Bringing Together Science, Practicality and Love
ANIMAL HEALTH AND HYDROWe help you, to help your pets feel better!
How do we do this?
Ideal for cases and patients where chronic, post-operative, pre-operative, developmental or neurological conditions make weight bearing exercise difficult. It is also excellent for developing stamina and endurance, toning and building muscle and, increasing overall fitness and agility in obese animals, or canine athletes.
VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is primarily used for pain control but there are other effects as well. These include wound healing, anti-nausea, stroke rehabilitation, nervous system and immune system modulation. Neurotransmitters are released which include endorphins, serotonin and adrenalin. Local effects include nerve stimulation, vasodilation, blood vessel proliferation and nerve growth.
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTS
Electrical stimulation therapy, commonly referred to as e-stim, has become an essential tool in veterinary physiotherapy, providing effective solutions for pain management, injury recovery, and enhancing the physical performance of animal athletes. By delivering controlled electrical currents to specific muscles and nerves, e-stim helps stimulate natural healing processes and improves neuromuscular function. This includes Electrical Muscular Stimulations (EMS), Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and Faradic treatments.
The benefits of massage include an increase in venous flow and the enhancement of lymphatic drainage. This helps to reduce swelling. Muscle fibres can be realigned and tissue tension released. It can relieve pain caused by compensatory movements and holding patterns. There are many forms of massage; relaxing, therapeutic, trigger point massage, myofascial release and even acupressure. Massage is beneficial to help release tension from compensatory movement patterns associated with amputations or injury and can also be beneficial after training and competition.
Head Office
Call: +27 65 708 9382
Email: admin@ahah.co.za
Benoni - East Rand
Call:+27 83 230 2188
Email: benoni@ahah.co.za
North Riding - West Rand
Call: +27 78 976 9733
Email: westrand@ahah.co.za
Pretoria East - Pretoria
Call:+27 74 251 4410
Email: pretoriaeast@ahah.co.za
Belville - Cape Town
Call: +27 60 408 7323
Email: bellville@ahah.co.za
Diep River - Cape Town
Call: +27 61 372 1156
Email: diepriver@animaltherapy.co.za
Newlands - Cape Town
What we treat
There are a number of different conditions we can assist with. Whether you are looking for pre or post-surgical rehab or whether you choose to treat your animal companion's conditions conservatively, Animal Health and Hydro can help you to improve the outcome of your pet's condition and improve their quality of life.
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in small animals like dogs and cats, characterised by the malformation of the hip joint. It leads to joint instability, pain, and arthritis. Causes include genetic predisposition, rapid growth, or excessive weight. Treatment ranges from weight management and physical therapy to surgical intervention.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a common neurological condition in animals like dogs, cats and rabbits, particularly in those predisposed to back issues. It occurs when spinal discs degenerate or rupture, compressing the spinal cord. Symptoms include pain, weakness, or paralysis. Treatment involves rest, medication, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
Fitness and conditioning are vital for injury prevention in working and athletic animals. Tailored exercises enhance strength, flexibility, and endurance, reducing the risk of strains or overuse injuries. Conditioning programs improve joint stability, muscle tone, and overall performance. Regular training ensures animals maintain peak physical health, minimizing downtime from preventable injuries.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease (CCLD) is a common orthopedic issue in small animals, particularly dogs. It involves partial or complete ligament rupture, leading to joint instability, pain, and lameness. Contributing factors include genetics, obesity, and aging. Treatment options include weight management, physiotherapy, and surgical intervention for severe cases to restore mobility.
Cervical vertebral instability is a spinal condition causing abnormal movement or compression in the neck vertebrae, often seen in horses, dogs and other small animals. It results in neurological symptoms like weakness, a lack of coordination and control of voluntary movements or pain. Management includes physical therapy, dietary adjustments, or surgical stabilization to prevent further damage and enhance mobility.
Obesity in animals increases the risk of joint stress, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, reducing their quality of life. Obesity is linked to a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, where fat tissue releases inflammatory markers that can amplify pain signals. Veterinary physiotherapists play a vital role in managing obesity by designing tailored exercise plans, enhancing mobility, and supporting weight loss through safe, targeted activities, ultimately improving the animal's health and well-being.
