It seems the dogs of Worcester just can't get enough of the water as our 3rd dog this year has successfully completed their 100 swims at Brentknoll Vets in Worcester.
When “Oscar” first visited Brentknoll he was just over a year old and been rescued by his current owner Mrs Jones. Weighing in at 32kg he was struggling with intermittent lameness on his front legs (which is no fun for a bouncy Labrador pup.) After a thorough examination and X-rays he was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis in both Elbows at the age of 2.
He was switched to a calorie controlled diet to help him lose the excess weight and prescribed pain relief and anti inflammatory medication along with gentle exercise and lots of rest. After a few months it was clear that the diet food alone wasn't going to work for Oscar as his weigh slowly crept up to 35.7kg. He was prescribed a course of Hydrotherapy at Brentknoll Vets to provide him with the exercise that he needed to lose the weight whilst being gentle on his fragile joints.
He was initially a little anxious in the water but it didn’t take him long to find his feet....
Since then Oscar has visited week by week and has become a true water baby, at 11 years old not only is he full of energy he has lost 8kg in weight and kept it off for 8 years!
We hope he continues to enjoy the benefits from his regular swimming; there's no signs of this old boy slowing down!
Sharon Wallace runs the Hydrotherapy clinic at Brentknoll Vets in Worcester on Tuesdays and Saturdays, it’s great for exercise and weight loss as well as rehabilitation after illness or injury. Don’t forget that our heated pool is open all year round so even though the winter is fast approaching, your dog can still enjoy the benefits of Hydrotherapy. Call us on 01905 355938 to find out more or to arrange an appointment.
