Update on Kendal-September 2011.

Kendal is one of patients that we felt would benefit from the water treadmill, in fact he was the first of our clients to try it! We had found that during recent pool sessions Kendal had found the transition from 100% non weight bearing in the pool to weight bearing on land quite difficult due to the continued degeneration of his condition (all be it slow degeneration). He was also showing further neurological signs such as occasional knuckling and scuffing his nails. We felt that the treadmill would help re-educate his gait and increase his proprioception. Kendal took to the treadmill really well (he is easily bribed with treats!) We feel Kendal’s condition is perhaps degenerating slightly slower than previously and he certainly walks well in it and after each session his gait is greatly improved. Kendal has also reached a HUGE milestone....his 200^th hydrotherapy session! We feel this is testament to the huge benefits hydrotherapy has brought to Kendal in the 3 years (plus) that he has been attending and also the care and dedication of all those responsible for his care, including his fantastic owner and a vet who referred him for hydrotherapy when his condition was in its very early stages.
(Bex)

In March 2009, our Chocolate Labrador, Atlas, then aged 9, suddenly began limping. This progressed quickly to a raised back paw. A quick trip to the vet revealed that Atlas had torn a Cruciate Ligament. After surgery and 2 weeks bed-rest, our vet recommended Hydrotherapy with Bex to aid Atlas's return to normal fitness.

Initially, Atlas was swimming twice a week, for short sessions, but he soon progressed to longer swims... and the results were remarkable. He quickly returned to full fitness, with no after effects from the Cruciate problem - not even a limp! He was able to go back to all his favourite things - long walks, chasing balls, jumping on the bed - and his general fitness improved immensely, as well as recovering from the trauma. I decided to continue with the swimming weekly as I had been warned that Cruciate Ligaments often go in pairs! And that's how I discovered the other major advantage of hydrotherapy - keeping a neutered male Labrador trim! Atlas has lost an amazing 6kgs, and is easily able to maintain his new weight. YIPPY!!

Now, not to be left out...

Merlin is our liver-spotted Dalmatian, who, unusually for a Dalmatian, loves to swim. And in the autumn of 2009, at the age of 12, he decided to get in on the act...he was diagnosed with Spondylosis of the spine. I was devastated by this diagnosis, as I have lost a much loved Dalmatian to this illness before, and at that time it was tablets to ease the pain and manage a gradual decline. So, I asked my vet if we could try swimming to see if it helped, to which she readily agreed. I am so glad we chose this direction.

Merlin has been swimming now for 6 months, and the results are truly incredible. When he is swimming, he is able to use his back legs very powerfully. At home, he is able to walk, play and get up and down off things like a much younger dog (he has now reached the grand age of 13!). He swims once a week, and very rarely needs any medication to help him. I am thrilled, because I can see how much better his quality of life is than it could have been. Oh yes, and there is that other advantage again - weight loss. It is important for Merlin's legs that he does not carry excess weight, and the hydrotherapy has helped him to lose 8kg - again, not the world's easiest task for an elderly neutered male.

So, would I recommend Canine Plus Hydrotherapy - yes, I certainly would! I am confident that the fully trained staff will look after my dogs, providing them with a service which is not only hugely beneficial (and great fun) for the dogs, but great fun for the owner too!!