Tel: 01989 564191
Ben
18th January 2012
Ben was diagnosed with arthritis in his elbow joints back in 2007 following X-rays at his Veterinary Practice. They tried a variety of treatments to ease his pain but no dramatic change in his demeanour had been noticed. It was decided that he should try hydrotherapy, and we met Ben for the first time in June 2008!
He began swimming, with the aid of a life jacket at first and later with a harness. The buoyancy of the water reduced some of the pressure put onto his elbows and allowed a better range of movement than seen on land giving his muscles a good workout. He enjoyed swimming back and fore in the pool for his favourite floating kong toy. His owner reported good progress at home, and by December of 2008 he was reported to be more energetic and jumping off the sofa once again at home.
As time has moved on, Ben’s condition has progressed. He suffers with arthritis in most joints and has spondylosis of the spine, where extra bone growth can be seen between vertebrae. His hydrotherapy session has changed dramatically over the years and he now ‘enjoys’ a warm spa to warm up his muscles and aid circulation before completing ‘his workout’ - 8 minutes in the water treadmill (with a little rest in the middle!) followed by another warm spa to relax his worked muscles and reduce stiffness following exercise. He also visits a local physiotherapist, which works well along side his hydrotherapy.
For Ben hydrotherapy is not a cure but a way to maintain his condition allowing him a longer happier life. In Ben’s world he is still a 6month puppy who is always up to mischief!
Latest News
01/02/2012
Best wishes to Stanley who has his excision arthroplasty today!
17/03/2010
On Saturday 6th March, Wye Valley Hydrotherapy held a demonstration on canine hydrotherapy.
