Canine hydrotherapy is a type of physical therapy that involves using water to help dogs recover from various conditions or injuries. One of the most common reasons why dogs undergo hydrotherapy is to aid in their recovery from a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery.
What is TPLO surgery?
A TPLO surgery is a common orthopedic procedure performed on dogs that suffer from a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). The CCL is a crucial ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint. When it ruptures, dogs are left with significant pain, instability, and decreased mobility. TPLO surgery involves cutting and repositioning the tibia bone in order to create a more stable joint and alleviate the pain.
After a TPLO surgery, dogs require a significant amount of rehabilitation to regain their strength, mobility, and range of motion. This is where canine hydrotherapy can be extremely beneficial.
How Hydrotherapy Helps Dogs after TPLO surgery
Hydrotherapy for dogs after TPLO surgery involves placing the dog in a pool or underwater treadmill and encouraging them to perform specific exercises. The buoyancy of the water helps to reduce the amount of weight placed on the affected joint, which can reduce pain and prevent further injury. Additionally, the resistance provided by the water helps to strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve range of motion.
Hydrotherapy is also a low-impact form of exercise, which is important for dogs recovering from TPLO surgery because they need to avoid high-impact activities that could put too much strain on the healing joint. Hydrotherapy provides a safe and controlled environment for dogs to exercise, without putting any unnecessary stress on the joint.
In addition to physical benefits, hydrotherapy can also have psychological benefits for dogs recovering from TPLO surgery. The warm water and relaxing environment can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for dogs who may be nervous or hesitant to exercise after surgery.
Overall, hydrotherapy is an effective and safe form of rehabilitation for dogs recovering from TPLO surgery. By helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles, hydrotherapy can help dogs regain their strength and get back to their normal, active lives.
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. We look forward to hearing from you!
"I highly recommend Dip’n Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy! Rachel does a phenomenal job with the dogs and it’s clear she loves what she does. She makes sure the dogs are comfortable and confident in the water."
July 6, 2022
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her!"
July 6, 2022
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel, she is a true dog lover!"
July 6, 2022
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her! After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
July 6, 2022
"So incredibly glad we found Dip’n Dogs at the perfect time! Our girl has only been to two sessions so far, but already on the second one, she was showing way more confidence, swimming laps across the pool on her own, and showing more interest in the water overall."