USE OF WATER THERAPY OR HYDRO THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

What is hydrotherapy?——

Warm water therapy for humans dates back to antiquity. The first use of hydrotherapy for animals involved horses. When racehorses swam as part of their rehabilitation, they recovered from injuries more quickly and stayed fit for racing. The first equine hydro-treadmill was developed in the early 1970s.

In the mid-1980s, the hydro-treadmill became available to human patients. And in 1998, TOPS Veterinary Rehab near Chicago introduced the world to hydro-treadmill use for canine rehabilitation. Since then, hydrotherapy, whether in a pool or an underwater treadmill, has proved to be a valuable tool for dogs in need of physical rehabilitation following injury or surgery.

Hydrotherapy for small animals is a form of therapeutic exercise carried out in warm water, in a pool or underwater treadmill. The properties of water allow the animal to exercise in a partial or non-weight bearing environment, giving increased circulation to muscles, increased joint flexibility and reduced joint pain. The stabilising and buoyant effects of water allow re-mobilisation of joints which may not be possible when weight bearing out of water.

Water resistance is useful for muscle strengthening and cardiovascular training whilst water pressure can reduce odema and swelling.

Underwater Treadmill (Hydrotherapy)—-

Hydrotherapy uses the therapeutic benefits of water to help treat a variety of conditions in pets. Most pets, even those scared of the water, can become trained and comfortable in the underwater treadmill. The warm water helps ease pain, helps improve range of motion by relaxing the soft tissues, and improves blood flow. The buoyancy of being in water, takes the weight off of the pet’s joints, helping them move easier. This puts less stress on the joints of a pet who has suffered an injury or a post-operative patient, allowing them to improve their range of motion, build muscle, and return to function faster. For the older arthritic patient, the underwater treadmill can help ease those painful stiff joints and increase and/or maintain their mobility while also helping with weight loss if needed.

With the assistance of one of our trained staff or veterinarians, pets suffering from neurologic conditions can benefit immensely from hydrotherapy. Animals who are weak from a nerve problem, spinal cord injury, or degenerative condition can often gain or maintain strength using the underwater treadmill. The underwater treadmill can also be very helpful in trying to retrain a paralyzed animal to walk again.

Underwater treadmill therapy can also be used for weight loss, conditioning, and mental stimulation (especially if your pet is staying with us for an extended period of time).

SCIENCE BEHIND HYDROTHERAPY FOR ANIMALS—-

Hydrotherapy for animals must be distinguished from aquatic therapy for animals and physical therapy rehabilitation in water for animals. While aquatic therapy for animals is technically hydrotherapy because of its use of water for therapeutic purposes, the techniques of aquatic therapy are focused on physical rehabilitation for animals through exercise in water with or without a submerged treadmill

Animals have been treating themselves with hydrotherapy since the beginning of their existence. In fact without water there would be no life and dehydration in any life form leads to disease. The water hole has been the site of many a cross species truce when water supplies are low. Animals have been bathing for health forever and many roll in the mud after. Drinking water at various temperatures with various ingredients added is a form of hydrotherapy. Water is the closest thing we know to a universal solvent. Whether we are using water to treat internal conditions through infusions or applying water to the surface of the body with various degrees of temperature, mechanical pressure or friction we will cause a physiological response to the treatment and this is where we will start.

When we apply a heated pack on the surface of the body the body responds to the heat by initiating vasodilation thereby moving more blood to the area to pick up the heat. Blood is approximately 82% water and one of the major qualities of water is it’s high capacity of heat which means it has the ability to absorb and release heat. Blood coming to the surface picks up the excess heat that is being applied to the surface of the skin and redistributes the heat evenly throughout the blood stream. When we apply cold packs to the body the blood comes to the surface to heat up the area under the pack. There are primary responses and secondary responses in the systems of the body as we apply hot or cold packs to the body. We can apply hot and cold packs at varying degrees of temperature and varying lengths of time duration. In general, the higher or lower degrees of temperature that are applied to the body have a more powerful physiological effect and the shorter the time the pack is on, the more powerful the response will be. So duration of treatment and degree of temperature are critical in getting a desired therapeutic effect.

There are three phases of reactions that the body goes through with the application of hot or cold to its surface: circulatory, nervous and metabolic. The nervous system reacts to temperature changes at the surface of the body through its thermoreceptors. Thermoreceptors in the integumentary system sense changes in temperature at the bodies surface and relay this signal through the spinal cord to the area of the brain that regulates the bodies temperature. This regulatory center then responds to any temperature changes that vary from desired homeostatic norms by releasing chemicals or by triggering a motor neuron response to the stimulus. For example if cold is applied to the surface of the body a thermoreceptor under the skin in the area that the cold is applied sends a signal to the lateral spinothalmic pathway of the spinal cord which then sends this signal to the somatosensory cortex of the brain for interpretation. Once this signal is interpreted by the somatosensory cortex it then sends a signal down a motor tract to the errector pilli muscles that cause them to contract and lift the hair up on end to provide loft to the hair coat to trap heat close to the body. Another motor signal will be received by muscle cells to cause them to contract and shivering will start to take place. The shivering will generate heat as the muscle cells break down glucose into ATP for muscle energy. Simultaneously the autonomic nervous system will cause its sympathetic branch to stimulate contraction of muscles around the blood vessels to constrict the blood vessels to prevent the cold from reaching the more vital organs of the body. This last response would be a circulatory system response to the cold. Muscles contracting to promote heat build up in the area would be a metabolic response to the cold. The stronger the cold the stronger the response will be.

The size of the area of applications must be considered as well. Whole body applications of hot or cold will have different effects on the systems of the body. So we need to understand local responses to hot and cold and whole body system responses to hot or cold applications.

Definitions of water temperature are as follows:

Possibly injurious temperature is 125 degrees F. or 50 degrees C. In cases of diabetes even 110 degrees F. can be injurious.

Painfully hot temperature is between 110-120 F or 42.8-46 C

Very hot temperature is between 104-110 F or 40-42.8 C

Hot temperature is between 100-104 F or 38-40 C

Neutral temperature is between 94-97 F or 34.4-37 C

Warm temperature is between 92-100 F or 34-38 C

Tepid temperature is between 80-92 F or 27-34 C

Cool temperature is between 70-80 F or 21-27 C

Cold temperature is between 55-70 F or 13-21 C

Very Cold temperature is between 32-55 F or 0-13 C

Conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy—–

Most dogs will beneft greatly from hydrotherapy as a form of exercise. Any animal that requires improvements in core strength, proprioception, gait modification, flexions, extension, muscle bulk, cardiovascular and muscle endurance will benefit from hydrotherapy.

Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so hydrotherapy either in the pool or on the aquatic treadmill helps prevent further weakness or injury through safe exercise.

Conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy are categorised as follows:—–

o Orthopaedic

o Neurological

o Soft tissue injuries

o Conditions relating to age (developmental conditions in the young and degenerative conditions in the older animal)

o Degenerative and medical conditions

These conditions include–—

o Cruciate ligament rupture – post operative or conservative management

o Hip dysplasia

o Elbow dysplasia

o Luxating patella

o Arthritis

o Degenerative myelopathy (CDRM)

o Spinal injuries, including IV disc rupture and fractures

o Spondylosis

o Age related mobility

o Obesity control

The treatment program might require both the pool and underwater treadmill therapy or just one of them. Most often, gait re-education is performed in the underwater treadmill, whereas general strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and joint mobilisation can be performed in the pool. Generally animals are able to have treatment in the treadmill earlier, post operatively, than they are able to go in the pool. After a few sessions in the treadmill, patients are usually able to progress to the pool. It maybe that they have alternate treatments in the treadmill and pool.

Benefits of swimming in the pool——

Swimming in the pool is a reduced-weight bearing form of exercise and is used to treat disease, injury or illness. While swimming most of the muscles used for everyday movement are involved, but joint stress from hard ground is avoided, which helps to reduce pain and allows easier movement. The warm water increases circulation and the flow of blood to the muscles, this in turn helps the muscles relax, reducing pain and stiffness. Improved circulation reduces swelling and the hydrostatic pressure of the water has an anti-inflammatory effect.

The building of muscle mass is one of the main benefits of swimming. Movement in water is more difficult due to the resistance of the water, so is very beneficial in building muscles without pain and if there is a particular limb that has muscle wastage we can swim the animal in such a way to make the target limb work harder, but with pain free movement. You may see an improvement in your pet’s limb measurement after just 5 swims!

Older dogs with hind limb weakness benefit hugely from swimming as we encourage use of the hind limbs with various aids, this in turn increases circulation and also halts further muscle wastage.

All dogs start swimming in a lifejacket, this makes them fully buoyant, as they get more confident we will change that to a float coat, slightly less buoyant and once we feel they are confident and their condition allows, they will just wear a harness. Some of our older patients will always wear a lifejacket, this way they can enjoy their swims, being confident that they will float and we can concentrate of getting those hind legs moving!

The Aquatic Treadmill—–

The treadmill may not as much fun as the pool, but animals can start their rehabilitation and recovery in the treadmill a couple of weeks before they would be allowed to go in the pool. This is because there is total control over how much support we give the animal, which is determined by how much water is in the treadmill. The speed of the treadmill is adjusted to achieve the correct gait pattern and is ideal for re-educating the movement of the limbs after injury or surgery and is particularly useful for making the transition from water to dry land gradually by increasing the load on the affected limb.

Treatment can be more specific and targeted than in the pool and each session will be adjusted according to the patients’ needs. We also take into account the owners feedback from the previous session, so for example if the patient was slightly stiff following a session in the treadmill, we would either increase the depth of the water, to make the patient more buoyant, or reduce the times in the treadmill, or possibly a combination of both, depending on the injury or condition.

Owners often think that their pets prefer the pool to the treadmill, but this is not always the case and some animals do alternate sessions of pool and treadmill.

What hydrotherapy offers———

Aquatic therapy relies on the properties of water to help with the rehabilitation process. It does this in several ways.

1. Water provides buoyancy that aids in rehabilitating weak muscles and painful joints. This buoyancy allows the patient to stand and exercise while minimizing the weight bearing on sore joints. If a dog is immersed to the middle of his chest, his joints are bearing only 38% of the weight they would bear on dry land. With less of a load on painful joints, the dog is able to exercise more comfortably.

2. When an animal is immersed in water, it exerts constant hydrostatic pressure on his body. This is particularly useful for swollen joints or limbs and other tissues that are retaining fluid. Not only does the water pressure reduce swelling, it also stimulates nerve receptors in the skin. This stimulation decreases the animal’s pain perception and allows him to exercise with considerably less discomfort

3. The viscosity of water provides resistance to movement. It’s harder for the animal to move through water than through air. This resistance is used to strengthen muscles and improve fitness. Along with water’s buoyancy, its viscosity provides support for unstable joints. For example, a paralyzed dog is more willing to walk in water than on land because the water holds him up and prevents him from falling. This greatly reduces his anxiety toward exercise. If the dog is weak, he is able to move more comfortably in water than on land. The resistance of the water allows him to get a more intense workout in a shorter period of time.

4. Exercising in water has many additional benefits. It improves strength and muscular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion and well being. Most dogs find water exercise, particularly swimming, to be fun. Those recovering from anterior cruciate surgery, fractures, neurological conditions, tendon or ligament injuries benefit greatly from aquatic therapy as part of their rehabilitation. Overweight, arthritic and senior dogs, or dogs with hip dysplasia or spondylosis (a disease of the spine) are also candidates for aquatic therapy. Even dogs that do not suffer from any of these diseases can benefit from the increased level of fitness aquatic therapy provides.

Necessary precautions—–

Hydrotherapy does not mean throwing your dog in a pool or onto a hydro-treadmill, and watching him try to swim around. Some precautions have to be taken before instituting a hydrotherapy program. Dogs with open wounds or sores, or those with breathing difficulties or heart disease, are not candidates for aquatic therapy. If the dog panics in water, aquatic therapy may not be right for him; he may injure himself by thrashing around. Lifejackets, swim buddies and competent aquatic therapists may help a panicky dog get used to swimming, or an underwater treadmill might be a better choice. The therapist must determine the dog’s fitness level, as swimming in particular can be very strenuous. After surgery, it’s common for a dog to be able to swim or walk on an underwater treadmill for only a short time, due to fatigue.

Hydrotherapy for Animals Can Help with Weight Control & General Fitness——-

Just like people, animals (especially pet dogs and cats) can have weight management problems and hydrotherapy for animals is a good way to increase exercise for portly pets. Dog hydrotherapy using hydro pools for dogs is an increasingly popular way to provide exercise for dogs (and even some cats) who have weight management issues.

It is thought that as many as a quarter of all pet dogs in the India are overweight and their owners do not realise this fact until they take their pet to the vet for an unrelated problem. Most people with overweight or obese dogs probably don’t realise that there are a range of health problems commonly associated with weight issues. Obesity-related health problems include diabetes, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, joint and ligament damage, arthritis and heart complaints. Lifestyle and exercise are very important and in recent years hydrotherapy for animals has become an alternative method for helping pets with weight issues.

A quick way to assess whether your dog is overweight and in need of hydrotherapy for animals is to look at the following indicators:——–

Does your dog or cat have a sagging stomach and bulging sides? Can you feel your pet’s ribs when you put your hands on either side of his chest? Does your pet get breathless easily when taking exercise? Is your pet rather reluctant to take any exercise? If so, it is best to check the ideal weight for your pet with your vet. If your pet is heavier than its ideal weight by 15% or more you probably need to take some steps to remedy the situation.

The two main areas you need to look at are diet and exercise. Cut out the high fat ‘treats’ and get advice from your vet about changing your pet’s daily feeding regime. As far as exercise is concerned your pet needs to ‘get moving’ in order to shed some of that extra flab. This can be easier said than done if your pet is old or has gained weight because of surgery or injury. In these cases hydrotherapy for animals could be the ideal solution as swimming and exercise in hydro pools for dogs is non-load bearing, so there is no strain placed on injured or recovering joints, muscles and ligaments. This is also particularly suitable for overweight animals whose joints have been affected by carrying the extra weight as it enables them to work harder and more comfortably than on hard surfaces such as pavements.

Most dogs enjoy playing in water and this can make dog hydrotherapy a good option for pets with arthritis and weight problems. Dogs that enjoy playing with toys are particularly well-suited to hydrotherapy for animals’ sessions as swimming after a ball makes exercise into a fun session for your pet. Unlike visits to the vets, dogs tend to get pleasure from their swim therapy sessions!

Hydro pools for dogs are typically heated indoor pools with a ramp to make it easy for dogs to get in and out of the water. Flotation devices are available for nervous dogs or older pets and can be used during dog hydrotherapy until they feel comfortable in the water.

If you have an older dog that has difficulty moving around, then hydrotherapy for animals can help him get the exercise he needs to help with weight loss without stressing his joints too much. At Blossoms Animal Hydrotherapy Centre, where we carry out animal treatment and rehabilitation, we always insist on a referral from a vet before treatment can begin.

How can hydrotherapy help?-—–

Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water — buoyancy, viscosity, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure — to enable a dog (or human) to move her 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.

Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for dogs who are recovering from an injury, dogs who suffer from degenerative joint disease, and those who have been paralyzed.

Water therapy can also help dogs suffering from fractures, hip dysplasia, the amputation of a limb, and neurological disorders. Hydrotherapy may be especially beneficial for dogs who suffer from arthritis due to old age; the warm water helps reduce joint swelling, another benefit.

What types of hydrotherapy can dogs do?——

Some of the available forms of hydrotherapy for dogs include whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. All three options offer a controlled environment.

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, cardio respiratory endurance, increased flexibility, range of motion, and agility are additional benefits.

Simultaneously, water therapy stimulates, strengthens and relaxes the body. Water therapy may also improve balance, coordination, and increase overall energy levels, all while reducing pain and stress.

Other benefits of water therapy include:——

• Water increases circulation, ideal for skin and coat.

• Water can increase lymph drainage, rid the body of toxins, and improve the immune system.

• Water can encourage better digestion and can promote balance and coordination.

• Hydrotherapy can also help dogs who need to shed a few pounds. A great form of low-impact exercise, regular walks on the underwater treadmill or swimming in a pool can help promote weight loss and general fitness in dogs.

Don’t try hydrotherapy without a professional——

It is important to note that there is a huge difference in going to a hydrotherapy clinic with a trained medical professional versus taking your dog to the local dog park with a lake or a river, letting him jump in alone and calling that water therapy.

Without proper supervision in the open water, a dog recovering from surgery may not have the muscle strength needed to swim. The temperature of the water in a lake or pond is unregulated. Also, bacteria from the lake may cause an infection in a recent incision. Finally, if your dog is not properly stabilized in the water he may be putting pressure on the area in recovery and creates the risk of doing more harm than good.

As with starting any new medical treatment or fitness regimen, it is always best to check with your own veterinarian.

Reference-on request