Can Physiotherapy or Hydrotherapy Help My Dog with Degenerative Myelopathy?

Yes, Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy are both excellent ways you can help your dog live with Degenerative Myelopathy.

Even though Degenerative Myelopathy is often a fatal medical condition, staying active, keeping fit and making sure your dog stays healthy, will all help your dog’s mood and confidence.

Physiotherapy 

Physiotherapy is the physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery to help a medical condition.

• Relieving pain
• Improving joint mobility, flexibility and range
• Improving muscle health, mass and strength (often dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy will have muscle loss)
• Stretching and massage practices
• Laser therapy
• Cold / warm therapy
• Magnetic therapy
• Acupuncture
• Sound wave therapy
• Electrotherapy
• Hydrotherapy (which will be explained below)

Hydrotherapy 

Hydrotherapy uses a pool, sometimes with exercises, to help your dog with a medical condition. Facilities include a treadmill, swimming and walking.

Hydrotherapy can help your dog with Degenerative Myelopathy by:

• Increasing or stabilising your dog’s muscle mass - muscle in the rear legs and lower back often deteriorates with Degenerative Myelopathy
• Improves range of motion in joints 
• Stimulates the growth of nerve endings
• Improves circulation
• Reduces swelling
• Increases weight loss, if needed
• Alleviates muscle spasms
• Improves cardiovascular fitness

Read more about Degenerative Myelopathy here

Read more about Degenerative Myelopathy - Causes, Prevention and How To Help https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/degenerative-myelopathy

Read more about dog wheelchairs here

Read how a dog wheelchair can help your dog live an active life with Degenerative Myelopathy https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-wheelchairs