In a rehabilitation program for one's dog, aquatic therapy which provides the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, resistance and viscosity as well as the surface tension, are all important. This all falls under basic principles of properties of water and how it impacts the body. When a body is immersed in water, it creates an upward thrusting on it, thus decreasing the apparent weight of it when immersed in it. The rehabilitation of the dog is aided by the buoyancy by minimizing the amount of weight placed on the muscles and joints and decreasing the amount of pain.
The amount of body weight carried when immersed in water was based on the percentage of body weight that the dogs carried when on land in the following positions:
91% when water was at the level of the ateral malleolus of the tibia
when the water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur it was 85%
38% when water was at the level of the greater trochanter of the femur
A very beneficial factor when treating dogs with arthritis because joints can be unloaded when considering the buoyancy factors of water.
For sore and swollen joints and edematous tissues, hydrostatic pressure offers an enhanced environment to work in.This constant pressure to the body or limbs aids in reducing the swelling and alleviating the gathering of blood and bodily fluids.
During exercise, pain is significantly reduced from hydrostatic pressure. The nociceptor hypersensitivity is decreased from the phasic stimuli to the receptors of the skin. The dog's pain perception is being reduced allowing them to perform more movements with far less pain.
Resistance or viscosity to fluid flow is greater in water than in air. To increase and strengthen the canine muscles and cardiovascular fitness, water provides that resistance. Unstable joints are supported and stabilized as well as the sensory awareness is increased from the viscosity. The combination of buoyancy and viscosity which help support the dog, may allow a dog with paraparesis to willingly walk in water even though they won't on land.
If a dog is extremely weak, with surface tension, movement and exercise are performed with more ease just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface.
Canine hydrotherapy is extremely effective in improving muscle strength and endurance, cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion, agility and all the while enhancing the dog's psychological well-being in addition to reducing the pain.
A direct effect is placed on the dog's heart rate and oxygen uptake from dog hydrotherapy. Exercising the legs and the temperature of the water also increases their heart rate further. These same exercises performed on land did not provide the increased heart rate and oxygen uptake as it did in water. One of the greatest benefits of this aerobic exercise is the weight reduction and toning that took place during the canine rehabilitation process.
The best functional improvement and minimization of joint effusion is obtained from dog therapy in water. Exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance. Walking in water has the dog's muscles working in a more functional way. Participating in these canine hydrotherapy exercises where forces are decreased, minimizes and eliminates potential damage and inflammation to the soft tissues.
Dog pools and dog underwater treadmills aid in reducing knee pain and joint effusion. This is helpful in facilitating the recovery of lower-extremity function after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization in dogs. Canine rehabilitation through aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post surgery or post injury rehabilitation.
One of the key attributes of aquatic therapy for dogs is the heated water which contributes to many physiological effects. Not only do dogs become more functional on a daily level, they have an increase in the circulation to their muscles. Most water temperatures range between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Dogs with heavier coats can tolerate cooler temperatures than this.
Some of the available forms of hydrotherapy for dogs include whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. Caution should be exercised if taking a dog to a lake or river for aquatic therapy, as currents can be hazardous, or bacteria with recent incisions. Dog life preservers are very beneficial and support the dog while allowing free breathing.
The following dog health issues have been helped with hydrotherapy:
Knee Surgeries
TPLO or ACL operations
Hip replacements
Abnormal Hip Growth
Arthritis
Broken bones or compromised Spine
Deteriorating joints
Neurological Disorders
Cognitive Impairment
Removal of Limb
Hydrotherapy for dogs helps with many health conditions, and to add to the list is the dog's balance, co-ordination, confidence and energy level. Hydrotherapy for dogs has such a huge amount of benefits. All recovery time post surgery is greatly reduced. The physical condition of a dog can be returned with lessened discomfort through aquatic therapy.
Hydrotherapy is very calming for dogs. A dog's stress level is greatly reduced and it helps to stimulate numerous metabolic functions. The lymphatic system is drained more efficiently and the immune system is supported. Hydrotherapy for dogs regulates their whole system, including the electrolytes. It removes toxins and waste material while improving their skin and coat.
All around the world canine hydrotherapy is becoming recognized and prescribed by veterinarians. Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today. The potential benefits are insurmountable.
www.treatment-for-dogs.com
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