Canine Fitness Centre

Hydrotherapy

The Canine Fitness Centre offers state of the art aquatic therapy equipment. FERNO's Aqua Paws underwater treadmill system is the first of its kind in Canada.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

• WARMTH of the water (29°C-32°C) helps relax muscles, decreases pain and muscle spasm, and increases range of motion.

• HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE of the water reduces swelling by creating a perpendicular pressure in all directions to the body and limbs, minimizing or resolving edema in distal parts of the body during exercise.

• RESISTANCE of the water promotes maximum muscle movement and increased range of motion with minimum pain. It also provides for a harder work out as heart rate and oxygen consumption can be greater.

• BOUYANCY of the water decreases the concussion of bones and joints during exercise. It also helps to provide assistance in the animal with weakness and poor balance and co-ordination.

AQUA Paws Characteristics

• Easy access to exercise chamber (particularly for animals with difficulty    walking)
• Clear doors and windows for excellent viewing
• Water automatically heated, treated, and filtered (water quality is checked    and recorded regularly)
• Water height regulated to accommodate different breeds and adjust for weight    bearing
• Adjustable treadmill speed, incline, and resistance (with the use of water jets) • Digital wall display for treadmill speed, time, and distance

Examples of Indications for Hydrotherapy

• Soft tissue injuries
• Osteoarthritis
• Orthopedic post-operative
• General muscle weakness (geriatric)
• Neurologic conditions (weakness, ataxia)
• A 'down' animal
• General muscular strengthening and aerobic conditioning
• Weight loss and weight management

Hydrotherapy Diagram