environment with a detailed discussion of the hydrotherapy procedure. After confirming the case history, the required paperwork will be explained along with the health and safety rules and regulations.
After a general health check has been carried out we will check bodyweight and take muscle and joint measurements in order to monitor changes throughout the course. We will also assess proprioception, lameness and general fitness, all of which will be included in a written report that will be sent to the referring veterinarian after the initial session. These measurements will be repeated at the last swim of the course (also an hour long) and a second report produced for comparison. Clinical notes are kept throughout the course and weight charts created if necessary.
An evaluation of each animal is necessary on the first session; it is very important to ease them into the routine gently especially if they are nervous. Introduction into the pool will be brief at first, with short swim times and regular rests depending on fitness and ability. Increased stamina is required when exercising in water compared to land exercise. The dog may panic at first, creating a splash or swimming to the edges. This is not unusual and just requires gentle reassurance and further repetition to reinforce confidence. Each animal has a preferred method of swimming. If after perseverance the animal is not adjusting then we will try other methods of hydrotherapy.
SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS:
Each appointment will be half an hour long and include; warming up, showering, general health check, swimming/spa/water walker, cool down, showering and drying. We will always discuss the previous session, any progress made and the general demeanour of the dog on the day of the swim. This will all be considered and the swimming time/method altered accordingly.
Home care is essential for hydrotherapy patients and we recommend that owner's continue massage and gentle stretches between swimming sessions. Our hydrotherapists will advise on different exercises that can be carried out at home.
Featured Case Study
27/01/2010
Finn required hydrotherapy following cruciate ligament surgery to his left hind.
18/01/2010
Flint required hydrotherapy for post-operative rehabilitation following cruciate surgery and to enable him to continue police dog training.
