What are the opening hours?

Monday 2:30am - 7:15pm Tuesday 11:45am - 6:30pm Wednesday 8am - 2:30pm Thursday 8am - 2:30pm Friday 8:15am - 12pm

https://meophamvets.co.uk/hydrotherapy/

North Kent Canine Hydrotherapy, Meopham Veterinary Hospital, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Gravesend, Kent (2024)

07/09/2024

Patella luxation
What is patella luxation?
The patella is a small bone at the front of the stifle joint (knee cap in humans).
The Patella is positioned between the quadriceps muscle and a tendon that attaches to the shin bone (tibia). Also known as the quadriceps mechanism.
The patella will glide into a groove at the end of the thigh bone (femur) as it's flexed and extended.
Occasionally the patella can slip out of the groove. This is known as Patella luxation. Generally it's the medial aspect of the knee (inside) but can happen laterally (outside).

Why does the patella luxate?
This happens because the Patella doesn't align properly with the underlying groove (trochlea). The result is abnormal tracking or movement so it slips out of the groove.
The cause of abnormal alignment is sometimes complex, involving varying degrees of deformity of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). If the case is very severe the femur can be bowed due to abnormal growth. They can have a bowed leg or knock kneed appearance.
This is common in poodles, Yorkshire terriers, staffs and Labradors. It's normally bi lateral and genetic.
Luxation due to trauma (injury) is uncommon.

What are the signs of Patella luxation?
A skipping action with the hind leg being carried for a few steps. This occurs when the patella slips out of the groove and back in again. If both patellas slip at the same time the dog or cat may struggle to walk and have a crouched action.

A vet will examine your dog and may find some atrophy (muscle wastage) over the quadriceps. Manipulation of the knee joint can detect the level of instability in the patella as it slips in and out of the groove.
The severity is then scored 1-4 with 4 being the most severe.
X-rays will provide more information about the presence of osteoarthritis and how severe it might be.

Treatment
Some dogs with Patella luxation can be managed without surgery. The milder the grade and smaller the dog the better chances of being successful. Hydrotherapy is often beneficial but normal exercise should be restricted. There are 3 types of surgery Quadriceps realignment surgery, trochlea deepening and femoral Ostetomy.

Quadriceps realignment surgery

This surgery involves moving a small piece of bone (tibial tuberosity) at the top of the shin that's attached to the patella and repositioning it so the patella is aligned with the groove. This procedure is called tibial tuberosity transportation. The bone that's transported is then attached with one or two small pins with it without additional support of a figure of 8 wire.
Following this surgery exercise must be restricted for the first few weeks until the bone and soft tissues heal. Keeping them on lead is best to keep them fully restricted. Confinement is recommended and no jumping or stairs. Hydrotherapy will be recommended.

Trochlea groove deepening surgery

This is a surgery that involves removing a wedge of bone or cartilage from the groove, to then deepen the groove and then replacing the block or wedge. This is a recession technique since they recess the surface of the groove and make it deeper. Whilst protecting the surface (cartilage) of the groove.

Femoral Ostetomy surgery
This surgery involves changing the shape of the deformed bone, cutting it and stabilising it in a new position with a plate and screws. This may be all that's needed to stabilise the patella but sometimes a tibial tuberosity transportation is performed.
Exercise needs to be restricted until the cut bone has healed. Lead exercise is recommended to avoid strenuous activity. Jumping and climbing should be avoided. X-rays are performed 6-8 weeks later following surgery to ensure bone is healing with no complications. Exercise can be increased in a controlled manner and hydrotherapy can begin.
Photo PDSA

06/09/2024

This handsome boy is Logan he has been having hydrotherapy with us for 10 months due to having spinal issues. Logan has ANNPE (Acute Non Compressive Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion) in L1-L2 and IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease) L7-S1.
Logan enjoys pieces of broccoli 🥦 after his reps in the underwater treadmill. A very healthy choice.

23/08/2024

Elbow dysplasia
What is elbow dysplasia?
Dysplasia means abnormal development of a tissue or organ. Elbow dysplasia therefore means that there has been abnorminal development of the elbow joint.

Due to the abnormal development of the elbow the consequences are that the 3 bones of the joint (humorous, radius and ulna) do not fit together which leads to abnormally high contact pressure. This will eventually lead to one of a number of different problems. One or more may occur in the same joint and at the same time.
- Fragment medial coronoid process (FCP)
-Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
-Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
Any-Medial compartment disease

Elbow dysplasia is more like an umbrella term for a number of different conditions of this joint.
It's much more common in dogs than cats. This condition may need a specialist vet in orthopaedics.

What are the signs of elbow dysplasia?
The symptoms will be the same for any of the above four conditions. Affected dogs may show signs in one or both fore limbs. Stiffness is generally seen as well as reluctance to exercise. Often the paws appear laterally (turned out). Coming downstairs is often very hard for them as they are forward loading and the elbows are sore. The most common age for signs to appear are between 6-10 months but some dogs can present when they're middle aged or even older dogs when they have advanced arthritis.

In most cases orthopedic examination will reveal elbow swelling and pain with a restricted ROM (Range of Motion) as the joint becomes thickened with the arthritis. A small number of dogs elbows are painful but not swollen and the diagnosis in these cases are challenging.
Diagnostic imaging is needed to confirm the diagnosis and x-rays are normally the first point. UAP is normally confirmed by x-rays. The other conditions FCP, OCD and MCD cannot always be distinguished by x-rays. A CT scan can be performed and this is a reliable non-surgical test.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to be performed when indicated.

Surgery isn't always recommended. The underlying problem is abnormal joint and surgery will not reverse the process and make the joint normal. All dogs with elbow dysplasia will develop arthritis to some degree. With or without surgery. This must be taken into consideration when deciding on surgery.
Many dogs can manage well with conservative measures.
1. Careful bodyweight control
2. Controlled exercise, avoiding boisterous activity, such as running, turning at speed, chasing a ball, rough and tumble with other dogs, breaking sharply and jumping down to land on their fores.
3. Hydrotherapy is very beneficial and efficient in working the muscles without overload. Which will help keep them fit and weight controlled
4. Dietary supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine. Can relieve some discomfort and stiffness.
Special diets to help weight control may be required.
5. Anti inflammatories might be prescribed as a daily or when needed basis.

Fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP)

Surgery is needed to remove fragments of bone this will lead to a good improvement in the dog at about 60/70% but not all dogs respond to this treatment.
Arthroscopy is recommended rather than open surgery as it's not the best way to inspect the joint and is minimally invasive. Both elbows can be operated under the same anaesthetic.

Because the joints don't fit together properly does mean that arthritis will develop on cases as the dog gets older. If there is a step between the joint surfaces of the radius and ulna then it may be necessary to cut the ulna 'Ulna Osteomy' which will improve the alignment of the bones and minimise the ongoing cartilage wear.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

In this condition an area of cartilage on the bottom of the humerous 'humeral condyle' does not develop properly and lifts off. This is also associated with abnormal development of bone underneath the affected cartilage.

Removing the flap of cartilage will improve lameness in some cases but like FCP not all cases will improve. The cartilage will not grow back so there will be a gap in the normal joint surface.
Arthritis will develop in most cases. Arthroscopy is recommended to look and remove these fragments this is relatively non-invasive under arthroscopic guidance.

Ununited anconeal process (UAP)

The anconeal process of the ulna is part of the elbow joint . This part of the bone develops from a separate centre of growth to the rest of the ulna the two part join together around 4 months old. Elbow dysplasia can lead to pressure on the anconeal process which stops it joining the rest of the ulna. In most cases this will show up on x-ray.

If the diagnosis is made with a dog under 8 months then UAP can be fixed back with a screw. In these cases the ulna needs to be sectioned to take the abnormal pressure off the anconeal process and allow it to heal.
Arthroscopy is recommended as many dogs with UAP have FCP. In older dogs the UAP rarely joins back to the ulna even with surgery and may need to be removed. In mild cases it's best to leave it in place.

Medial compartment disease (MCD)

In some dogs the abnormal pressure of the joint surface of the other leads to the cartilage being worn away. The underlying bone is then exposed and the joints become very inflamed and arthritic. Several surgical procedures have been developed to help remove the forces of weight bearing away from these areas (proximal dynamic ulnar Osteomy and sliding humeral Osteomy). These are last resort.

13/08/2024

Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where there's abnormal development of the hip joint. The condition leads to joint laxity (slackening of the soft tissue around the joint). The condition can happen as early as 7 weeks old.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint which means the two sides of the joint don't fit together properly (incongruent) which leads to abnormal shaping of the joint.
The ball joint will flatten and the socket widens and becomes saucer like. Secondary arthritis will eventually develop (sometimes it develops quickly). Generally both hips are affected.

What causes hip dysplasia?
The condition is generally genetic (multiple genes are involved). Genetics are from either or both parents and therefore the dogs DNA.
However some environmental factors can be involved such as diet and body condition.

What are the signs of hip dysplasia?
The most common sign is limping in the hind limbs. This can be one or bilateral. The dog can appear worse after rest and upon rising. Lame in walks. Reduced tolerance to exercise, and a swaying hind limb gait (wiggly back end). The condition generally presents at 6-12 months of age. Older dogs can present when osteoarthritis becomes deliberating. Some dogs have the condition and show no obvious clinical signs. Young dogs tend to feel pain due to stretching of the joint soft tissues which contain nerve fibres. With older dogs it's due to loss of cartilage in the joint.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis is when clinical signs mentioned above with a combination of clinical examination and x-rays are performed.
These are done under general anaesthesia because when under sedation the vet can detect any laxity in the joint during hip manipulation.

Treatment

This is based on the severity of condition and the clinical signs.
If more mild the non surgical/conservative route can be body weight control, exercise control, antiinflammatory medication, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and supplements. Other options may need to be discussed of the condition worse but they're are many positive results following this option.

In the more severe cases then surgery is the only option. Each surgery will alter the anatomy of the joint.

Juvenile p***c symphysiodesis (JPS)
This surgery has the best chance of working on dogs under 5 months. The surgery involves prematurely fusing a portion of the growing part of the pelvis this is performed to improve the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket). If successful this alters the hip anatomy and will help to stop the hip trying to luxate. The surgery is relatively straightforward and involves electrical cauterisation of the p***c symphysis (part of the underside of the pelvis). Dogs with severe signs should not have this surgery as they are unlikely to respond to this procedure.

Double or triple pelvic osteotomy ( DPO/TPO)
These surgeries also try to change coverage of the femoral head and socket by making two or three cuts in the bones on the pelvis.
The fragments are then fixed into their new placement using a bone plate and screws which alters the pelvic shape. Again both of these procedures are better in dogs with more mild laxity which is still confirmed with x-rays. Older patients with OA (osteoarthritis) will not where the hip joint is removed and rrespond favourably with this procedure.

Total hip replacement (THR)
This is a techniqueeplaced with a metal ball and plastic cup. This can be performed on Chuihahas to Great Danes thanks to recent developments in the implant technology.
Cats can also have this surgery.
Although the disease can be in both joints sometimes only the procedure will need to be done in one joint to significantly improve their quality of life. Others will need both operated on. The THR success rate is 90% and most patients are comfortable within a few days of surgery.

Femoral head and neck incision (FHNE)
This procedure involves removing the hip joint and a false hip joint will develop from scar tissue. Where a THR is not a viable option due to financial constraints or individual anatomy the FHNE is a good option. Most patients will be left with a limp or gait abnormality but with adequate pain relief can have a good quality of life. Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can help maximise limb function for the patient.

Hydrotherapy in a controlled manner can really help these patients improve muscle mass and strength to the limb. While supporting the rest of the joint and body as a whole.

06/08/2024

Cruciate ligament disease or injury
Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is the same as an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in humans.
CrCL is a band of fibrous tissue that attaches femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin) to prevent the tibia from shifting forward.
It also helps to prevent the stifle (knee) joint from rotating or over extending.
When the ACL ruptures in humans it's generally due to an injury from a sport activity sick as football, rugby etc. However Cruciate Ligament Disease in dogs is different rather than the ligament breaking due to excessive trauma like a twist playing football, it's slowly degenerates. In the vast majority of dogs the CrCL ruptures due to long term degeneration. The ligament weakens over time. Although we don't know exactly why this happens genetic factors are important.
Like any genetic factors they can be more common in certain breeds. Which tend to be Labradors, Westies, Rottweilers and Boxers.
The genetic link has been confirmed by assessing family lines. Generally rupturing early on in life.
Other factors are conformation in the dog, obesity, inflammatory conditions and hormonal imbalances can play a role.

So what are the signs that you may see?
Limping - sometimes it is sudden and others it's progressive and intermittent. Dogs can often find it difficult to rise after long periods of sleep or rest. Showing signs of pain which can be seen as nibbling at the area/limb including paws and licking lips.

Once diagnosed by the vet. The steps would be for the way to decide the best procedure depending on the severity and weight of the dog. Along with surgery hydrotherapy is a great way to help recover from the operation (once the vet has cleared them). Physiotherapy and weight management are all good tools to help encourage healing after surgery.

Types of surgery
Tibial Plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) - the tibia is cut at the top and the Plateau segment is rotated until the previous slope of the bone is no longer present.
Then plate and screws are used to fix in place.

Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) - a cut in the tibia but this time it changes its geometry that will render the CRCL redundant. Again neutralising the femur slipping down tibia.

Bone healing is more efficient than ligament healing. Most dogs will be weight bearing (WB) in 1 - 3 days after surgery so a quicker return to function which is so important especially in the larger breeds.
At Meopham veterinary hospital we recognise how important therapy is for the recovery and offer hydrotherapy and physiotherapy as part of the package with surgery.

Occasionally the vet will also need to perform meniscal surgery. Meniscal is cartilage and are shock absorbers and improve the joints fit. They can occur in 50 to 90% of CrCL cases and rarely isolated injuries but may be more likely in canine athletes due to trauma.

29/07/2024

Arthritis
Do you think your dog is suffering from arthritis? Below are a list of symptoms if this sounds similar to your dog then contact your vet for advice including potential pain relief. You can also get advice on supplements and feeding. Hydrotherapy is fantastic for arthritis (explained below).
Signs of arthritis
- intermittent lameness
- stiffness ( when rising or generally)
- exercise intolerance
- less/refusing to jump on the sofa, bed, car etc
- unwilling to go up or down stairs
- several attempts to get comfortable
- general fidgeting and unsettledness.

Aging is inevitable and unfortunately like us dogs can be prone to arthritis but making some changes around the house along with good pain relief, supplements and therapies can help to manage symptoms.
- placing rugs/ runners around the home to allow them to grip better on rising.
- lifting food and water bowls up
- drying them after being outside when it's wet
- in colder months getting them a coat
- using ramps where possible to get them in and out of the car, house and into the garden
- comfortable beds that support and in a draft free position. Big enough for them to fully stretch out
- using steps or ramp to get on and off the sofa

Hydrotherapy can help with arthritis
-The decrease of pressure from the joints can help reduce inflammation and increased blood circulation and cardio fitness will improve stamina and strength all while providing mental stimulation that the arthritic patients are unable to receive due to no longer tolerating/having reduced walks
- reduced weight bearing through limbs will alleviate pressure on the joints which allows dogs to move more freely on land
- cushion effects on the joints which can help improve muscle mass and strength
- the water is heated between 28/32 degrees this will increase blood flow and relax muscle spasms helping muscles to relax
- help with lymphatic drainage blood flow, reduce swelling and help muscles to relax
Arthritis can affect the younger patient as well but following the tips above can help support them. Drop a question in the comments or if you would like further advice.

23/07/2024

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy means 'water healing' in Greek and can be dated back to being used as far back as 2400bc.
Hydrotherapy is being in water and moving whether that is swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill (UWTM). It's a lot more than just that as explained below in the properties of water.
Resistance - resistance in the water allows a cushioning effect in the joints as it's greater in water. This will then help build up muscle mass and strength. It is harder to walk in water than land but is far more beneficial for a recovering patient, Injured or has a degenerative condition.
Hydro static pressure - pressure exerted through the body will help lymphatic drainage, blood flow and reduce inflammation and swelling.
Buoyancy - water has a buoyant element to its properties. This will reduce weight bearing through limbs( in the UWTM) and completely non weight bearing whilst swimming in a hydro pool. This will help alleviate pressure on the joints and will allow the dog to move more freely.
Therapeutic heat - the water is heated between 28-33 degrees which allows increased blood flow and relax muscle spasms helping muscles to relax.

Hydrotherapy will decrease pressure from the joints and in turn reduces inflammation, Increases blood circulation and cardio fitness and stamina. Improves strength and provides mental stimulation.

The UWTM can also realign the gait pattern which is especially important in the spinal cases we see.

Hydrotherapy is useful to help with a range of conditions. (Some are listed below).
- Arthritis
- Cruciate ligament repair
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patella luxation
- Intervertebral disc disease type 1
- Intervertebral disc disease type 2
- Spondylosis
- Weight loss
Etc...
Each week I will be posting about a condition that's listed and explaining what the condition is.

05/07/2024

We've made it to another Friday. Who is ready for the weekend? What has everyone got planned? Are you busy or will it be a relaxing one? I'm not sure how relaxing it can be at mine now with twins but we will do our best. Bear will enjoy some family walks for sure. But remember yesterday's post? Remember to check your dogs for grass seeds.
Have a lovely weekend everyone 😊💙💜

04/07/2024

It's that time of year again where these become a serious problem for your dogs.
Check your dog after every walk

1. Paws - in-between pads and toes
2. Ears - inside, outside everywhere really
3. Nose and mouth yes these too
4. Along their bodies - literally all over and the tail
5. Basically everywhere and anywhere

If you see one and you're able to remove yourselves then do but if you are unable to then contact a vet immediately. They can migrate and cause issues very quickly.

These issues can be seen below along with any symptoms they can cause.

PAWS - Limping, swelling, redness, heat and licking of paws. The seeds can migrate to joints, ligaments and tendons. Causing pain and discomfort.
SKIN - Visible seeds sticking out, swelling and chewing on an effected area. Once penetrated through skin this can cause significant internal tissue damage and infection. Abscesses and sores.
NOSE AND AIRWAYS - Nasal discharge, difficulty breathing and sneezing. These can cause pneumonia, internal tissue damage. Lung infection and airway blockages.
EYES- Tears, rubbing of the eye, discharge, redness and inflammation. Problems could be corneal ulcer, potentially losing eyesight.
MOUTH AND THROAT - Struggling to eat, drink, swallow and coughing. Problems include swelling and inflammation of the mouth including tonsils, tissue damage to internal organs and weight loss.
EARS - Scratching of the ear with a paw or on surfaces. Shaking of the head and redness. Issues can include ruptured eardrum, ear infection and deafness.

If any doubt get it checked out.

04/07/2024

Keep scrolling for a happy smile 😊
Logan is looking forward to the weekend.

03/07/2024

This is the lovely Buddie. He belongs to our receptionist at the Sevenoaks branch. As you can see from the video he is very excited for hydrotherapy. The photo of Buddie having his hydrotherapy treatment (in comments).

07/06/2024

Happy Friday everyone 😊
It's nearly the weekend what are you up to?

16/04/2024

Hi everyone, meet Troy. He had his second session with us today for a cruciate repair. He is the biggest softie that loves to cuddle but he does love his chicken more.

31/03/2024

Happy Easter everyone. I hope you're having a lovely day and enjoying the long weekend. Swipe to see some common dangers associated with Easter. 🐇🐣🐰🐥

25/12/2023

Please remember the below can be very poisonous to your dogs.

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you have a lovely day xx 🎁🎄🦌

12/12/2023

The lovely Petronella who had hydrotherapy today for a luxating patella. She has begun to build her confidence up since starting hydrotherapy and is now a lot more comfortable.

17/11/2023

Reggie's back. Do you remember back in April when we said a temporary goodbye to Reggie as he was off to Spain for the summer. Well today is his first day back and he remembered everything and seemed to have really missed it. I definitely missed you and your lovely family Reggie 💙

17/11/2023

Reggie's back. Do you remember back in April when we said a temporary goodbye to Reggie as he was off to Spain for the summer. Well today is his first day back and he remembered everything and seemed to have really missed it. I definitely missed you and your lovely family Reggie 💙

04/11/2023

Please make sure all pets are safe and indoors. They should have a safe space/den to hide in.

31/10/2023

🎃👻Happy Halloween 🎃👻
Please keep your pets safe

09/09/2023

Hey everyone. I'm hoping you're enjoying the weekend on the hottest day of the year. Please make sure your pets have access to clean water at all times. You've provided shade and a cool area for them. Most importantly please do not walk your dogs in this heat.

26/08/2023

Happy international dog day
🐕🐶🐾

23/08/2023

Meet Larry, he comes for hydrotherapy for hip dysplasia. He loves his Hydrotherapy and of course the treats

15/08/2023

Handsome Flint came to us for hydrotherapy today for fun and for fitness. Flint is an agility dog.

05/08/2023

Handsome Patch waiting for the treadmill to fill up so he begin his treatment. When I say treatment I mean treats 🤭

23/07/2023

Happy Sunday everyone.
We're having a relaxing Sunday ready for the busy week ahead 🙂

17/07/2023

The very handsome Buddy came in for his maintenance hydrotherapy session tonight for cruciate ligament repair. Buddy continues to have hydrotherapy monthly to keep his muscles and joints supple and maintained.

12/07/2023

Meet Tiggy. She has been having hydrotherapy for a patella luxation after an operation to stabilise her patella.
Tiggy isn't keen on water but was amazing with the hydrotherapy and took it all in her stride.

Monday	2:30am - 7:15pm
Tuesday	11:45am - 6:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 2:30pm
Thursday	8am - 2:30pm
Friday	8:15am - 12pm

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