Reason for Hydrotherapy

Intervertebral Disc Extrusion

Barney started to attend Bluewaters Canine Hydrotherapy Centre on 25th June 2016 following the extrusion of intervertebral disc contents that compressed his spinal cord. Decompressive surgery was performed to correct this and Barney began his hydrotherapy treatment with us 8 weeks post- surgery. As Barney was very weak on his hind limbs and required a belly sling to walk into the centre, we started his treatment in the hydrotherapy pool with support from both hydrotherapists (Julie and Laura). Barney can be quite nervous of strangers and handling so we had to progress very steadily and at his pace, he was a little anxious on the first few sessions but soon started to really enjoy his time in the pool, particularly when a tennis ball was involved. There was initially minimal movement through either hind limb and his right hind limb was particularly stiff with minimal flexion. With the use of various stimulatory techniques in the pool Barney’s range of movement through both hind limbs greatly improved. He also knuckled his right hind limb especially when he was tired post session and at times as he arrived. As Barney got stronger he was able to walk into the centre unaided which was such a wonderful thing for us all to see. We did try Barney in the underwater treadmill once but he was quite anxious in there and just wanted to be in the pool so we have continued with that as he enjoys it so much and benefits. It is nearly 3 years since the start of Barney’s journey with us and he has gone from strength to strength. He adores his time in the pool and almost drags his owners down the corridor. His range of movement in the pool has greatly improved, but he sometimes needs reminding to use both hind limbs properly as he will lock his right hind limb in full extension especially if he is more focused on the ball than his swimming. Barney’s strength has increased greatly and he walks out of the pool with no knuckling of his hind paws and very little weakness. Barney’s owners have been delighted with his progress, and report that he can enjoy decent length walks with minimal issues, his mobility is really good and you would have to look quite closely now to notice any issues. Barney still attends the centre once a fortnight for a maintenance session, his hydrotherapy provides him with good non weight bearing exercise which keeps his joints strong, maintains his muscle mass, and he loves it, which helps! Barney’s muscle mass increased significantly as a result of his treatment; he hasn’t been re-measured for a while as he gets quite anxious when handled in that way so we don’t push him as we want him to enjoy his treatment. However, when he was last measured he had gained 4-7 cm on his hind limbs and 5-6 cm on his forelimbs which is brilliant. Barney is such a character to have at the centre, he thoroughly enjoys his sessions with us. We always say we don’t need to go down to reception to see if he has arrived for his session as he lets us know that himself! Barney’s favourite trick is to fill his ball up with water and squirt hydrotherapist Laura with it – he’s very cheeky! Barney’s progress is certainly one of our best success stories, he lives life to the full and can go on regular walks and enjoy his life which is wonderful considering he underwent such major surgery.

Well done Barney!