Rocky’s Viewpoint
Ataxia in dogs is a condition that impacts their coordination and balance, making even simple movements a challenge. As dog parents, we want to provide the best care possible for our furry companions. Hydrotherapy is a promising option for ataxia in dog. It helps them regain some of their mobility and improves their quality of life.
Ataxia refers to a disorder affecting the control of bodily movements. In dogs, it can be caused by various factors including genetic predisposition, illness, injury, or toxins that enter the dog’s nervous system. The main types of ataxia are cerebellar, sensory, and vestibular ataxia, each affecting different areas of the nervous system.
Common symptoms of ataxia include wobbliness, swaying, uncoordinated movements, and difficulty walking. Veterinarians diagnose ataxia through a combination of physical examinations, neurological assessments, and imaging tests such as MRIs or CT scans.
Hydrotherapy is a form of aquatic exercise that can benefit dogs with ataxia by providing low-impact physical therapy. The buoyancy of water reduces strain on the joints while the resistance helps build muscle strength and improve coordination.
Rocket has been coming to us for hydrotherapy for about a
month now. Her mother started
noticing symptoms and Rocket was diagnosed with Ataxia shortly after
receiving an injection for pain related to her arthritis.
Rocket couldn’t walk on her own or stand up for very long, due to the weakness in her back legs. After just a few hydrotherapy sessions with us, Rocket is starting to gain strength, can stand on her own for longer periods of time, and is walking more and more without assistance.
Finding a qualified hydrotherapist is the first step. Sessions typically involve a combination of swimming and other exercises designed to enhance mobility. Dog owners can expect their pets to gradually improve with consistent therapy.
Hydrotherapy offers hope and improvement when it comes to ataxia in dogs. It’s a gentle yet effective treatment that can make a significant difference in dogs’ lives. If you have a dog experiencing similar symptoms, give us a call at 407-295-3888 to explore hydrotherapy as a treatment option.
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