A canine hydro treadmill is similar to a regular treadmill but it is filled with warm water to the desired level, usually the point of the shoulder. Once the water is filled, the hydro treadmill is started and the dog walks at a regulated pace. There are many benefits received from the use of a canine Hydro treadmill. Buoyancy from the water takes pressure off the joints and helps ease pain. Exercising in water increases resistance, helps strengthen muscles, tighten tendons and increase circulation. There is also an increased range of motion in joints from walking in water.
Benefits of Hydro:
• Musculoskeletal - A variety of musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions can benefit.
• Surgical Recovery -Recovery from cranial cruciate injury or surgery.
• Bone Fractures - Recovery from fracture stabilization.
• Neurologic Recovery -
Recovery from back disease (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
surgical and nonsurgical.
• Geriatric Treatments - Physical therapy for dogs
with arthritis of the hips, elbows, stifles, or vertebrae.
• Weight Control Issues - Overweight patients.
Cold Laser treatment is a noninvasive procedure that uses light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Radiation and utilizes different wavelengths of low level light to stimulate the animal's tissues. It is called "cold" because unlike other medical lasers, this form does not give off heat or cut into tissue.
How does it work? The class 4 laser stimulates the animal's cells causing the mitochondria to produce more ATP (energy utilized by the cells) which allows for quicker cellular healing and a reduction in inflammation. Laser therapy can improve acute and chronic injuries, sprains and strains, arthritis, swelling due to back disc problems, and muscular-skeletal abnormalities. It also helps heal tendon or soft tissue injuries, promotes wound healing and regenerates nerve tissue after surgery.
Dogs find laser therapy relaxing and tend to enjoy the treatment. In a typical treatment session, the laser wand is applied to the area to be treated. After laser therapy, dog owners might see their dog go upstairs more often, play with a ball he's not picked up in months or go back to getting on the couch for his nightly snuggle with family members. And, when dogs have better mobility, medications can often be reduced.
Laser therapy won't cause your dog any unwanted side effects. The laser used for this type of treatment will not burn your dog's skin. Laser therapy improves the quality of a dog's life as well as the life of its owner, because if your dog is happy, you are happy.
Contraindications:
• Do not use on dogs with cancer
• Never shine laser in eyes (avoid using on the face)
• Always follow instructions for proper use on the laser you are using.