Whenever I am looking for work experience it requires a couple of hours alone to research many different websites and send countless amounts of emails. I was lucky enough to land a week's placement at a Canine Hydrotherapy Centre. Hydrotherapy is a form of physio which provides a low impact environment which can help pets with a range of physical issues and well as being mentally stimulating and a good form of exercise.
During my time at the hydro centre I saw a wide variety of cases, for many different reasons.
Some of the most interesting clients are as followed:
A young golden retriever with a stable Grade 5/6 sub-aortic heart condition. Due to the risks associated with a general anaesthetic he was not neutered and had began to show slight aggression towards other dogs. He was prescribed hydro for general fitness, mental stimulation, to release energy and to increase his confidence.
Young Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He had had a reconstructive surgery to correct severely displaced elbows when he was a puppy and has been prescribed hydro for elbow and leg mobility. Prone to skin and ear infections so he wore a waterproof swim hat in the pool.
King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Had a vertebrae issue where the cushioning between disc wears away. Non-operable. Hydro to increase strength and support.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Arthritis in both front legs and lumbar sacrum disease in lower back. Hydro for limb mobility and to increase strength and support in lower back.
Labradors are the most common breed to be prescribed hydrotherapy sue to their predisposition to arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and it common in elderly dogs. It makes joints stiff and can cause pain and discomfort as it progresses. Pain killers like Loxicom can be given to relieve discomfort.
I learnt a lot from my work experience at the centre and was intrigues by the range of issues and conditions hydrotherapy can help.
Sources used:
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-owners/arthritis-in-dogs/
https://www.thelabradorsite.com/arthritis-in-labradors/
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