For Referring Vets and Physiotherapists

• Decreased pain perception
• Relaxation of muscle tension and/or muscle spasm
• Reduction of oedema - either because of hydrostatic pressure or with increased limb movement in water
• Decreased inflammation
• Patient may be more compliant with 'hands on' treatment and PROM in water
• Possible feeling of well being due to release of endorphins and this may result in better mobility and a reduced medication requirement

• Non weight bearing environment in hydrotherapy pool
• Controlled weight bearing in underwater treadmill
• Potentially earlier return to normal function
• Support for weakened or spinal injury dogs in neutral spinal position - increased core stability gained with swimming, walking in underwater treadmill and dynamic standing exercises

• Increased active range of motion - choice of hydrotherapy pool or underwater treadmill depending on which joints require increased flexion or extension
• Improved muscle patterning and recruitment
• Increased muscle bulk, strength and tone
• Prevention or reduction of muscle atrophy

• Increased sensory perception - from action of water and hands on with hydrotherapists
• Animal can be supported in standing by the buoyancy of water and the hydrotherapist - helping to gain confidence and enough time to make corrections without falling
• Dogs with neurological deficits benefit from hands on gait retraining - particularly in the underwater treadmill

• Reduction of frustration for dogs on cage rest or reduced/lead only exercise - less likely to be 'uncontrollable' on land
• Slowing of progression of degenerative disease processes - particularly useful for maintaining fitness and strength in Degenerative Myelopathy cases
• Improved quality of life for dogs with reduced mobility
• Prevention of secondary complications such as atrophy and contracture
• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Reduction in obesity as part of a weight control plan

• Orthopaedic
• Neurological
• Soft tissue injuries
• Degenerative and medical conditions
• Conditions related to age - developmental or geriatric
• Long term disability

• Osteoarthritis
• Hyperextension injuries
• Fractures
• Luxations and sub luxations
• Spinal injuries including recovery after surgery
• Neurological and proprioceptive deficits
• Spondylitis
• Spondylosis

• Hip dysplasia - lifelong management, pre and post operative total hip replacement
• Legge Calve Perthes disease - pre and post operative FHO, FHNE, etc
• Cruciate ligament rupture -conservative management
• Cruciate ligament rupture - post operative recovery hydrotherapy programs dependent on type of surgical repair
• Patella luxation - either conservative management or post operative

• Elbow dysplasia - management or post operative
• Shoulder injuries

It is important that you inform the hydrotherapist of any medical condition that may affect hydrotherapy treatment. Some medical conditions contraindicate hydrotherapy and others mean that hydrotherapy treatment should only be carried out with caution. However there may be some situations where the benefits of hydrotherapy can outweigh possible concerns.

The lists below are not exhaustive but are a useful guide.

• Open wounds
• Surface infections
• Contagious diseases
• Cardiac and respiratory dysfunctions
• Severe peripheral vascular disease
• Epilepsy - one or more fits in week preceding hydrotherapy
• Water phobia causing extreme panic reactions
• Vestibular syndrome

• Incontinence
• Obesity
• Breeds with elongated soft palate
• Brachycephalic breeds
• Laryngeal paralysis and tie backs
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Cushings/Addisons disease
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Heart murmur or heart disease
• Spinal injury
• Extreme laxity of joints - hyperextension injuries
• Undiagnosed forelimb lameness - risk of worsening any cervical spine problem due to extension of neck

If surgery is planned, pre-operative hydrotherapy can provide a number of benefits.

• The dog has time to become familiar with, and confident in, a hydrotherapy situation before it undergoes the surgery. This is particularly important for dogs that have never swum or who may be fearful - learning to swim immediately post operatively is not ideal.
• RCHs have an opportunity to build up a positive relationship with client and dog so that the client feels confident of the care the dog will receive following surgery.
• Some veterinary surgeons use pre-operative hydrotherapy to improve strength and fitness to condition prior to surgery, helping to reduce recovery times post operatively.