Integrative Pet Care

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy utilizes the properties of water, such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and resistance to improve physiological functioning. Both of our hydrotherapy modalities, resistance pool and underwater treadmill, offer a controlled yet challenging environment that provides an optimal setting for cardiovascular conditioning and physical rehabilitation.

What is the history of hydrotherapy in veterinary medicine?

Drawing initially from the documented success in human physical therapy, hydrotherapy was one of the earliest modalities to be integrated with veterinary practice. Because productivity in certain industries at one time depended on keeping highly valued working animals in functioning condition, inventions to provide hydrotherapy to animals as large as horses appeared as early as the 19^th century. The specific interest in canine rehabilitation started with the horse racing industry and branched out to include house pets.  Veterinarians today continue to gain confidence in hydrotherapy through performing scientific case studies on animals comparable to those performed on humans and by observing similarly positive results.

On which types of animals is hydrotherapy practiced?

Horses and dogs most frequently participate in hydrotherapy, however it is not unheard of for cats to be prescribed sessions in the water and surprisingly they are often quite cooperative.

Who practices hydrotherapy?

Our animal rehabilitation therapists (ARTs), who are certified in canine rehabilitation, are thoroughly trained before getting into the water with your pet. Therapists are present to help new patients become accustomed to the water and keep your pet focused and motivated during therapy.  Each session is not only carefully supervised but also logged and tracked by the ART so that progress can be charted and adjustments can be made in each session. At Integrative Pet Care, each ART also participates in a continuing education program. Our staff of ARTs and veterinarians meet regularly to discuss recent advancements in animal rehabilitation therapy, problem solve current cases and gain valuable insight by sharing personal experiences.  Having a knowledgeable and experienced ART involved in the hydrotherapy not only increases the level of safety but also ensures that each pet benefits from appropriately tailored care.

What conditions are most often treated with hydrotherapy?

Conditions treated by hydrotherapy can be divided into four general categories:  post-operative, pre-operative, chronic conditions and fitness. Some of the most common post-operative conditions are hip replacements, anterior cruciate ligament repair (ACL), tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and femoral head ostectomy (FHO). An animal is at risk for muscle atrophy and weight gain if they have any condition where immobilization is a factor so animals in many pre-operative circumstances can benefit from hydrotherapy as well. Optimizing the pre-surgery condition will make the recovery period shorter and less painful.  Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, luxating patella, spinal injury and arthritis are all chronic conditions that are often treated with hydrotherapy. Within the fitness category hydrotherapy is a great option for treating obesity, maintaining a high level of fitness for agility competitors or just keeping your dog active year round.

How can my pet benefit from hydrotherapy?

While in the water the patient feels a lower level of gravity exerted on the body. This has the effect of decreased weight bearing on any problem areas and results in decreased pain perception. This specifically helps animals with weak muscles, stiff/swollen joints or poor range of motion. The buoyancy and warm temperature of the water increase flexibility, improve circulation and ease pain. The cumulative effect is greater psychological security and a willingness to perform exercises. The ability to control the velocity of the current means that hydrotherapy is suitable for all fitness levels. The resistance of a slow current will result in an effective low impact exercise session for seniors or recovering animals; a swifter current can exhaust even the most energetic canine athlete. Staying in shape with regular exercise can also help prevent future injuries. Increasing reaction time, maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and improving physical endurance benefit currently active dogs of all types.

How successful is hydrotherapy?

Setting case specific goals and compliance with the recommended rehabilitation program produces excellent results from pets using our hydrotherapy facilities. Hydrotherapy is undisputedly successful at building muscle mass and improving joint function.  Measurements on pets that have been swimming reflect larger muscles and an improved range of motion. Progress can also be measured by the increased amount of time spent in the pool or the level of resistance applied. Aside from measurements, the observations of the supervising veterinarian and therapists are key to a successful rehabilitation or fitness program. Feedback from our clients has been positive in regards to the impact that hydrotherapy can have on their pet's gait, independent performance of daily activities, body composition and pain management.

How safe is hydrotherapy?

An initial evaluation or fitness assessment is essential for a safe hydrotherapy experience. After the initial meeting it is also important to keep the ART informed of any new developments or issues. We frequently use a team approach to treating patients. By pooling knowledge from our veterinarians and team of animal therapists, our staff is not only well trained but also well informed. This results in the safest and most effective program to be mapped out.  At Integrative Pet Care our therapists spend just as much time in the water as our patients so they become very familiar with your pet and his or her unique condition. With their wealth of experience, careful supervision and hands on approach, they secure your pets safety in the water. The safety of our patients is as much of a priority to us as having a successful therapy experience.  That's why we also supply life vests in all sizes for your dog (or cat!) to swim in.

Can hydrotherapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?

Hydrotherapy integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If your companion animal is receiving hydrotherapy from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences. At Integrative Pet Care our veterinarians, who are well-trained and versed in a variety of rehab modalities including hydrotherapy, collaborate with the pet's primary care veterinarian to appropriately coordinate care.

Meow!

Hydrotherapy isn't just for dogs, a cat with the right personality can also benefit from this modality. 

We do provide other rehabilitation services for felines that are much more tolerable.  Read more about laser therapy, veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic... and you never know, your cat may benefit from a weekly underwater treadmill session just like Whitty!

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post-surgery rehab of knees, hips, neck, back, shoulder, elbows, fractures, etc.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Spondylosis
• Fibrocartilagenous Emboli (FCE)
• Wobblers
• Soft Tissue Injury (sprains/strains, etc)
• Neuropathy/ Progressive Ataxia
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
  
• Ligament/ Tendon Injury
• Hip Dysplasia
• Fitness/ Weight Loss

• Allergies
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Cancer (supportive care)
• Chronic & Acute Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Cardiac Disease
  
• Auto-Immune disease
• Pancreatitis
• Epilepsy/ Seizure Disorders
• LUTD (urinary tract disease, bladder stones, etc)
• Adrenal Gland Disease (Cushings, Addisons)
• Eosiniophilic Granuloma
• Stomatitis
• Nutritional counseling

• Underwater Treadmill
• Resistance Pool
• Therapeutic Laser
  
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Therapeutic Massage
• Electrical Stimulation
• Fitness and Conditioning
• Veterinary Acupuncture
• Veterinary Chiropractic
• Ultrasound Therapy
• Custom Carts and Orthotics
  
• Food Therapy Counseling
• TCVM/ Holistic Evaluations
  
• Complementary and Alternative Treatments