Following Sarah’s training blog, I’ve been asked to follow suit and blog my recent training for our new aquatic treadmill. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do quite as well in documenting my time but I shall try.
In 2015 I qualified with a level 3 certificate in small animal hydrotherapy with Whitehouse training centre in Lincoln. Since then I have gained significant experience in practice, running a hydrotherapy pool in Northop. Early in 2017, I was approached by Sarah to manage a new hydrotherapy rehabilitation centre opening in Mochdre within Mochdre Vets. How exciting! How could I possibly resist? The only worry I had was that Sarah was keen for us to have a (large) pool and an underwater treadmill, the latter of which I’m not experienced with. Some training is given within the level 3 certificate but more was needed. So I set to finding a course to which I could gain such knowledge. Hawksmoor training centre provided a day long course with everything I could possibly need to know. Immediately following the course, I was required to submit a theoretical and practical assessment. Not having an aquatic treadmill to perform such an assessment, Canine therapies in Preston were more than happy to oblige. Here, I was able to perform my practical assignment under supervision of a suitably qualified instructor who was kind enough to allow photographic evidence. Jo Bruce and Sarah Polton were the two roped in to help me. They were so fantastic, I can’t thank them enough. We began by viewing the famous Labrador Rooney in the treadmill. As seen previously, Rooney is being treated for neurological problems, resulting in his limb weakness. Rooney was a star, showing off his, we’ll known, routine by going through each process without much need for me to be honest! Such a good boy.
He then had to deal with a clumsy newbie (me) attempting to correctly place his hind paws on the belt whilst he was walking. I got the hang of it in the end, in fact, by the end of the session Rooney didn’t need me to give foot placements, he was doing it all by himself. The main focus of aquatic treadmill treatment is ensuring that the water level and speed of the belt are running at the optimum rate for the most benefit to the patient. I can tell you, that all sounds a lot easier than it is to execute.
Beau was next up. He was a challenge. Being a Sprocker, he had no intention of standing still for a moment. He ran rings around me for the shower and getting him into the harness was quite a scene! Once in the treadmill, just keeping four paws on the belt was a challenge let alone anything else. He was easily distracted too, as half way through we had to request towels to cover up the treadmill mirror (running parallel to the aquatic treadmill for the therapist to view gait), as he was admiring himself too much! Well, he was gorgeous but please, Beau, a little modesty.
He also would stop walking and slide to the back of the chamber, when distracted by his harness straps! So funny. In the midst of all this, we did manage a good session as he is used to the therapy now (can you imagine how he was before he was used to it?). The water level was up to mid thigh/shoulder to support his elbows, as he was referred for hydrotherapy post elbow arthroplasty. We adjusted the speed to balance his stride, and preventing him from falling behind or getting to the front of the belt. He was also pacing, a term used for a gait which is two step walking instead of the normal four steps that a dog uses. So the speed helps to knock this rhythm off and return to normal. When Beau did reach the front of the belt where his owner had treats, he would proceed to dig!
On his rests, his favourite thing was to be up on two legs looking out of the aquatic treadmill and having a cuddle, or having a good shake and soaking an otherwise dry hydrotherapist. Beau was a great training aid, as not every dog is going to comply, like Rooney.
What a wonderful experience. What a wonderful therapy. We have progressed so far already with rehabilitation for our beloved fur family and it will only improve, and I fully intend to make sure that we are a part of every single advancement.