Hydrotherapy For Dogs | Tollerton | Nottingham | Training For Dogs

Case Studies - Here’s just a few of our success stories…..

Case Study 1 - Mr Darcy

Mister Darcy is a 5 year old cocker spaniel neutered male. In September 2010 he presented at the Canine Academy following referral from a specialist vet.

The veterinary referral indicated severe spinal injury, spinal fractures and ruptured discs, sustained during a fall from a high window. He underwent several surgeries during which two discs were entirely removed and several vertebrae fused. After the operation the consulting vet was sceptical regarding his chances of walking again. His owners were advised that he would be unlikely to ever regain normal use of his back legs.

When he first presented at the Canine Academy he had almost total muscle wastage of his left back leg, very pronounced wastage of his right back leg muscles and only limited movement. He was completely unable to walk without the support of a dog mobility aid and could move around only by dragging himself on his bottom using his front legs. His owners were hopeful that he may regain some control of his bladder but did not think there was any chance of him ever walking without the mobility aid.

When Mister Darcy was placed in the pool our hydrotherapist was immediately hopeful as once in the water he was able to move both his hind legs in a normal fashion. He had to be given additional support under his belly at first as he could not generate enough power to keep himself afloat; even with the aid of a harness and tethers.

After just 2 weeks Mister Darcy could stand unaided and take a few steps. From there his progress was rapid, regaining sufficient muscle strength to begin walking once more. After just six weeks he no longer needed the mobility aid and his owners were able to take him for short walks.

At the end of 20 sessions Mister Darcy has regained almost full use of his back legs. He is now able to go for walks without his mobility aid and his muscles have evened up considerably giving him a much more normal gait. He has also regained full control of his bladder. Mister Darcy continues to make progress and although he unlikely to regain complete normality his quality of life is vastly improved much to his and his owners’ pleasure.

Case Study 2 - Beau

Beau is a 13 year old golden retriever spayed female. In October 2010 she presented at her veterinary practice in severe discomfort and having difficulty walking. One of her front paws was severely deformed due to arthritis and ligament degeneration. Beau’s owners were beginning to think Beau’s time was sadly drawing to a close. When she was first referred to the Canine Academy she could not walk very far, had not been for a proper walk in several months and was showing little interest in her toys. She had noticeable muscle wastage in one shoulder and relied heavily on her good paw.

Beau began to swim every week and although reluctant at first soon began to swim strongly and competently. After the very first session Beau’s owners noticed that she seemed to be in less pain and that her general demeanour was brighter. After several weeks of treatment the difference was extremely noticeable. Beau is now able to go for walks and shows significantly more interest in her toys. Her owners have reported that she is more interested in playing and has rejuvenated energy. There is still significant deformation of the front paw but the muscle wastage has been entirely reversed and she no longer has a visible limp.

Case Study 3 - Zara

Zara is a 5 year old golden retriever spayed female. She presented at her veterinary practice in July 2010 when her owner became concerned about her weight. At that time she was approximately 9kg overweight, weighing in at just over 38kg.

The consulting vet advised that hydrotherapy could aid weight loss. At that time Zara was also placed on a veterinary controlled calorie diet.

Zara swam with us twice a week for five weeks. By the end of the five weeks she had lost 6kgs and weighed in at 32kg. This progress was far over and above that expected by the vet. Zara continued to swim once a week for a further ten weeks and finally managed to reach 30kg. She continues to swim every few weeks to maintain her trim figure and has lost a further 1kg and reached her target weight of 29kgs.

Canine Academy Video Gallery