Teddy started hydrotherapy today

Diana

Diana

New member
We had our first underwater treadmill session this afternoon. Teddy kind of freaked out when the chamber started to fill with water and when the treadmill started to go, he was very quick to move his paws to the sides so he didn't have to walk (what a smart giuy!!) But, the therapist was awesome, very gently guided him to where he should be and he soon got into the rhythm of things. I was very proud of him, he did almost fifteen minutes!! We have 2 more sessions booked next week - hopefully they will go as well. The staff there are SO nice, they seem genuinely concerned and are so helpful!!

I want to thank everyone for all their support and advice. It really means a lot to me. I am going to start looking for a new vet, try Jane's herbal remedy and put off all thoughts of surgery for now. Teddy also has to lose about 20 pounds...we need to really start working on that as well.
 
newfical

newfical

New member
Good for you and Teddy. Do you live near any lakes or rivers. Walking in the water (not swimming0 is the best exercise for these guys.
 
BoundlessNewfs

BoundlessNewfs

New member
Glad he got the hang of it. Maggie's water therapy was in a pool, so she didn't have a chamber filling up...I'll bet that was a bit disconcerting for him!
 
N

Newfs Forever

New member
Diana,

I pm'ed you before I read your post. I am sorry. But, I am thrilled that you are trying hydrotherapy. I can't hurt, well...'cept maybe for the pocketbook.

I will bet anything it will help big time.

Good luck!
 
N

Newfs Forever

New member
Oooh, forgot to mention. I used bribery with Dex in the beginning, i.e. cookies.

When I would walk him on the beach, he wouldn't go near the water, so I figured I was going to be in for a bad time with him in the tank. He's been going now to hydrotherapy for 2 years, and no probs.
 
Prdmary

Prdmary

New member
Glad to hear his first visit went well! It'll take time to rebuild the muscles.....be patient and hopefully it will all work out............keep us posted!
 
baloobear2

baloobear2

New member
Yea Teddy! Just out of curousity how much does Teddy weigh? Oh what I would give to have this available in our area!! How long does it take typically before you see muscle building in the hind quarters? We don't really have sand either. Would grass be the next best thing?
 
Diana

Diana

New member
Teddy weighs 158 pounds - he is a large newf. Although he's not really overweight for his size, we need to get him really lean what with the hip and knee problems. I've cut way back on his food in the last few months, he gets only 2 1/2 cups of kibble a day with half a can of Wellness mixed in. I think I may have to go with a "diet" food. The therapist said we should notice a difference in 3 weeks - hopefully it won't be a "forever" thing as I will have to get a second job.

We do have a river that the dogs swim in but it's too far right now for Teddy to walk to (and it's still pretty cold in these parts). Hopefully by May or June he'll be able to walk far enough to get to the river....it would certainly save us some money.
 
baloobear2

baloobear2

New member
That's about what baloobear weighs, he is on large breed adult Innova. Eats about 2.5-3 cups. He needs more exercise pure and simple. I was wondering about surfaces that would be good. We have gravel, which he hates, and grass is in scarce sight these days but I think we are going to try and go to the park where we can cross country so to speak and that way he won't want to decorate lawns along the way(poop you can get but pee leaves a signature:(
 
BoundlessNewfs

BoundlessNewfs

New member
How long does it take typically before you see muscle building in the hind quarters?
Click to expand...
When we first started physical therapy with Maggie, it was several weeks before we could feel some muscle tone. It took a full three months before we saw her actually run across the back yard without doing her "bunny hop", and four months before she began to have fat deposits on her hips again. (Fat won't deposit where there is inadequate blood flow, and atrophied muscles evidently don't use lots of blood).
 
baloobear2

baloobear2

New member
That's encouraging:) Baloo just needs to have his tummy switch with his back side :) In all fairness I do too!:) Thanks for the info everybody
 
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