Front Matter

Chapter 9 Aquatic Therapy 215

Assessment of progress

Frequent review with the client identifies pro-
gress throughout the phases of aquatic therapy
with the treatment plan and goals adjusted
accordingly. Written progress notes, includ-
ing functional status, muscle circumference,
PROM, gait status, body condition score (BCS),
treatment summary, adjusted goals and plan,
are sent to the referring veterinarian monthly.
An aquatic therapy maintenance program
can be started once aquatic rehabilitation is
completed, or can be used for cross training
exercise. Maintenance programs are generally
provided by a therapist but some facilities offer
self‐swim programs for patients. Clients with
performance dogs often desire self‐swim
programs.

Equipment used in aquatic therapy

Specific aquatic equipment is used to improve
swimming and facilitate accomplishment of
rehabilitation goals (Levine et al., 2014).

Life vests

A life vest provides control, improves leveling,
and builds patient confidence. The life vest
should be nonrestrictive to allow for complete
motion of the shoulders and hips, and it should
be easy to don and doff.

Harnesses

Harnesses are used on canine athletes that have
prior pool experience and dogs that no longer
need a life vest. Harnesses should exhibit the
same qualities as the life vest.

Slings

Slings are used for safe transitions into and out of
the pool. The sling reduces potential injury from
slipping or struggling at the pool stairs. Once the
patient is comfortable with transitions into and
out of the pool, sling use can be discontinued.

Head wraps

Head wraps or snoods reduce the amount
of  head shaking by preventing water from

entering the ears (Figure 9.4). Lamb’s wool (not

cotton) contains lanolin and repels water. The

wool can be applied to the ear canal and secured

with the head wrap.

Balance equipment

Balance equipment use increases coordination,

balance, and muscle strength (Abidin et  al.,

1988; Bates & Hanson, 1992; Ruoti et al., 1997).

A floating foam kick board is used on the water

to accomplish effects similar to those of a wob-

ble board on land (Figure 9.5). This floating bal-

ance board has advantages over land‐based

Figure 9.4 A water snood prevents water entering the

ears and is helpful in reducing head shaking.

Figure 9.5 A floating balance board in the pool

increases limb and core strength.