Water therapy
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We have an underwater treadmill at The Paw, where I teach my classes. The dept is run by a canine rehab person (the title escapes me!) who previously trained and worked at the Univ of MN Vet School in canine rehab. Luckily this is her (Lora) hometown and she was thrilled to move back and head the program here.  I see most dogs doing it without their owners. I know you can be there, so it must be an owner choice, or it works better for that particular dog w/o them there. (the treadmill is in the same pool room where I bring my dogs to bathe them...Lora and I chat during rehab, seeing I have a human orthopedic and rehab background.) The treadmill principle is pretty straight forward - the water level is high enough to just start to float the dog, but still low enough they make contact and can walk. You want it just to take some weight off the dog, but still let the walking motion happen. The person should develop a program that starts at a simple level and gradually increases strength and endurance. I believe most come in 2 (and sometimes 3) times a week, depending on severity, goals, what the dog is able to do, if they had surgery, etc. One time a week would be a bare minimum. Seeing you have 2 options, I would go check them out! ps - here's the link to our rehab page too.... http://thepawmankato.com/services/canine_rehab.htm |
I went into therapy with Oliver and his vet. Even if you don't go in, you want to make 100% sure someone will be in there with Gigi at all times. Whether you go in or not will depend on Gigi. Sometimes having the owner in the room will distract the dog, sometimes not. I went into all of Oliver's sessions, more to chat with the vet and distribute treats (for motivation).   As Dawn said, the principle is pretty straightforward. These are the questions I would ask though: 1. Who actually does the therapy? I do not want the receptionist doing the therapy. I want someone who is properly trained. The first few sessions are more of a dialing in period; determining how high the water level needs to be, speed of treadmill, and how long to walk. You will need to provide feedback after each session. Was Gigi sore or tired the next day? The variables will be changed and the program adjusted specifically for Gigi, thus you need someone who is trained to be doing the therapy. 2. How do I know when we have reached the maximum benefits of the water therapy? How will you continue to support Gigi when we are done with water therapy? Will they give you at home exercises (Oliver's vet did, just an FYI)? 3. What is your success rate? What were the end results; did the dogs end up needing surgery? Where the dogs able to weaned off of pain meds? 4. How will you monitor Gigi's progress? Oliver's vet measured the circumference of his thighs. On day 0 he had one thigh much larger than the other, showing which was his dominent leg. We were able to even the muscule mass in both legs plus build. It was terrific to have hard evidence that it worked! 5. What is the cost? Just one final piece of advice because I learned the hard way. SHOW them how to properly towel dry an OES. We had such a matted coat the first few weeks because I was too embarrassed to say anything to the vet. It does make a big difference though! |
| Thanks. I have copied and printed the questions. I spoke with both places earlier and will call the one that allows me in with Gigi and ask those questions. Their prices are $47.61 for 2 sessions a week. And $71.22 for three sessions a week. There is an ortho dr there also another plus. It is a distance to drive but I do not care. They are highly regarded so let's see what more info I get. As for the coat, I am going yo have Gigi taken down to a puppy type cut. It is better for the hot summer here and don't want to get mats from the therapy Dawn I will look at the site. Thanks. Also looking into Doga, chiropractic and acupuncture Any thoughts on those ? |
| Frankie goes twice a week. He walks at a pretty slow pace I think it's set at 2. something for half an hour. After he walks he then gets all four legs stretched and massaged. We also started taking Mattie in. The therapist feels that she is in too much pain to do the treadmill. So we are giving her shots of Trameel. It's supposed to be a fantastic homeopathic pain reliever and anti inflamatory. When Frankie was first diagnosed with ocd before he had surgery for it we tried accupuncture. I thought it really worked for him. We pay 360.00 for 9 visits and get the 10th one free. I keep meaning to pm you, and haven't found the time. I will try tonight. Lisa Frankie and Mattie |
| We decided on a vet for PT for Gigi. Next week I am having the groomer trim her hair short then she will begin the therapy. I asked all thee questions that were suggested in this thread. I received the right answers. Quality therapist and vets, I also checked with friends who are vet techs and all agreed this vet and PT is top notch. I feel better. They will also do manipulation and massage if needed or when needed. I also found a recommended acupuncturist. So maybe in time we will they that too After the first meeting with the vet and therapist, it will be determined how many times a week is necessary and goals discussed. They are requesting copies of stays and records. The most important item for me - is I can be with her. |
| That sounds real good, Carol Best of luck with Gigi. I have seen so many wonderful results from the dogs that go through water therapy....it's a good thing. |
got sheep wrote: That sounds real good, Carol Best of luck with Gigi. I have seen so many wonderful results from the dogs that go through water therapy....it's a good thing. Ditto! I am excited to hear about her progress! |
| I went in the water with Mady at a water therapy place. She didn't need therapy-I just wanted to see if she could swim and wanted to do that in a safe environment. I was so impressed watching the staff with the dog before me, and also with how calm and kind they were with Mady and I. I hope that this does Gigi alot of good. Of course, if she ever needs me to give her a hip massage, I am happy to do so! David and I took a day long t-touch therapy workshop-that might also be good for you to look into. Something that you can do for Gigi (and Bogey for that matter) that she might find soothing. |
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