Veterinary Medicine - April 2009 - (Page 190)

Special Section PEER-REVIEWED UNDERWATER TREADMILL THERAPY requirements. Water- lled pools are also quite heavy, so ooring strength is important as well. MAINTENANCE Each unit has unique maintenance requirements, but all require some mechanical maintenance and sanitation. Underwater treadmills can be used with salt water or fresh water and can be sanitized with chlorine (may make dogs vomit or have diarrhea if they ingest a substantial amount), bromine, or copper. Ozone can be added to aid in disinfection and lower the amount of primary sanitizer needed to maintain a safe environment. Sand lters or cartridge lters can be used, but they need to be large since a considerable amount of oil and particulate are expelled from canine coats. A local pool store has the ability to test your water for particulate as well as chemicals. If you let them know how many gallons are in your tank, they have a computer system to tell you what you need to add. It is usually a free service. 3. The patient is wearing a balloon to increase stiﬂe ﬂexion and increase surface area to amplify resistance. Designs; harnesses and strap accessories provided by the treadmill manufacturers) can be placed on the patient. This harness is attached by a nylon strap or a bungee cord to either an eyehook in the ceiling or a bar that is supported by the tank. The harness permits increased dif culty by allowing for mild side to side and up and down motion that engages the trunk musculature. This assistance allows the therapist to work with the patient’s limbs without worrying about its balance. Most assistive devices that help patients improve walking on land can also be used underwater, but be aware that the effects may differ. For example, although weights might be used out of water to achieve increased flexion or resistance, balloons or water wings are more appropriate underwater (Figure 3). • Ferno Veterinary Systems (www .fernovetsystems.com) • Shor-Line (www.shor-line.com) • HydroHound (www.hydrohound .com) • Musculoskeletal Therapies for Animals (www.mtavet.com/hydro/hydrotread .htm) • Westcoast Animal Rehabilitation Equipment (www.animalrehab.co.uk /animalrehab/) • Hedo/Focus It (www.eswt.net) • Therapy for Dogs (www.therapy fordogs.com) • Milestone Equipment (www.mil estoneequipment.com). Appropriate gear (e.g. wetsuits, nonslip shoes) is a good investment to keep the therapist safe and warm. A blow dryer for patients is essential in cooler climates, but towels may suf ce in warmer areas. Toys and harnesses for patients are also helpful. Other considerations when purchasing an underwater treadmill include adequate space for the pool and ltration system, a water source to ll the pool, and drainage availability when the pool needs to be partially or fully drained. If a basement is not available to store the ltration system, in some areas of the country the holding tank can be placed outside the building with piping coming in to diminish the spatial CONCLUSION In our experience, underwater treadmill therapy can be bene cial not only in patients with injuries but also in patients with osteoarthritis and obesity. Additionally, it can be used for conditioning healthy canine athletes. This wide scope of use can make underwater treadmill therapy a great addition to many practices. REFERENCES 1. Levine D, Rittenberry L, Millis DL. Aquatic therapy. In: Millis D, Levine D, Taylor RA, eds. Canine rehabilitation and physical therapy. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Saunders, 2004;264-276. 2. Ruoti RG, Morris DM, Cole AJ. Aquatic rehabilitation. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1997:71-79. 3. Jackson A, Millis D, Stevens M, et al. Joint kinematics during underwater treadmill activity, in Proceedings. 2nd Int Symp Rehabil Phys Ther Vet Med 2002;191. 4. Marsolais GS, McLean S, Derrick T, et al. Kinematic analysis of the hind limb during swimming and walking in healthy dogs and dogs with surgically corrected cranial cruciate ligament rupture. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003;222(6):739-743. 5. Zink MC. Peak performance: coaching the canine athlete. 2nd ed. Lutherville, Md: Canine Sports Productions, 1997. 6. Tragauer V, Levine D, Millis DL. Percentage of normal weight bearing during partial immersion at various depths in dogs, in Proceedings. 2nd Int Symp Rehabil Phys Ther Vet Med 2002;189-190. 7. Dunning D, McCauley L, Knap K, et al . Effects of water temperature on heart and respiratory rate, rectal temperature and perceived exertional score in dogs exercising in an underwater treadmill, in Proceedings. 3rd Int Symp Rehabil Phys Ther Vet Med 2004;217. EQUIPMENT Several commercial treadmills are available. The best way to evaluate a treadmill is to work with a functional unit after receiving appropriate training. In addition, experienced practitioners who already use underwater treadmills may be excellent sources of information about the ease of use and maintenance of a particular unit. Companies that produce or distribute commercially available models and some that will build a custom model include: 190 April 2009 VETERINARY MEDICINE http://www.fernovetsystems.com http://www.fernovetsystems.com http://www.shor-line.com http://www.hydrohound.com http://www.hydrohound.com http://www.mtavet.com/hydro/hydrotread.htm http://www.animalrehab.co.uk/animalrehab http://www.animalrehab.co.uk/animalrehab http://www.eswt.net http://www.therapyfordogs.com http://www.therapyfordogs.com http://www.milestoneequipment.com http://www.milestoneequipment.com

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Veterinary Medicine - April 2009 Contents Idea Exchange Practical Matters An Update on Gallbladder Mucoceles in Dogs Digital Radiography Equipment Benefits and Considerations How to Perform a Two-portal Laparoscopic Ovariectomy Author Guidelines CE Form/Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - April 2009

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