216 Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
balance equipment, as it can be used sooner in
therapy and, should the patient fall off, they fall
safely into water. These boards can be used for
dogs that weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less.
Leg weights
Leg weights are effective for building mus-
cle and can increase proprioceptive input
(Figure 9.6). Leg weights are used once pain has
resolved. Initially, the weight is used during
15–30% of the swim session. If there is no sore-
ness, the duration of leg weight use is slowly
increased. The amount of weight is determined
by patient size and degree of disability, begin-
ning with a small weight and slowly increasing
as strength improves. Wet hair is slippery and
hydrostatic pressure compresses the tissue so
the wrap should be snuggly applied while the
dog is dry.
Resistance swim mitts
Resistance swim mitts can be used in aquatic
rehabilitation to build muscle and exaggerate
range of motion (Figure 9.7) (Abidin et al., 1988;
Bates & Hanson, 1992; Ruoti et al., 1997). Mitts
are effective for thoracic limb issues because
they increase resistance during the pull phase
of the stroke. The work of the carpal flexors and
extensors is increased due to resistance and
viscosity. The mitt is initially used for 15–30%
of the swim session. If there is no pain or
soreness, the duration of mitt use is gradually
increased.
Foam pool noodles
A foam pool noodle can be placed under the
belly to assist buoyancy (Figure 9.8). This helps
the patient become level again when the pelvic
limbs sink. Once the patient learns to swim
properly, the noodle is removed.Toy s
Toys offer chasing games that encourage swim-
ming. These games also provide fun physical
and mental activity when vigorous land play is
restricted. Assorted sizes, shapes, and textures
of objects are provided. Toys with long loops of
rope should not be used because the thoracic
limbs can get caught in the loop. Toys should be
checked regularly to prevent aspiration of bro-
ken pieces. Intense swimmers should use balls
or decoys with center holes to allow the patientFigure 9.6 Leg weights used while swimming increase
affected limb strength. Figure 9.7^ Swim mitts increase resistance at the
pull phase of the stroke and improve limb strength.
Figure 9.8 A pool noodle helps patients to maintain
buoyancy until they are able to do so unassisted.