Hydrotherapy – exercise in water – is a cornerstone of pet rehabilitation. Exercising in water provides the unique advantages of buoyancy, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure. Buoyancy supports much of the pet’s body weight, thereby reducing compressive forces on painful joints. This makes movement less painful and safer for osteoarthritic, post-surgical, or neurologic patients. For example, a dog with hip arthritis can walk longer underwater, with ~70% of its weight off-loaded by the water’s support.
At the same time, water provides uniform resistance against the limbs. As the pet paddles or walks on an underwater treadmill, muscles must push through the water, which gradually builds strength and endurance. The warm water temperature also relaxes muscles and increases circulation. A typical hydrotherapy session may involve treadmill walking or swimming; both improve cardiovascular fitness and range of motion.
- Key benefits: Reduced weight-bearing on joints (decreases pain), gentle strengthening with water resistance, neuromuscular re-education (pets learn different muscle use patterns in water).
- Indications: Hip, knee, and back problems; postoperative limb weakness; neurologic deficits (e.g. vestibular disease); obesity and deconditioning. Overweight pets, in particular, can exercise vigorously in water with far less strain than on land.
In DFW, Rehab 4 Pets uses an underwater treadmill for canine and feline patients. We often see dramatic improvements: pets that struggled on land begin to take confident steps in the pool. The increased circulation from water jets also helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
Refer your patient: If you have a dog or cat that would benefit from low-impact strengthening or enhanced mobility, consider a referral for hydrotherapy. Our rehab vets design custom water-therapy plans. Please refer via our vet referral form to get started with aquatic rehab.
Author:
Dr. Michele Broadhurst, DC, CCSP, FIAMA, CCRP, CAC, IVCA
DVM – Rehab 4 Pets (Clinical Director)