Hydrotherapy & Other Complimentary Therapies Available @ The Dog Hut. Telephone 01273 401 406
The objective of this page is to provide useful and interesting information for clients, students and visitors to our site. All picture links are outside links and directing visitors to these sites does not mean we totally endorse the web page contents.
If you have any concerns regarding your pet then always seek veterinary care in the first instance.
The effects of prolonged immobilisation and the benefits of hydrotherapy.
When an animal is immobilised for a period of time either following surgery or injury there are a number of negative changes to the animal's body, these are:-
* A decrease in synovial
fluid, for details of synovial fluid and synovial joints click on the joint diagram on the right.
* Diffusion (loss of) of fluid
and nutrients to cartilage.
* Gradual deterioration of cartilage, ligaments and bone ligament complexes.
* Atrophy (loss) of muscle tone and muscle weakness.
* An increase in joint
pain.
* A decrease in Range of Motion, The range through which a joint can be
moved, usually its range of flexion and extension. Due to an injury, the knee may for
example lack 10 degrees of full extension.
* A decrease in limb
function.
* An increase in the
development of osteoarthritis (DJD).
What is canine arthritis?
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a
progressive, debilitating disorder characterised by a loss of cartilage
and the death of cartilage-producing cells. DJD can occur in any joint,
but is most often found in the hip. It can lead to permanent loss of
function.
What breeds/ages are prone to canine arthritis?
In most cases, DJD occurs secondarily to trauma, nutritional
disorders or infections. It is prevalent in middle-aged to geriatric
dogs (and sometimes in cats). DJD may also occur in young dogs who
suffer from canine hip dysplasia, a common developmental disorder of the
hip joint found primarily in the larger breeds and breed mixes.
Picture sourced from http://dog training-tip.blogspot.com
Click on picture to enlarge.
The Benefits of Post Operative Hydrotherapy.
There are many benefits to hydrotherapy depending on your dog's condition, injury or age. the following are the main benefits with some interesting links for additional reading.
* An increase in ROM, (Range of Motion) click on the picture on the left to link to an interesting rehabilitation site.
* An increase in cartilage
nutrition, click on the image on the right for a link regarding cartilage and elbow dysplasia.
* Orientation and
strength of collagen fibres (CCL Grafts), click on the picture link on the left for information on cruciate ligament information.
* A decrease in
adhesions, a. A condition in which bodily tissues that are normally separate grow together. b. A fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures.
* A decrease in capsular
contraction, when any other foreign
object, is placed in the body, the body forms a
lining around it. This lining, or capsule,
is formed by the dog's own living tissue. Many
people refer to this lining as the "capsule",
"tissue capsule", or "scar capsule", although it
is not strictly the same thing as scar tissue.
This is the body's natural response to a foreign
object. Picture sourced from jbjs.org
* A decrease in periarticular fibrosis (scar tissue from repetitive
strain). click on the picture on the left for an article on canine lameness.
* A decrease in joint
pain, this means a possible reduction in medication. click on the picture on the left for details of joint pain.
* A decrease in muscle
atrophy (muscle wastage is significantly reduced) click on the picture on the left for further details of osteochondritis. (OCD)
* A decrease in time taken for
recovery.
* No increased graft
failure rate, grafts become more successful.
* Less development of
osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases so better long term quality of life.
* A decrease in inflammation click on picture to enlarge.
* An increase in general well being and mental improvement with improved quality of life.
* Relaxation of muscle tension or spasm.
* Reduction of oedema (swelling), click on the picture on the right for a story about Riley.
* Non weight bearing - less joint concussion avoiding further damage after injury or for dogs with some form of dysplasia
* Support for weakened or spinal injury dogs,
* Reduction of frustration for dogs on cage rest or reduced exercise - less likely to be 'uncontrollable' on land
* Improve gait patterns (reduction in lameness)
* Improved cardiovascular fitness
* Improve weight loss and maintain correct body weight. Click on the picture on the right to increase.
* Potentially earlier return to normal activities - important for owners of Assistance Dogs
