How Hydrotherapy Helps Dogs Recover from Common Orthopedic Conditions

When dogs suffer from orthopaedic conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, or patella luxation, it can seriously impact their quality of life. Mobility issues, pain, and muscle loss are common consequences, making rehabilitation a critical part of recovery. One of the most effective tools in canine rehabilitation is hydrotherapy — a low-impact, therapeutic form of exercise performed in water that can make a world of difference.

Let’s explore how hydrotherapy supports the recovery and management of four common orthopaedic conditions in dogs.

🦴 Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture

What to Look For:

Signs of a CCL rupture include lameness, swelling, pain, reluctance to exercise, and sometimes complete non-weight bearing on the affected leg.

Treatment Options:

• Conservative management relies on the body developing scar tissue (periarticular fibrosis) to stabilize the joint, but this often leads to arthritis and further complications. Also, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy is key in recovery.

• Extracapsular stabilisation uses a synthetic ligament to provide short-term stability, but muscle strength is essential for long-term success.

• Surgical options like Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) or Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) change joint mechanics to reduce instability and offer excellent long-term outcomes.

How Hydrotherapy Helps:

Hydrotherapy, especially in an underwater treadmill (UWTM), allows for:

• Controlled movement in the correct plane (sagittal), reducing joint stress

• Prevention of dangerous limb rotation that could further injure the meniscus

• Encouragement of proper gait and stride patterns

• Muscle strengthening, particularly of the quadriceps and biceps femoris — key stabilizers of the knee

This low-impact exercise helps restore mobility, increase muscle mass, and reduce pain — all crucial for successful recovery.

🐕‍🦺 Hip Dysplasia (HD)

What to Look For:

Common signs include bunny hopping, stiffness, muscle loss around the hips, and a swaying gait. Pain and reluctance to exercise are also key indicators.

Treatment Options:

• Conservative management (for mild to moderate cases) includes medication, controlled exercise, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.

• Surgical options (for severe cases) include procedures like femoral head excision (FHNE), total hip replacement, or triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO).

How Hydrotherapy Helps:

For moderate to severe or post-surgical cases, the UWTM is preferred over a pool due to the higher risk of hip luxation in unstable joints. Hydrotherapy provides:

• Buoyancy to reduce stress on the joints

• Resistance to help build muscle strength safely

• Control over limb movement to avoid excessive rotation or extension

By strengthening the muscles around the hip and improving joint function, hydrotherapy helps dogs move more comfortably and confidently.

🐾 Patella Luxation

What to Look For:

Patella luxation often appears as intermittent lameness, “skipping” when walking or running, and a reluctance to flex the stifle joint. Muscle atrophy may also develop through the quadriceps.

Treatment Options:

• Grades 1–3 can often be managed non-surgically with physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to build muscle and improve stability.

• Grades 3–5 often require surgery to deepen the groove where the patella sits.

How Hydrotherapy Helps:

Using the UWTM is essential, as it:

• Ensures limb movement stays within the sagittal plane to keep the patella aligned

• Reduces the risk of luxation by avoiding full hip extension or excessive stifle flexion

• Builds strength in the quadriceps, the primary stabilizer of the patella

Hydrotherapy offers a safe and effective way to rebuild strength and support recovery after surgery or in early-stage cases.

🐶 Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)

What to Look For:

Dogs with OCD may show lameness in the fore or hind limbs, joint swelling, and muscle loss. It can occur in one or multiple joints.

Treatment Options:

• Conservative management (NSAIDs, rest and physiotherapy) may help in very mild cases.

• Surgery, typically via arthroscopy, is used to remove the damaged cartilage flap, often necessary for full recovery.

How Hydrotherapy Helps:

UWTM can be used, depending on the dog's needs. Hydrotherapy:

• Reduces ground reaction forces and stress on joints

• Promotes joint flexibility and range of motion

• Provides resistance to rebuild strength

• Encourages correct limb use and gait patterns

It’s important to assess each dog individually to choose the safest and most effective method.

💧 Why Hydrotherapy Works

Hydrotherapy leverages the natural properties of water — buoyancy, resistance, viscosity, temperature and hydrostatic pressure — to provide low-impact exercises. It allows dogs to regain strength, coordination, and confidence in movement without putting excess strain on their joints.

Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or trying to prevent future injuries, hydrotherapy can be a powerful addition to their treatment plan.

💬 Need Help with Canine Rehab?

If your dog has been diagnosed with any of these conditions or additional orthopaedic conditions, always consult your veterinarian first. A veterinary referral is essential for hydrotherapy to ensure safe, appropriate care based on your pet’s individual medical history.

Once cleared, a qualified canine hydrotherapist or physiotherapist can guide your dog through a individual treatment program to support their healing journey.