North Kent Canine Hydrotherapy

North Kent Canine Hydrotherapy

Download our hydrotherapy client leaflet hereOur hydrotherapy suite is run by two fully qualified hydrotherapists, Louise Collins (currently on maternity leave) & Eden Eckley.

Louise is a qualified hydrotherapist with a level 3 certificate in hydrotherapy, she has 13 years experience as a hydrotherapist and joined us from another busy centre.

In 2021 Eden attended Greyfriars Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy and achieved a Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy.

Louise’s experience and knowledge, combined with both of their hydrotherapy qualifications allows them to individually plan each session to your pet’s specific requirements.

Hydrotherapy can benefit many conditions, a few of the most common conditions we help are:

• Pre and post-operative rehabilitation e.g. TPLO, Hip Replacement, Patella Luxation Surgery, Fracture Repair & Spinal Surgery.
• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Cruciate injuries.
• Spinal conditions.
• Obesity.
• Degenerative myelopathy.
• For fun & fitness!

How does it help?

• Using the water buoyancy reduces weight bearing and alleviates pressure on the surgical limb.  In turn this helps to decrease pain and minimise the weight placed on the joints and muscles.
• Increase resistance to help build up strength and muscle.
• Therapeutic heat increases blood flow and relaxes muscle spasms.
• Hydrostatic pressure within the water increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage and so reduces oedema, swelling & inflammation of post-operative areas.
• Increase sensory perception.
• Increase joint range of movement and progressing to increase muscle bulk, strength and tone.
• Prevent secondary complications as a result of gait abnormalities, limb disuse and muscle contracture.

Benefits of the treadmill.

• Encourages correct use of the surgical limb by reducing limb rotation and improving weight bearing.
• Controls the speed to ensure the dog walks slowly and purposely for limb use.
• Stabilises the patient to walk straight and encourage correct weight distribution.
• Increases ROM (range of motion) and flexion of the knee and reduces compensation to the other limbs.
• Enables us to perform static exercises to correct pastoral balance, limb use and build strength.
• Provides progressive adjustments through the treadmill to advance your dogs recovery.
• Provides mental & physical stimulation while exercise restrictions are in place.
• Increases sensory proprioception.
• Can help prevent secondary complications as a result of gait abnormalities such as limb issues and muscle contractures.
• Helps to re-educate the gait.
• Increases circulation, stamina and strength.
• Decreases pressure from joints and reduces inflammation.

Having the hydrotherapy facility on site at our Meopham Veterinary Hospital is hugely beneficial for client continuity as our patients no longer need to travel long distances for this complimentary therapy. You do not need to be registered with any of our Veterinary sites to use our hydrotherapy services.  We do however require your Veterinary Surgeon’s consent in order to provide these sessions for your pet.  Please ask your Vet to complete the referral form below or alternatively, we can email this form to your Veterinary Surgeon. 

We are situated in North Kent and are easily accessible from both the M20 and the A2.  Conveniently located on the A227 only 15 minutes from Gravesend, 25 minutes from Sevenoaks and 30 minutes from Maidstone. 

For more videos on how Hydrotherapy can benefit your pet, please visit our YouTube channel using the link below.

Enquiries can be made using our contact page, Meopham Veterinary Hospital phone number or email us on hydro@meophamvets.co.uk

Our hydrotherapy suite is open Monday -Friday with late evening availability on a Monday & Tuesday – please call to discuss availability.