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No Need to Operate Now!
A four-an-a-half year-old Springer Spaniel,
Tay had a cruciate ligament operation on one side and the vet planned to do the
other side as well. Vav was recommended to help with hydrotherapy rehabilitation
of the first knee. It was also mentioned as a possibility that she might be able
to strengthen the other knee to reduce the need for it to be operated on too.
 Vav assessed Tay and after a chiropractic
treatment suggested she go straight into the spa to relax and get used to water
work.
Next week she came back to try the pool. A
tiny bit anxious at the new situation, she took to the pool so quickly that she
was retrieving in that first session, and didn’t want to come out at the end of
her time!
A few sessions later we introduced her to
the Water Walker to work her in straight lines with weight on her joints.
Although she wanted to play with the water, she got into a fast trot stride and
maintained it for increasing periods. The vet approved of her progress and
everyone was pleased.
 However, Tay had a little setback, which Vav
sorted out with a chiropractic treatment. Discussing the problem with Mark,
Tay’s owner, Vav pinpointed retrieving a ball thrown a long distance as the most
likely cause. Getting up a great speed over the distance, spinning on a
sixpence, grabbing the ball and then dashing back to him was probably putting
too much turning strain on Tay’s knee joints. Vav advised all sorts of other
exercise, but a ban on retrieving over long distances.
Tay had no more set-backs and she continued
to improve. She became quite symmetrical, with long and even strides, gaining
stamina all the time. The second knee strengthened so well that it became
obvious that there was no need for the cruciate repair operation.
Alex, our Senior Hydrotherapist, said “Tay
loves it. She loves the water so much it’s difficult to get her to rest! She’s
had no dramas, she has just improved all the way”
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