Gunner really enjoyed his swimming today. It has been a few sessions and he hasn’t enjoyed all of them, but then I didn’t really enjoy all of my physical therapy sessions either and I knew why I was hurting.

Veterinary physical therapy has been clinically used in Europe for 15 years but is just starting to be accepted in the U.S. Much like human medicine, we are starting to look at preventing disease instead of waiting to cure it.

Physical therapy must start with a diagnosis and referral by a veterinarian. Starting without this can cause a lot of damage.

A certified canine rehabilitation practitioner will have been to school to perform physical therapy. These specialists can be found in major metropolitan areas. Veterinary technicians and assistants may perform physical therapy under supervision.

Working together the veterinarian and physical therapists design a plan for each animal. Neurological conditions tend to improve best with balance and coordination exercises, and muscle-building exercises.

Surgical repairs and traumatic injuries do better with heat therapy, cryotherapy and massage. Hydrotherapy works for both types of injuries.

Balance exercises strengthen weak muscles. They may include balancing on balls, wobble boards and balance boards.

These force the dog to put weight on the injured muscle thereby building muscle in the atrophied area. Coordination exercises force the pet to be more aware of its surroundings.

Weaves, figure eights and walking over obstacles build coordination by forcing the dog to shift weight quickly as it turns.

Muscle building is what we usually tend to think of going to the gym for. Treadmill, ramp or step walking uphill and downhill all build muscle and increase flexion of the hip joint.

Both standing on two or three legs and getting up from a sit build muscle and can be used after surgery or for hip dysplasia.

Hydro means water and therapy means helping, so hydrotherapy is using water to improve muscle and joint function. Swimming and an underwater treadmill are probably the most effective.

Swimming helps more muscles than walking would allow; therefore, building more muscle and endurance without the stress on the joints. The underwater treadmill is the same as land exercise without the stress of full weight on the dog’s legs. This can be very beneficial after surgery.

Massage increases the blood flow to the area and relieves muscle spasms. This can help speed up recovery from injuries and surgery.

Thermo (heat) therapy uses heat to decrease stiffness in joints and to increase blood flow. Laser therapy can be used to stimulate healing of surface wounds, pain relief and deep heating of muscles. Cryo (cold) therapy is often used after physical therapy to relieve pain and swelling.

Passive range of motion (PROM) is the repeated flexion and extension of the joint to its limits. This can be practiced at home AFTER being taught by your veterinarian. Stretching too far can cause muscle and tendon damage and pain. I would bite if you stretched my damaged knee too far.

And Gunner was headed this way, too. He was not fond of walking, even with water, but if his tail was any indication, he really loved today’s swimming physical therapy.

Dr. WIXSOM owns and practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. More info at www.Guardian Animal.com or 606-928-6566.