North Kent Canine Hydrotherapy

15/01/2025

Laser therapy

Laser therapy delivers specific wave lengths and frequencies of laser light to increase circulation by drawing nutrients to the affected area.
This will then help to decrease swelling, inflammation, and muscle spasms and therefore reduce stiffness and pain.

What are the benefits of laser therapy

- Relieves pain
- Reduction of inflammation and swelling
- Increases ROM (Range of Motion)
- Non invasive
- Pain free
- Minimal restraint

Common conditions laser therapy can help with

- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow disease
- Cruciate disease
- Lameness and chronic pain
- Post surgical fracture repair
- pain management
- Ligament/tendon sprains and strains
- Nerve and spinal cord issues
- Bone and cartilage repair
- Wound healing, including post op, infected and chronic wounds
- lick granulomas

At meopham veterinary hospital we use the K Laser cube 4. This is the first laser machine that combines 4 wavelengths into one laser.
This maximises absorption by the 4 primary light absorbing complexes to stimulate rapid tissue repair.

Laser is non invasive and most pets will find it a very pleasant experience. Some pets may feel a mild warmth or tingling through the treatment.
If you would like to know more information or to get booked in speak to Eden at the time of your hydrotherapy appointment or ask at reception.

12/01/2025

Happy Sunday everyone, please remember to wash and dry your dogs pads/feet/back of legs and under belly after any walks outside. Salt can really irritate a dog's skin and if the dog licks the salt can cause serious issues.

31/12/2024

We wish all our clients a very happy healthy new year.

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas
Just a few tips here to remember for the safety of your pets this Christmas 🎄🎁❄️☃️🎅⛄

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas everyone 🎁🎄🎄⛄🎅☃️❄️
Wishing you all a fantastic time.

09/12/2024

Poisonous plants for dogs around Christmas

Many common Christmas plants are poisonous and if you suspect your dog has ingested any please seek advice from your vet.

1. Poinsettia
They reach their full red bloom by December. They are mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Eating them can cause drooling, oral pain and vomiting but generally eaten in large quantities. The plant contains an irritant sap and is unlikely for your pet to eat large quantities because of the taste and irritation.
The size of the animal and the amount they digest will determine how sick they become.
But it is best to keep poinsettia out of reach.

2. Mistletoe

Is highly toxic to dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, laboured breathing, shock and even death from cardiovascular collapse.

3. Holly
The berries are an important source of food throughout the winter to birds but are toxic to dogs, cats and humans. Several varieties include saponins which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Other symptoms can be lips smacking, drooling and head shaking. The plants spikes are rarely a deterrent and the berries can be eaten. Did you know it can be superstitious to bring holly into your home before Christmas eve and it's considered unlucky.

4 and 5. Lily
Certain types of lily (Lilium and Hermerocallis species) are very toxic to cats and highly poisonous. They contain highly toxic substances and ingestion of two or three leaves or even water from the vase can be potentially fatal.
Although they don't pose as a severe risk to dogs they are still toxic. The Calla lily, peace lily, lily of the valley and palm Lily are dangerous to dogs.

6. Ivy
Ivy's Latin name is hedera helix. This will likely develop vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. In severe cases blood in vomit or diarrhea can be seen.
Skin contact can also cause conjunctivitis, itchiness and rashes.

01/12/2024

Happy December everyone. Keep an eye out for hints and tips to keep your dogs this festive season.
We hope you've had a lovely Sunday 😊🌲🎄🌟❄️⛄☃️🦌🤶🏻

22/11/2024

Antifreeze in salt/grit on the roads and pavements

It's that time of year again where the roads will be salted and gritted due to ice and potentially snow. This can also include pavements.
Antifreeze and rock salt is highly poisonous to dogs and cats.
After any road/path walk you should wash their paws thoroughly after a walk including between pads and legs, underbelly and groin.
Even a small amount of salt can cause toxicity. Ingestion can cause high blood sodium concentration which can cause thirst, lethargy, and vomiting. In severe cases there is risk of convulsions and kidney damage.

If you're concerned in any way please contact your vet.

10/11/2024

Lest we forget

We will remember you all our fallen soldiers

04/11/2024

Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

Also known as Chronic Degenerative Radiculmyelopathy (CDRM) is a disease that affects the spinal cord resulting in a slow progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis.
DM is a genetic abnormality, it's an inherited neurological disease that generally affects dogs 8 years and older.
DM causes gradual muscle wastage and incoordination of the hind limbs which progresses to paralysis of the hind limbs. The muscle wastage can also extend to the forelimbs as the disease progresses.

Certain breeds of dogs are more predisposed to DM such as German shepherds, Boxers, Pembroke Welsh corgis and Bernese mountain dogs.

Clinical signs of DM
- Difficulty rising
- Hind limb weakness
- Incoordination
- Muscle atrophy (wastage)
- Scuffed hind limb nails

They're are no specific tests to reveal DM but you can have neurology exams, MRI, CT scans, blood work and spinal fluid analysis to rule anything else out.
Genetic testing can reveal if the dog has one or two copies of the variants associated with the development of DM.

Treatment
Unfortunately there's no cure for DM and it's about managing the condition such as

- Physical therapy to help slow clinical progression and help maintain muscle mass
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Using rugs, non slip mats on slippery floors at home
- Adding pet ramps and steps where required
- Wearing booties to decrease damage to paws
- Using a sling and harness to assist with support and walking
- Considering the use of a wheelchair
- Addressing factors such as arthritis that can contribute to mobility issues

Degenerative myelopathy isn't curable. DM in most breeds are caused by a mutation of the gene SOD1 (SOD1A Variant).
Dogs with two copies are at a higher risk of developing the disease but it doesn't mean they will. A dog that's a carrier (possessing one copy of the gene) may still have a risk of developing DM but the progression is slower that those with two copies of the gene.


Photo Animal ortho care

01/11/2024

Fireworks

So it's that time of year again and it's coming close to bonfire night. Some fireworks could be happening this weekend or potentially even next weekend.
Some tips to be prepared and keep your pets safe
- keep all pets safe and secure inside your home.
- give them a den or somewhere they can hide that feels safe if they need to
- use a radio or TV to try and mask the noises
- make sure microchip is correct and id tags are also
- stay with them or have someone sit with them if you need to go out
- have toys ready to distract them like kongs/licki mats etc
- walk your dog just before it's dark so they won't need a toilet break until after fireworks have finished
- have curtains and blinds drawn so it keeps all the flashes etc from being seen
- try not to over fuss them. If they come to you talk to them normally to settle them. Over fussing can reinforce the fearful behaviour. Continue your normal evening routine such as watching TV and don't react to any noises and bangs.

29/10/2024

29/10/2024

Obesity management

Although this isn't necessarily a condition we do see these cases in hydrotherapy. Sometimes it's simple - a dog has not been able to exercise due to injury and they have put on extra weight, a previous undiagnosed condition or simply over feeding. Whatever the reason is getting your dog on a balanced diet and exercise plan is the best solution. Exercise can now be limited due to putting extra strain on the joints so this may need to be built up. This is where hydrotherapy can come in its low impact on the joints and better still the joints are cushioned with the water properties. Due to the natural resistance of water they work harder than on land but all whilst supporting the joints. The resistance will aid in the build up and toning of the muscles.
Due to its low impact, the underwater treadmill provides buoyancy which is gentle and supports joints and muscles which is exceptionally important in overweight dogs as these joints are under strain daily. This will make overall exercise more intolerable as they progress in their fitness journey. As they progress the dogs metabolism will improve which will help the overall fat burning process.


Photo pet protect

20/10/2024

Only 11 days until Halloween or Howl-o-ween!
Scroll to the end for a few safety tips ready for the spooky day
🎃🧟‍♀️🧛🏻‍♀️🎃

13/10/2024

Spondylosis

Spondylosis in dogs can also be known as spondylosis deformans. This is a degenerative spinal condition when bone spurs (osteophytes) develop along the vertebrae. This generally affects older dogs but maybe in response to injury. A bony spur may develop in a single spot on the spine or most commonly in multiple bone spurs in several locations. The most common bone spurs are seen in the thoracic (chest) , lumbar (lower back) and lumbosacral (around the hips and pelvis) vertebrate. In some cases the spurs grow so large that they appear to form a complete bridge between vertebrae bones.

What causes spondylosis?

It's a chronic condition that is associated with old age. Research indicates it is a secondary problem related to another degenerative disease of the intervertebral discs.
In a normal spine the vertebrae are joined by ligaments to form a protective column around the spinal column. Between each vertebral bone is an intervertebral disc, these discs act as shock absorbers and cushions. The series of joints that make the spine give flexibility to the spine whilst providing protection.
The Intervertebral discs become damaged or degenerate the joints between them become unstable resulting in abnormal motion.
Spondylosis isn't associated with inflammation, it's generally associated with aging, microtrauma through activity, major trauma and genetic predisposition.
The formation and growth of the spurs is triggered by instability and it appears they grow as large as necessary to reinforce the diseased joint.

Spondylosis is generally more common in large breeds but any middle aged to older dogs can be affected. The degenerative condition will begin to develop by 10 years old. Flat coat retrievers, boxers and German shepherds ate more predisposed.

Symptoms
Most dogs are free of symptoms but because of the bone spurs they restrict movement so the dogs can appear:
- Stiff
-Back pain
- Reluctance or difficulty to rise from a lying position.
- Reluctant to exercise and play
- Difficulty jumping and going up/down stairs
If any symptoms are shown then a veterinary consult would be recommended.

Diagnosis

After a physical examination, x-rays of the spine may be taken. The x-rays can determine the location and severity of bony spurs (osteophytes) and can assess the severity.

Treatment

The goal for spondylosis is pain management and to improve the quality of life.
1. Weight control - maintaining a healthy weight will stop access pressure on the spine
2. Exercise - moderate and controlled exercise is super important to maintain muscle tone and flexibility. Hydrotherapy can be a good option to exercise while supporting the joints.
3. Nutrition - a good well balanced diet to support overall health
4. Anti inflammatories - NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) can help control pain and inflammation
5. Analgesics - these can act on the nervous system to relieve pain (such as gabapentin).

Dogs can still continue to have a good quality of life with this condition when managed with the above. But it will continue through life.



Photo pet medic center

01/10/2024

IVDD Intervertebral disc herniation type 1

This is very common in dachshunds, French bulldogs, Beagles and shih tzus but can be seen on your larger breeds.
Type 1 normally has a sudden onset.
Type l IVDD occurs when jelly like nucleus (imagine the jam coming out of a donut) of the disc extrudes through the fibrous outer layer of the disc and presses on the spinal cord. As time goes on the nucleus degenerates and hardens.
Which then stops its shock absorbing abilities. It can vary from pain to complete paralysis.

IVDD Intervertebral disc herniation type 2
This type of herniation is where the disc bulges out in the spinal cord. This type is progressive and is sometimes painful. The chronic spinal cord compression with this type often causes atrophy of the spinal cord. Most animals present acutely but some can be progressive.

Common signs of IVDD apart from yelping are posture changes such as hunched back with head down. Shivering, panting, unwillingness to move, difficulty going up/downstairs, a drunken gait. In severe cases paralysis on hind limbs, occasionally all 4 limbs affected. These cases tend to have no bladder or faecal control.

Treatment
MRI scans are generally performed to specify the exact area/s that's effected. Conservative management can be a success.
Animals that have lost pain sensation are a surgical emergency and are extremely unlikely to respond to conservative management. Normally to start the animals are crate rested and allowed out for short toilet breaks only. Eventually physiotherapy will begin and progress to hydrotherapy. The dogs natural healing process can repair the damage to the spinal cord depending on severity and results of the MRI. If they're suffering from paralysis then surgery is the best prognosis. The animals are most likely to regain walking function and be pain free.

Surgery depends on what type of IVDD they have but they tend to the nucleus pulposus are removed. The disc material in the spinal cord isn't removed. This is called fenestration and may or may not be done with decompressive surgical technique.
Decompressive surgery is removal of the extruded disc material from the vertebrae canal.

After surgery the animal will stay under the specialists care until ready to go home.

Picture from Django

26/09/2024

Happy national animal therapists day.

Today is National Animal Therapist Day
🐴🐶🫏🐘🐱🐰🐷🐮🦁🐧🦆🫏🦒🐄🐑🐕🐈

A day to celebrate and be thankful for the hard and passionate work of all animal therapists.

Massage therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and other specialist complimentary therapists work hard to keep our pets and working animals fit and healthy alongside owners and veterinarians – internationally. 🌍🌎🌏

How are you celebrating today? Tag us in your posts and use