It is operated by qualified hydrotherapists Lou Matthews and Ashleigh Neave, with assistance from Debbie.
Lou says Debbie decided to set up the clinic after realising this area of animal rehabilitation and conditioning was lacking here - "It was something there was a demand for."
The clinic has seen 28 patients so far, with numbers "starting to snowball" as an understanding of the benefits of hydrotherapy spreads through the region.
Lou says Charlotte was a "typical puppy" when she first came into the clinic.
"She was very excited about a new experience and treats. She quickly learnt what was expected of her though. She has made brilliant progress with her treatments considering her condition. She has a lovely nature, she is eager to get things right and earn praise."
The state of Charlotte's leg before her surgery and her consequential muscle loss meant she would be a difficult case for the hydrotherapy team.
"We have been really happy with her response to the treatment. Although there is some rotation in her affected leg, Charlotte has already built up enough muscle to now weight bear on that leg. She continues to improve every week, although she will never quite move like a dog who hasn't been through what she has. She certainly has the personality to make as much progress as possible - she is such a stoic little girl who works hard during her hydrotherapy."
Lou stresses that hydrotherapy is not the same as swimming in a lake or a river - it is controlled aquatic exercise which allows for increases and improvement in functional movement.
"For therapy purposes it is crucial to swim in the correct temperature, especially if a dog is suffering from arthritis or has any joint problems. Swimming in cold water can actually be counter-productive as it reduces blood circulation and cold muscles are more likely to stiffen up and cramp and could do further damage."
Lou says it is essential to monitor how much exercise your dog is doing and that they are doing the correct movement so as not to exacerbate any existing problems.
"This is impossible to do without the correct training for observing the movement patterns. It is also important to consider that in open water there is often an undercurrent which your dog could get into trouble with, especially if they are already tired. There is also a risk of pollution and water borne disease that could put your dog in danger. In the hydro pool the water is tested regularly and kept warm to ensure that your dog is safe at all times."
The hydrotherapy pool provides a zero impact environment in which patients may exercise promoting muscle tone and fitness.
"Our state of the art 'physio-tech' hydro-treadmill provides a low impact environment allowing for increased sensory awareness, muscle strength, endurance and fitness. Aquatic exercise helps to achieve a greater range of movement free from the pain associated with land based exercise."
Some of the conditions which may benefit from hydrotherapy include obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, dislocated kneecaps, osteoarthritis, chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), intervertebral disc disease, fibro-cartilaginous embolism (FCE), and cervical malformation syndrome (Wobblers Disease).
Pre-operative conditioning includes toning and strengthening without further stress to affected joints while post surgical rehabilitation is suitable for procedures such as hip replacements, cruciate repair, bone fracture repair, or spinal operations.
Hydrotherapy is also suitable for the conditioning of working or performance dogs.
Working dogs, sled dogs, competition breed show dogs, canni-cross, jumpers, obedience and agility dogs use hydrotherapy to improve fitness, stamina and muscle development.
- For more information see pet2us.co.nz, follow them on Facebook, or call 06 8442356.
