214 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
strength training. Throwing a ball off a backdrop
encourages treading water, and is an intense
strengthening work out. These games are good
strength‐training exercises for the rehabilitating
canine athlete when vigorous land exercise or
training are otherwise restricted. They also assist
in preparing for returning to sports that require
quick responsiveness, rapid acceleration, and
speed while running and jumping. Leg weights
and swim mitts (see “Equipment used in aquatic
therapy”) can be added to increase resistance.
Balance
Balance is improved, especially for the neurologi-
cally impaired patient, with water standing exer-
cises. Swimming, especially in current ( turbulence),
requires body stabilization, which improves bal-
ance. Patients under 40 pounds (18 kg) can stand
on a floating kick board (see “Equipment used in
aquatic therapy”) to improve balance.
Coordination
Coordination is improved with stationary
and swimming exercises. Early limb movement
from swimming helps to speed and improve gait
sequencing on land in humans but has not been
studied in canine patients (Lavoie & Montpetit,
1986; Bishop et al., 1989). Backward walking or
lateral stepping is performed on the bench or
stair to enhance coordination (Figure 9.3). Shaking
water from the coat after swimming helps to
improve balance and coordination during early
neurological recovery.
Postural awareness
Postural awareness is improved during early neu-
rological recovery with exercises such as pendu-
lum swings (supporting the dog under the axillae
and gently swaying the dog through the water
side to side), turning or circling on the bench, or
sit‐to‐stand exercises performed while on the step
or bench. Many of the proprioceptive neuromus-
cular facilitation (PNF) exercises that are per-
formed on land can be safely completed during
aquatic therapy sessions. During swimming,
especially with turbulent current, the trunk and
core muscles work to stabilize posture. Swimming
in tight circles, figure eights, and zigzags further
increase postural challenges.
Speed
As conditioning improves, the swimming
speed increases with enthusiastic coaxing and
the addition of lures and games. Water speed,
such as with resistance jets, is also slowly
increased to add the challenges of turbulence
and resistance.Endurance
Endurance improves via increased duration
of swimming sets. Initially, swimming sets
may be as short as 1 minute. Each set is fol-
lowed by a rest period and the cycle is
repeated, perhaps four to six times, depend-
ing on tolerance. The therapist monitors
progress and steadily increases the duration
of swimming time, reducing rest periods.
Physical and emotional factors are considered
including pulse, respiration, and evidence of
anxiety. Progressively lengthened sets are
especially beneficial for dogs returning to
endurance sports that involve long‐distance
running or sustained activities.Figure 9.3 Using wide stairs in the pool allows a safe
entry and exit.