Simran Josan
III Professional year- B.V.Sc.&A.H.
College of Veterinary Science & A.H., DUVASU
Introduction
For centuries, humans have utilised the healing properties of water for a variety of illnesses and ailments. From hot springs and whirlpools to mineral waters and salt baths, the therapeutic effects of water are undeniable. In more recent times, hydrotherapy has been used within veterinary science typically involving the use of an underwater treadmill or swimming pools.
Owing to its Greek origin, the term ‘hydrotherapy’ is taken from thewords “hydros” and “therapeia” meaning water and treatment, respectively. Traditional hydrotherapy in the form of fomentation and cold compress has evolved to the extent that it is considered as an effective adjunct to surgical and medical treatments for a range of conditions.
Properties of water
- Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water viz. buoyancy, viscosity, resistance, surface tension and hydrostatic pressure to enable a dog to moveits joints. Water makes the body buoyant, so when submerged, the weight of the body is supported. This means the dog is not fighting gravity. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints, and this creates a much safer environment for recovery after surgery. The resistance on account of viscosity is used to strengthen muscles and improve fitness. Water pressure reduces oedema accompanied with stimulation to skin afferent sensory receptors and reduction in surface nociceptor activity.
- The physical properties of the water may be varied to individualize the therapeutic effects for each patient. These include altering buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and viscosity, and variations in temperature:
- The increased buoyancy and resistance in hydrotherapy improves joint stability and reduces weight-bearing on muscles and joints.
- Immersion in water leads to circumferential compression, in proportion to the depth of water, which increases extra-vascular pressure promoting circulation and reducing oedema.
- Varying the temperature of the water may lead to different effects. Warm water causes vasodilation, increased circulation, and decreased muscle spasm. Cold water reduces inflammation by decreasing blood flow and inflammatory mediators.
Therapeutic effects and benefits
Hydrotherapy has specific therapeutic effects on body tissues. Water therapy improves balance, coordination, and increase overall energy levels, all while reducing pain and stress. Other benefitsinclude:
- Relief from pain, swelling & stiffness
- Muscle strengthening and maintenance
- Alleviating muscle spasm
- Increased range of motion in joints
- Improved circulation
- Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)
- Increased tissue healing
- Increased speed of recovery
- Gait modification
- Increased proprioception
- Detoxification
- Increases lymph drainage
- Enhances immunity
Uses
Hydrotherapy in conjunction with veterinary treatment can significantly improve the quality and rate of healing following surgery or traumatic injury. It is used across a wide array of conditions including:
- Developmental Conditions
Hip and Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis dissecans
Patella Luxation - Degenerative Conditions
Osteoarthritis (DJD) primary and secondary to developmental conditions
Spondylosis - Preand Post-Surgical cases
Total Hip Replacement
Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)
Arthroscopy
Cranial Cruciate Rupture- TPLO/TTA/Lateral Suture
Patella Luxation - Neurological Conditions
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Spinal Stenosis
Intervertebral Disc Protrusion/Degenerative Disc Disease
Fibro-Cartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
Cervical Vertebral Malformation
Spinal Injury/Trauma/Shock
Disco spondylitis
Neuromuscular Disease
Peripheral Neuropathies - Soft Tissue Injuries
Tendinitis
Ligament strain
Tendinopathies,
Muscle strains/sprains - Obesity
(weight loss in conjunction with diet)
Increased core strength
Types
- Underwater Treadmill: Underwater treadmills are often used for dogs with joint problems. Picture a treadmill encased in a glass or plastic enclosed chamber. The dog enters the chamber, the door is shut, and the water fills up just above the dogs’ legs. The dog begins to walk on the treadmill and the water creates the resistance needed to strengthen the muscles in a low-impact environment. This can create improved circulation, increased joint flexibility, and decreased joint pain. Muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, increased flexibility, range of motion, and agility are additional benefits.
- Whirlpool Therapy: This canine modification of a jacuzzi is used for dogs who are recovering from major surgeries. Thedog is put on a harness and lowered slowly into the pool.The water level depends on where the injury is located on the body. Once the dog enters the water, the warm jet stream inside the whirlpool effectively massagesyour dog’s injured muscles and provides much needed relief.
- Dog Pools: This type of hydrotherapy provides resistance to improve the range of motion of a dog who might suffer from arthritis or degenerative joint issues, mainly targeting their elbows, chest muscles, limbs, and shoulders. For safety purpose, the dog always dons a floater or a harness along with assistance of the therapist or veterinarian by their side to monitor their movements in water.
Disadvantages
- Hydrotherapy should not be used in patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease because of the exertion on the CV system and increased hydrostatic pressure on the body.
- If the dog is not properly stabilized in water, he may be putting pressure on the area in recovery and this creates the risk of doing more harm than good.
- Unregulated water temperature can exacerbate certain conditions.
- Dogs with open wounds and unhealed surgical incisions are at risk of infection.
- Further, hydrotherapy is contraindicated in skin ailments and neoplasia.
Conclusion
Trendy health fads seem to come and go on an almost weekly basis. But hydrotherapy works. It is not simply another pet health craze. While humans have been incorporating water therapy into their exercise and health practices since before the Roman Empire, hydrotherapy for dogs came about much more recently, by way of the horse-racing industry. Revealing the healing and conditioning benefits of having racehorses walk in water, the practice was soon adapted for greyhounds in the racing industry. The invention of underwater treadmills for dogs soon followed, and, after that, the practice quickly branched out to the canine population.
Although research into the benefits of canine hydrotherapy has been well established, future work is needed to quantify its value within the veterinary world. This research should help to demonstrate the different areas in which hydrotherapy can help dogs and increase the level of awareness among veterinary professionals of the benefits gained from hydrotherapy in both first opinion and referral practice.
