Quincy's
  
   
 
 


1. Quincy’s Hydrotherapy Centre.

As of yet there is no formal study or course for canine hydrotherapy and as of September 2005 there are no formally recognised qualifications in canine hydrotherapy. 
At Quincy’s Hydrotherapy Centre, we try to set benchmark standards of treatment, operation, training, supervision, first aid, record keeping and water quality for all our clients. We also conduct research into canine hydrotherapy and welcome enquiries or contributions from any interested party in this respect. At our centre the staff are often experienced dog handlers, - breeders/competitors/trainers, who have owned a variety of dogs and who accept our own Aims and Code of Practice for the benefit of the dogs that we treat. This involves our staff:-

  • Liasing with veterinary surgeons prior to commencing hydrotherapy treatment. 
  • Ensuring water quality of the highest standard and keeping detailed records.
  • Maintaining formal records of each individual dog, condition, treatment and progress.
  • Liasing with veterinary surgeons after commencing the hydrotherapy treatment

In this way veterinary surgeons, pet insurance companies and - most importantly the dog owner - can use our pools in confidence.  

2. Fees & Charges

We charge you a fee payable on the day of treatment.  The fee payable is allowable by cash or cheque. We do not accept credit cards. Before any session we will tell you the amount of any fee in writing on our “about our services" form. Quincy’s Hydrotherapy Centre does reserve the right to refuse treatment to any dog. You are responsible for claiming back from your own insurance company. Please check with your insurance company prior to starting the hydrotherapy sessions.

3. Risk Warnings

Whilst every care is taken of the dogs undergoing treatment and in the maintenance of the water and equipment, all dogs receive hydrotherapy treatment entirely at their owner’s risk.

4. Benefits of swimming: -

Swimming helps to improve general fitness and stamina, improves muscle tone and is helpful in recovering from injury or operation. Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. Our primary focus is hydrotherapy for rehabilitation purposes. Just as with people, hydrotherapy can be used for animals after an injury or surgical procedure, or for chronic conditions, to help regain strength and mobility. It has been proven to speed recovery time from surgery, improve function and minimize complications such a muscle spasms, muscle atrophy, weakness, decreased range of motion, depression, poor circulation and refusal to bear weight. Early intervention may help animals to recover more quickly and completely.

5. Conditions helped by Hydrotherapy:

Studies have shown that hydrotherapy can help, both before and after surgery, to minimize the negative effects of a variety of conditions such as:

    1. Hip Dysplasia
    2. Cardiovascular Conditioning
    3. Spinal Injury or Surgery
    4. Obesity
    5. Elbow Dysplasia
    6. Hyperactivity
    7. Depression
    8. Osteochondrosis (OCD)
    9. Cruciate Ligament repair
    10. Cartilage Problems

6. How long will my pet need therapy?

Every animal is an individual; therefore the effects of therapy are different for each pet. Depending on your pet's presenting condition and the desired goals, therapy can last anywhere from 1 month (a few visits) to a few months or longer if a maintenance schedule is necessary. Although our aim is to help your dog reach full potential as quickly and effectively as possible, there are those pets that will benefit from and need therapy for maintenance. 

7. What if my pet can't or doesn't want to swim?

Hydrotherapy is very beneficial to non-walking dogs or for those dogs who have never swum before. The therapy is done in a very relaxed and caring way. Flotation jackets and hoists are available for dogs that need them.

8.What if my pet is hard to handle, can you still work with him/her?

YES

The centre is equipped to handle all sizes and types of dogs. Aggressive dogs are handled carefully, with owner participation. This is to keep the dog comfortable and calm. In our experience, a dog that is aggressive in certain settings may be aggressive during therapy initially because of pain, stress, or fear. Once the dog becomes used to the therapy setting, the aggression tends to disappear. During the initial phone conversation, we do ask if the dog has any history of people or animal aggression. It is especially important because there are times when there is more than one dog in the facility. Dogs can be kept separate if we are notified of aggressive behaviour ahead of time. Dogs with trust issues are handled much the same way. All dogs are much more comfortable because of the owner/handler is participating in the therapy.

9.How soon after a surgery can my dog begin therapy?

With your vets approval, as soon as the stitches are removed.

10. Is there anyone who is not a candidate?

In some instances we do not recommend therapy or we may discontinue the therapy. However, special considerations should be given to the following condition: Congestive heart failure, enlarged heart, epilepsy, diabetes, internal or external bleeding, and asthma. Notify your therapist of any conditions your pet may have and together, under veterinary supervision, we can approach the concerning issue(s).

11. Will the pool chemicals hurt my pet?

We have not had any adverse affects from the chemicals used in maintaining our pools. However, all the animals are rinsed and thoroughly bathed before leaving the facility.

12.Why do I need a veterinarian’s recommendation?

PURPOSE: To ensure that: -

  • An accurate diagnosis of any condition being treated is known, together with details of any treatment, surgical procedure or medication that has been undertaken or administered to the dog.
  • The dog’s veterinarian has the opportunity to pass on any areas of danger or caution.
  • A qualified veterinary surgeon has deemed that the dog’s general state of health is such that it is safe for the animal to undergo hydrotherapy.
  • The dog’s veterinarian is kept informed of the progress of any dog undergoing hydrotherapy treatment.