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Service Profile Key Uses -Post-orthopedic Surgery -Post-disc Surgery -Degenerative Myelopathy -Hip Dysplasia -Radial Nerve Damage -Arthritis -Spondylosis -Shoulder Instability THIS INFORMATION PROVIDED COMPLIMENTS OF: Other Uses -Muscle Strains -Fractures -Obesity -Nerve Injuries -General Weakness REHABILITATION Clinical Applications -Hydrotherapy -Ultrasound -Electrical Stimulation -Massage -Exercise -Owner Instruction CASE STUDY This Rottweiler had elbow surgery for bone spurs. During his recovery, his owners discovered swimming made him less sore and stiff, and they noticed he regressed if he didn’t swim weekly. He is now doing well and is back to normal. He loves swimming so much that the owners take him swimming for fun! DESCRIPTION Canine rehabilitation is applying human physical therapy techniques to dogs to decrease pain and/or restore function. On the initial visit with a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, the dog is evaluated in regards to gait, range of motion, strength, mobility and pain. From this information and a diagnosis provided by a veterinarian, an individual treatment plan is put together for the dog. An important part of this plan is instructions for the owner about what to do at home. Rehabilitation is not effective if there is no carry through at home. Treatment in the clinic may include massage and stretches, use of modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation and and an exercise program. The exercise regime may include swiss ball exercises and the use of obstacles like cavaletties and hydrotherapy. An important part of the exercise program is either swimming or walking on the underwater treadmill. Hydrotherapy has many benefits including strengthening. It also encourages the dog to use muscles in a different manner than it’s used to on land, which results in neuromuscular re-training. There is also reduced stress on the joints and gentle range of motion provided by the support of the water Service Profile Service Profile CASE STUDY Due to an infection of the spine, this Weimaraner lost use of her rear legs. She does gait training on the treadmill (she didn’t like the water). She recovered well enough that her owners could continue rehab at home. She returned to normal life. (303)762-SWIM www.dog-swim.com [email protected] CASE STUDY This Border Collie experienced a stroke to the nerve that stabilizes the paw. The ball exercises are to strengthen the shoulder muscles and he still swims weekly to maintain shoulder strength. He didn’t completely regain the use of the leg, but swimming maintains him.
