State of the Art Hydrotherapy

Highton Veterinary Clinic has recently installed a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill to assist in the rehabilitation of patients in Geelong and surrounding areas. Hydrotherapy is ideal to assist in fitness, alleviating stress on painful joints, and also facilitating with the movement of muscle and joints post-surgery. Hydrotherapy promotes recovery from spinal surgery, orthopaedic surgery and stimulates improvement in strength and muscle fitness in dogs with a range of conditions. For example:

• Pre and post-operative conditioning
• Arthritis - to reduce pain and increase mobility
• Hip dysplasia
• Spinal injuries
• Recovery from multiple injuries - including fractures & neurological damage
• Cruciate ligament injuries and post-operative recovery
• Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
• Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness
• Relaxation of muscle spasms
• Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)

·      Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet)

• Mental well being

Hydrotherapy has the benefit of being a more controlled form of rehabilitation than simply taking your pet to the beach or river to swim.  This is because the conditions can be controlled in the tank, so as well as being able to control water temperature in the tank, we can adjust the treadmill speed and therefore the intensity of the session. In addition we are able to adjust the water level in each individual animal to help specifically target certain areas.

Most dogs undertake a program of 6-12 weeks, depending on their injury or the goal of the program. The likely time frame needed will be determined at your initial session.

Each animal has a specially designed hydrotherapy program which is tailored to their individual needs.  This program is designed by our hydrotherapy nurse in conjunction with one of our veterinarians. Sabine, the hydrotherapy nurse (treadmill therapist) who assists with most of the sessions has gained valuable experience in this area of rehabilitation by visiting one of the Austrian Hydrotherapy Centres in Vienna.

How much does it cost and am I covered by insurance?

We have different prices depending on your pet's individual needs.  Single sessions are for owners who are simply interested in trying hydrotherapy to ensure their pet is comfortable in the hydrotherapy unit before committing to starting a program. 

However, hydrotherapy packages are more economical as most conditions require several visits. Packages involve purchasing a number of sessions up front and include: post-surgery packs for animals following a surgical procedure, weight loss packages to help aid weight loss in overweight animals, and, agility packages for dogs that are in training and need further assistance in a safe, controlled environment.

Prices start at $44 for one session or alternatively $250 for a 6 sessions, $350 for 10 sessions or $500 for a 20 pack session.

Most insurance companies consider hydrophysiotherapy as part of treatment for a patient's condition if it is performed under veterinary supervision. However, it is advisable for clients to check with their insurer. Currently, weight loss and agility are not covered with insurance policies.

How do I arrange a session?

To arrange a session please call the friendly staff at the Highton Veterinary Clinic on 03 5243 0077. If you are not currently an existing Highton Veterinary Clinic client we may need to phone your referring vet before your visit to discuss your pet's history and any injuries.

We run hydrotherapy sessions Monday to Friday.

The initial session normally lasts 45 mins - 1 hour which allows time for a full assessment and acclimatizing your pet to the hydrotherapy unit.

During this session we devise a hydrotherapy program to cater to your pet's specific requirements and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

After the initial session most subsequent sessions last 15-20 minutes.

How does it work?

Hydrotherapy works by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight conditions, to safely improve muscle tone and promote joint and tendon, ligament or bone repair.

In addition, dogs find hydrotherapy a pleasurable form of exercise, thereby promoting weight loss and enhancing fitness.

Many veterinary hydrotherapy facilities use a simple pool. However, at the Highton Veterinary Clinic, we use an aquatic treadmill. The main advantages of using a treadmill are that the water level can be slowly increased allowing animals to become acclimatised to the water. By changing the water level we are also able to target certain joints and muscle groups improving the efficiency of the session. This enables us to provide the right resistance to control the exercise loading on muscles and joints.  Animals are also required to move and bear weight on all four limbs in the treadmill, and, we can accurately assess their gait or movement patterns.

Hydrotherapy exercise also releases endorphins and helps decrease pain perception to improve the psychological well-being of the animals.

Will my dog enjoy it?

Yes! Most dogs take very easily to the water and are thoroughly enjoying the experience by the second visit. They will often walk directly to the hydrotherapy unit once they enter the room. The water pH, chlorine level and temperature is regularly monitored to ensure the animal is comfortable. We use toys and treats to help keep dogs relaxed and motivated during each session.