Post show recovery day in the underwater treadmill 💦
✨ Titan’s Story ✨
“On the 28th of July 2021, at around 19:00 that evening, or lives changed drastically.
Our beloved husky, Titan, was suddenly paralysed in his hind legs with no bladder or bowel control. Immediately we rushed to the vet, who confirmed that the sudden paralysis is due to a intervertebral disc pressing in the spinal cord. We were given our options: 1) euthanasia or 2) emergency spinal surgery which is only performed in Cape Town and which costs a pretty penny. We opted for a second opinion, which led us to George Animal Hospital. Dr Blignaut advised us to try a conservative method of treatment before considering surgery. Titan immediately received cortisone meds and we were instructed to keep him on strict crate rest for 6 weeks.
After the first 3 days, he was able to walk a bit with assistance, and after 10 days Dr Blignaut gave the green light for physio, and put us in contact with Carléa.
Carléa came to our house and did a full assessment of Titan. From there it gradually progressed to strength exercises as I suddenly learned that my dog has to strengthen his core in order for his back to be stronger. She also taught us how to do the different exercises in our own time, when to do them and what to expect. Fast forward a few months, I believe my dog had a six pack (who knows with all that husky fur😂), stronger back and he could walk. His walks were with a slight limp and Carléa explained that it will most probably stay like that as the spinal cord was injured. We honestly did not even care about his limp. I just wanted my dog to be able to walk again.
In November 2021, Titan started with hydrotherapy.
Every session went better than the previous one. Every day was another improvement!
Today, I still take Titan for the occasional hydrotherapy session every few weeks, as a personal decision because I will always be a bit paranoid after the whole ordeal. What can I say, Titan is my baby🥹❤️
He still walks with a slight limp,
Horses getting back into full swing for the new year! Look at the incredible muscle activation in the Equine Underwater Treadmill!
BENEFITS OF EQUINE SPA
Did you know we offer Equine Spa treatments at our clinic in Plettenberg Bay. But how does the spa benefit your horse?
The Spa aids in reducing pain, inflammation, swelling and improves circulation of joints, tendons and ligaments of the lower limb. This also aids in reducing the risk of injuries.
For more information and pricing please feel free to contact us.
We have been so lucky to be working with Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation on multiple of their rescues recently. Some still in rehab while others have successfully been released.
We have been treating wounds as well as making sure that the animals retain the muscular strength while in captivity.
A female Turkey at Tenikwa Wildlife Rehab that has some laceration wounds, receiving some laser therapy and falling asleep during treatment. 🤍
Jessie the Guide Dog doing her squats for the day! 💪🏼
Busy Friday afternoon in the Equine Clinic
Busy Friday afternoon in the Equine Clinic with Tasmyn doing Physiotherapy and Dr Tom and Dr Bronwyn treating horses! We love having a holistic team approach with every patient both Equine and Canine.
💦EQUINE UNDERWATER TREADMILL💦
We are so excited to finally share the news that we now have one of the first Equine Underwater Treadmills in South Africa, right here in Plettenberg Bay!
Look out for our post on the many benefits of the Equine Underwater Treadmill for sport horses and injuries.
Thank you so much to Anton from Aquatred for this incredible treadmill we are so excited!
Equine Clinic and Treatment stables
Our lovely new Equine Clinic and treatment stables almost complete! Wait till you see what’s inside!!
Oscar enjoying his Underwater Treadmill session!
Post show treatments and why they are important
🐴POST SHOW TREATMENTS AND WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT 🐴
Have you ever gotten out of the car and felt stiff and sore? We travel long distances with our horses in a confined, small space where they have to stabilise and activate multiple muscles on a trip to and from a show.
Added on they have done multiple classes over the weekend where they have competed at their peak performance. This all leads to a build up of lactic acid and delayed onset muscle soreness. This is where treatments come into play.
So what is the best thing to do the week after a show?
Day 1 - get them moving, let them have a light lunge go on a nice long walk.
Day 2 - do some light flatwork getting them long and low
We recommend your horse getting treatment on any of these two days post show to relieve any muscle pain and stiffness they would have accumulated during the show.
From there on you can carry on with your work programme as normal.
AIMEE ENJOYING HER UNDERWATER TREADMILL
Lovely video showing Aimee walking in the underwater treadmill. The Buoyancy of the water has assisted in correcting her gait and the resistance with building muscle on the affected limb.
✨UNDERWATER TREADMILL✨
Luka loving his underwater treadmill sessions strengthening up after surgery a few months ago. This exercise is excellent for post operative care as well as for any dog wanting to increase their fitness.