Rolo is a lovable and strong-willed 2.5-year-old English Bulldog who started his rehabilitation journey at the Wickham Centre when he was just 8 months old. Like many bulldogs, Rolo showed early signs of joint concerns — in his case, low-grade luxating patella on his right hind limb. His owners acted quickly, consulting with their vet and beginning a hydrotherapy programme to support joint development and build muscle strength while he was still growing.
Starting Out: Wobbly Legs and Nervous Swims
In those early days, Rolo was noticeably offloading his back left leg, and his wide stance and occasional leg “poke-outs” while sitting suggested he was compensating for weakness. At first, Rolo was unsure and anxious about getting into the pool, needing encouragement, guidance, and lots of reassurance from the team. His first few swims were a bit wiggly, but his persistence—and Jenny’s calm, consistent support—helped him settle in.
Before long, Rolo transformed into an eager, confident swimmer, regularly bulldozing his way through the doors of the centre, bottom wagging and eyes on the pool!
Clinical Challenges
Throughout his sessions, Rolo showed signs typical of mild joint instability:
- Mild right hind limb muscle asymmetry (quad atrophy)
- Slightly restricted stifle flexion, occasionally with crepitus
- Low flight arcs and occasional offloading of the right hind limb
- Wider forelimb stance and reduced retraction when tired
- Mild hypertonicity through his thoracolumbar spine and pectorals
- Occasionally sensitive to certain noises or touches, especially in physio sessions
Despite this, he remained keen to work—and has even been known to do his poles at home without being asked!
Treatment Plan
Rolo’s tailored programme includes hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and a home exercise routine.
Hydrotherapy (Pool)
- Regular sessions with close monitoring of breathing and movement quality
- Encouraged bilateral hindlimb use and reduced RH offloading
- Supported with toys and sensory enrichment to build enjoyment and focus
- Monitored for crepitus or stifle fatigue during swim sessions
Physiotherapy
- Massage and laser therapy to manage tightness in epaxials and triceps
- Balance and proprioception exercises, including poles and wobble cushions
- Sit-to-stand and lie-to-stand reps to strengthen his quads and engage glutes
- Front limb elevation to activate core and hindlimb control
Home Exercise Programme (HEP)
Rolo’s owners have embraced his at-home routine, including:
- Daily short walks (10–20 mins)
- Cavaletti pole work and raised platform holds
- Massage of his back and forelimbs to reduce tension
Progress So Far
Rolo has made consistent gains in confidence, strength, and body awareness. Key highlights:
- Marked improvement in symmetry and hindlimb use during swims
- Reduced offloading of his right hind limb during everyday movement
- Increased confidence during physio, tolerating massage and laser better
- Improved muscle tone in the right hindlimb and better engagement when tired
- Incredible behavioural transformation—from nervous newbie to enthusiastic show-off, loving attention and showing off his skills
Rolo’s case is a perfect example of early intervention, patience, and a tailored, multi-modal rehab plan working wonders for a young dog with joint concerns. What began as a journey to support proper joint development has become a lifestyle Rolo absolutely thrives in.
“Rolo enjoys every minute he’s at the Wickham Centre—he bulldozes through the doors and laps up all the attention!” His growing confidence, love for the water, and dedication to his exercise routine make Rolo a true hydrotherapy hero.
