Hydrotherapy Success Stories

This page includes a variety of different conditions and patients we have treated here at Wye Valley Canine Hydrotherapy. Please read on to hear their stories

Smudge (Post-Operative Rehabilitation)

Smudge completed a course of Hydrotherapy starting in November 2023 and finishing in February 2024 for post-operative rehabilitation following cruciate surgery on his left hind in October 2023. 
Following his surgery Smudge did not want to weight bear on his operated leg for weeks and therefore had significant muscle wastage on that limb by the time we saw him.  As well as the Hydrotherapy, his owner made adaptations at home, including putting down non slip mats on the floor, Smudge began to use his left hind more and more.
After just one course of Hydrotherapy, Smudge was very confident using his left hind and his owner no longer reported that he was holding it up.  Smudge had gained almost 5cm of muscle mass down his operated limb and lost nearly 3kg since his surgery.

Milly (Osteoarthritis Management)

Milly started coming to us for Hydrotherapy treatment in October 2021, before Milly started Hydrotherapy her owner reported frequent incidents of forelimb lameness, even to the point where Milly would be limping and holding up her arthritic limb.
Milly’s owners have been dedicated and made sure that she has had regular Hydrotherapy ever since her very first session, which has allowed us to work on building up her muscle mass to better support her arthritic joints.  
Nearly 3 years on since Milly started with us, we rarely see any sign of an arthritic flare up and she is back enjoying her walks in the woods and splashing in the stream. 

Vega (Neurological Case)

Vega was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy in September 2022 and only a few weeks after receiving the diagnosis her owners got Vega started with Hydrotherapy treatment. 
Vega’s treatment is solely in our water treadmill and the Hydrotherapist in the water with her will manually moving Vega’s hindlimbs in a walking pattern for her, this is known as paw placement.
As Vega has the buoyancy of the water, the pressure on her forelimbs is reduced and the hydrostatic pressure will be giving her proprioceptive inputs which should help in slowing the deterioration of the nerve signals. 
By giving Vega this support and her coming for weekly Hydrotherapy sessions we aim to slow down the progression of this condition, and maintain the muscle mass in her hindlimbs for as long as possible. Nearly 2 and a half years on from diagnosis Vega is still able to go on walks with her sister Luna and play with her favourite orange football with the assistance of her wheels at home.