The Hydrotherapy Clinic 

Pet2Us is excited to introduce The Hydrotherapy Clinic, this is the first Small Animal Hydrotherapy Clinic to be established in Hawkes Bay.

WHAT  IS  HYDROTHERAPY?

Hydrotherapy is derived from the Greek word for water healing; it is any healing in water. It is controlled aquatic exercise. The hydrotherapist controls the exercise and the movement patterns of the patient in order to achieve the specific outcome goals of the treatment. The water is heated to, and maintained at, between 28 and 30 degrees in order to be therapeutic. It is using controlled aquatic exercise to help various medical, orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Hydrotherapy provides relief from pain and some diseases prolonging the progression of a condition and preserving quality of life. It is believed that hydrotherapy was in practice by the Greeks and Egyptians as long ago as 1000 years.

WHAT  ARE THE BENEFITS OF  HYDROTHERAPY?

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.

Amongst others, some of the conditions which may benefit from Hydrotherapy include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament total or partial rupture
• Spondylosis
• Luxating Patella
• Osetoarthritis
• Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Fibro-cartilaginous embolism FCE
• Cervical Malformation Syndrome (Wobblers Disease)
• Obesity
• Ligament, tendon and muscle injuries.
• Nerve damage.
• Degenerative myopathy.
• Tendonitis

Pre-operative conditioning include:

• Toning and strengthening without further stress to affected joints

Post surgical rehabilitation:

• Hip replacement.
• Cruciate repair.
• Bone fracture repair.
• Spinal operations.
• Joint fusion.

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.

FAQ’s

Is hydrotherapy the same as swimming in the river or lake?

Hydrotherapy is not the same as swimming in a lake or a river, and here’s why Hydrotherapy is controlled aquatic exercise, it 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. It is essential to monitor how much exercise your dog is doing and that they are doing the correct movement so as not to exasperate 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 born 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.

My dog doesn’t like water/ swimming, how will you do Hydrotherapy?

We take the time and care to allow dogs to feel comfortable in our hydrotherapy clinic. We are happy to allow them their time to familiarise themselves with the environment. Most dogs take well to their hydrotherapy sessions, but like kids starting school some take a little longer than others to gain confidence. If you have any concerns about this then please contact our hydrotherapist to discuss. Our aim is to work with you, your dog and your veterinary surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome. All treatments require veterinary referral.

Our Prices

$90 for our initial assessment and first swim. The initial assessment consists of watching your pet walk and trot in a straight line to assess their gait, measuring each limb for muscle mass so we can keep track of our improvements, sitting with your pet so they get used to us while we ask you questions about their routine, diet, exercise plan etc. $65 per subsequent session.

Puppy water confidence and learn to swim packages by arrangement.

Clinic opening hours

• Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6pm (late night)
• Saturday 8am – 12 noon (by appointment)

Our qualified small animal hydrotherapist Ashleigh has completed her extensive training in the UK. Ashleigh trained at Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy, and completed further qualifications through K9HS. Ashleigh has spent 5 years in the world of professional sport, giving her an in depth appreciation of exercise prescription. She has also completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation. Ashleigh enjoys training and competing in Obedience Tests, Sled Sports and Canicross with her own dogs, Eric, Eva, Arrow, Johnny, Flo and Blitz.

Contact us to enquire:

• (06) 844 2356 Ext 3
• pet2us@xtra.co.nz
• Located at 97 Niven Street, Onekawa.