Hydrotherapy For Dogs

Hydrotherapy for Dogs.
As of yet there is no formal study or course for canine hydrotherapy and as of September 2005 there are no formally recognised qualifications in canine hydrotherapy. Some centres, try to set benchmark standards of treatment, operation, training, supervision, first aid, record keeping and water quality for all clients. At Quincy’s we also conduct research into canine hydrotherapy and welcome enquiries or contributions from any interested party in this respect. At our centre the staff are often experienced dog handlers, - breeders/competitors/trainers, who have owned a variety of dogs and who accept our own Aims and Code of Practice for the benefit of the dogs that we treat. This involves our staff:-
· Liasing with veterinary surgeons prior to commencing hydrotherapy treatment.
· Ensuring water quality of the highest standard and keeping detailed records.
· Maintaining formal records of each individual dog, condition, treatment and progress.
· Liasing with veterinary surgeons after commencing the hydrotherapy treatment
In this way veterinary surgeons, pet insurance companies and - most importantly the dog owner - can use the pools in confidence.
Benefits of swimming: -
Swimming helps to improve general fitness and stamina, improves muscle tone and is helpful in recovering from injury or operation. Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. The primary focus for hydrotherapy is for rehabilitation purposes. Just as with people, hydrotherapy can be used for animals after an injury or surgical procedure, or for chronic conditions, to help regain strength and mobility. It has been proven to speed recovery time from surgery, improve function and minimize complications such a muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, weakness, decreased range of motion, depression, poor circulation and refusal to bear weight. Early intervention may help animals to recover more quickly and completely.
Conditions helped by Hydrotherapy:
Studies have shown that hydrotherapy can help, both before and after surgery, to minimize the negative effects of a variety of conditions such as:
a. Hip Dysplasia
b. Cardiovascular Conditioning
c. Spinal Injury or Surgery
d. Obesity
e. Elbow Dysplasia
f. Hyperactivity
g. Depression
h. Osteochondrosis (OCD)
i. Cruciate Ligament repair
j. Cartilage Problems
How long will an animal need therapy?
Every animal is an individual; therefore the effects of therapy are different for each pet. Depending on your pet's presenting condition and the desired goals, therapy can last anywhere from 1 month (a few visits) to a few months or longer if a maintenance schedule is necessary. Although the aim is to help a dog reach full potential as quickly and effectively as possible, there are those pets that will benefit from and need therapy for maintenance.
What if my pet can't or doesn't want to swim?
Hydrotherapy is very beneficial to non-walking dogs or for those dogs who have never swum before. The therapy is done in a very relaxed and caring way. Flotation jackets and hoists are normally available with most centres for dogs that need them.
What if my pet is hard to handle, can they still be worked on?
YES
Most centres are equipped to handle all sizes and types of dogs. Aggressive dogs are handled carefully, normally with owner participation. This is to keep the dog comfortable and calm. In our experience, a dog that is aggressive in certain settings may be aggressive during therapy initially because of pain, stress, or fear. Once the dog becomes used to the therapy setting, the aggression tends to disappear. Dogs with trust issues are handled much the same way. All dogs are much more comfortable because of the owner/handler is participating in the therapy.
How soon after a surgery can my dog begin therapy?
Normally with your vets approval, as soon as the stitches are removed.
Is there anyone who is not a candidate?
In some instances centres do not recommend therapy or they may discontinue the therapy. However, special considerations are given to the following condition: Congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, epilepsy, diabetes, internal or external bleeding, and asthma. Notify your therapist of any conditions your pet may have and together, under veterinary supervision, can approach the concerning issue(s).
Will the pool chemicals hurt my pet?
We have not had any adverse affects from the chemicals used in maintaining our pools. However, all the animals should always be rinsed and thoroughly bathed before leaving any facility.
Why do I need a veterinarian’s recommendation?
PURPOSE: To ensure that: -
· An accurate diagnosis of any condition being treated is known, together with details of any treatment, surgical procedure or medication that has been undertaken or administered to the dog.
· The dog’s veterinarian has the opportunity to pass on any areas of danger or caution.
· A qualified veterinary surgeon has deemed that the dog’s general state of health is such that it is safe for the animal to undergo hydrotherapy.
· The dog’s veterinarian is kept informed of the progress of any dog undergoing hydrotherapy treatment.
Who is Quincy?
Quincy's Hydrotherapy Centre has been running since 2004. The centre was originally set up for the owners New Foundland, Quincy.
Through unfortunate circumstances, Quincy lost his back left leg due to negligence on what should have been a simple operation, and what made things worse is Quincy had a Hip Dysplasia in the back right leg.
QUINCY was just 2 years old at the time!! As Quincy was full of life and even though the vets recommended that Quincy be put to sleep, the owner like yourself would not accept this and therefore built a hydrotherapy unit.
Through the use of Hydrotherapy, Quincy now aged 7, leads a very mobile and active life chasing balls and running the grounds of the farm where he lives even giving the rabbits a run for their money.

Quincy’s is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, on 10 acres of landscaped land and is proud to sponsor such causes as the RSPCA in providing free hydrotherapy sessions.
The RSPCA's vision is to work for a world in which all humans respect and live in harmony with all other members of the animal kingdom. At Quincy's Hydrotherapy Centre we are honoured to be able to support such a worthy cause.

Ah, new members not haing PM capacity is annoying as it means you're forced to address queries publically and I don't want this to come accross as another 'Newbie bashing', but anyway here goes...

Having read this blog recently posted

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?t=92601

It seems to read more as an advert than an information for interested hydrotherapy users. I found it to be not necessarily accurate because it sates there are no recognised hydro courses for canines, but this is not true. Since 1985 there have been such courses accredited by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, more commonly referred to as the ACPAT (See link http://www.acpat.org/content/whatisacpat/overview.aspx ). which are still ongoing as can be seen on the following PDF: http://www.acpat.org/content/working...ary_Physio.pdf

I hope to visit a hydrotherapy centre soon, if I hear of any other courses specific to canine hydrotherapy without the need to be a physio I'll let you know.

Furthermore here is a link for anyone interested in having a physio who specialises in dogs there are 144 registered in the UK alone (probably more) http://www.acpat.org/content/working...ary_Physio.pdf

Please Quincyshydro could you amend your blog appropriatly?

L.

Hi

I used to take henry to hydrotherapy but it was a disaster. The owner who also swims the dogs does not watch them properly and has lots of certificates up dog first aid, groomers, dog tatooing, things related to swimming. However she did not put henry a life jacket on when we were late for a lesson which resulted in henry having bloat like symptoms. He looked like a puffer fish, i was so worried i took him to the vets. After he explained he just needed winding and to press on his abdomin and consortina him!!! I didnt do this i took him to the vet it cost £60 and i was not impressed. I have now brought a jacuzzi pool and a life jacket and will swim him at home i this as i feel it will be safer with me having no qualifications! The vet is quite happy with this so we will see how it goes the pool is heated and also has filters etc... So this will be easier and cheaper as well as safer. I think!!!

From Quincy’s

Thanks for the comments.
Having reviewed these I am sorry to hear about Henry. It is a shame that some pools act in this way, but unfortunately
There is no government recognised regulations for canine hydrotherapy. There is an association known as the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA), which at Quincy's we are in the process of joining. It is important that if you are considering a hydrotherapy centre, you should consider using a centre, which is a member of the CHA or one where you have been recommended to by a vet. At least this way in the event you are unhappy with the pool or the operators you can report this to the CHA who do act on all complaints or the vet who would then reconsider giving any further recommendations to the centre.
There are many instances where Hydro has worked for the animals. We currently are involved with the RSPCA rescue dogs in Southridge, South Mimms, Hertfordshire. There are various cases, I could discuss, but one favourite dog springs to mind. His name is William. Originally when he came in to us he was unable to walk on his back legs as he has spinal problems. He walked on his front legs and dragged the back ones which were crossed. He started the swims on the 20/08/08. Today we are on the 17/09/08. He has had 9 swims (2 times a week). He is now able to support himself on his back legs and walk on all four legs. I have been told by the carer at the RSPCA centre who also fosters William, that he is now starting to show off and jump onto the sofa which he has never been able to do since being at the RSPCA.
To address the first comment, I wish to clarify that I was originally referring to the fact that there are no government backed courses or studies specific to canine hydrotherapy. I assume that you must be a member of ACPAT to advertise your services. ACPAT have joined with Greyfriars to create the Canine Hydrotherapy - Advanced Course. Greyfriars are a fantastic example of a good canine hydrotherapy centre and are in fact members of the CHA. I agree that physiotherapy helps but there are occasions where physio has caused discomfort to the animal and the vets have suggested moving onto hydrotherapy. We could talk about this all day, and never agree. The perfect marriage would be a person who is a physiotherapist that is a trained vet and owns a hydrotherapy centre. However, in reality, this is very rare.
I would invite whoever reads this blog to speak to the RSPCA in South Mimms and ask for the results for yourself on dogs like William to see how beneficial hydrotherapy has been towards their recovery.

Just to update this thread. NARCH is the Gold Standard in Hydrotherapy.

http://www.narch.org.uk/index.cfm

If you use a Registered Canine Hydrotherapist (RCH) you can be assured that the hydrotherapist looking after your dog or cat is trained in hydrotherapy and is required to abide by a code of practice and ethics by their professional association.

NARCH is the only national organisation that requires members to complete hydrotherapy training.

Every RCH is listed on the NARCH website enabling you to check that their registration is valid as well as providing details on the type and level of training completed and areas of competence or expertise.

A listed RCH has fulfilled the NARCH training requirements for registration and must keep up to date by completing a further 20 hours of Continued Professional Development training each year.

RCHs are required to abide by the guidelines and rules set out in the Guide to Professional Conduct for Registered Canine Hydrotherapists and must hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance