When it comes to our furry companions, ensuring their health and well-being is a top priority, especially after they undergo surgery. Post-operative recovery can be a challenging time for dogs, often involving pain, reduced mobility, and the need for gentle, effective rehabilitation methods. One increasingly popular approach to aid in the recovery process is hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy, the therapeutic use of water, has gained recognition in veterinary care for its ability to promote healing and restore mobility in dogs recovering from surgery.
Ella is a patient who, alongside many others, has benefited from this form of treatment. All the Rehab team are so proud of her progress in such a short space of time – you can read more about her story below.
Ella’s Endurance
Ella is a 6-year-old terrier X who underwent TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) on both her hind legs, the first being her right leg in February 2024 and then her left leg in May 2024. Prior to her surgeries, Ella was a very active and healthy individual, she would often join her owner for long runs and walks and would always be full of energy.
Unfortunately, due to her cruciate injuries, Ella had to take a long break from her usual regime while she healed to ensure a successful recovery. Knowing how much she loves to be active, her owner was eager to give her the best opportunity possible to enable Ella to return to a normal life.
In June, nearly 6 weeks after Ella’s second surgery, she had her initial hydrotherapy consultation where she was assessed on-land and prescribed a home physio plan by Rayana. She also had her first hydrotherapy session with Ocean, where Ella was introduced to our underwater treadmill while Ocean explained the healing properties and rehabilitation process to her owners. It took a few sessions for Ella to be comfortable in the treadmill as it is a rather daunting experience for any pet, particularly if they’ve never experienced deep water before.
After the 5th session, Ocean and Ella’s owner discussed the possibility that Hydro might not be the best option for Ella as she struggled to grasp the movement of the treadmill belt, which is normal for new patients in the first few sessions, but Ella was just too clever and would always pre-empt the belt movement and would refuse to walk! This made it difficult to assess her gait patten and encourage a normal walk, it was also a concern that Ella wasn’t enjoying the environment and was becoming stressed. So, at the end of that 5th session, it was agreed to give Ella another opportunity on the treadmill before exploring other rehab options.
On Ella’s next session, a miracle happened! Ella walked straight into the treadmill, allowed the water to fill to the necessary height and before Ocean and Ella’s owners could believe their eyes, she was walking on the belt perfectly, without a concern or care in the world. Finally!
After a few warmup sets, Ella was able to complete a full hydro session in the treadmill, enjoying lots of treats, fusses and praise from everyone present. The entire Rehab team were ecstatic to hear how well Ella did during this appointment.
After a few more sessions, it was clear that Ella had begun to love her hydro sessions (sausages and carrots help!) and she enjoyed all the fusses she received.
Within a few weeks Ocean was able to determine that Ella’s rehabilitation was a success and was amazed how well she was walking without any pain, discomfort or concern.
Ella now only attends hydrotherapy on a maintenance basis to ensure she continues to improve and maintain the muscle and strength she had built since her surgeries.
We would like to say a huge well done to Ella for being very brave at the start and for continuing to put a smile on Ocean’s face during every session. We would also like to say well done to her owners who persevered with Ella’s hydro with patience, time and dedication.
Get in touch
If you think your dog could benefit from hydrotherapy treatment, ask your Aldgate vet for more details. If you’re not registered with us, fill out a referral form and we will contact your vet to ask them to agree to the treatment.
