Jez, a 12-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was rehomed via Southern Cavalier Welfare when she was five years old. Having suffered neglect and injuries from other dogs in her previous home, she found a loving forever home with a dedicated owner who is also a volunteer for the rescue.
As Jez got older, she began to experience stiffness, arthritis, and mobility issues, particularly in her feet, shoulders, hips, and back. Over time, she became reluctant to walk on hard surfaces and showed signs of lameness.
After trying Librela injections, which unfortunately led to severe inflammatory reactions and hospitalisation, her owner sought alternative therapies to improve Jez’s comfort and mobility. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy at the Canine Fitness Centre became a new turning point in her journey.
Initial Symptoms and Challenges
Before starting treatment, Jez’s owner noticed:
- Increasing stiffness and reluctance to move, particularly on hard floors
- Lameness and signs of discomfort, especially in her front legs
- Hesitation when jumping up onto furniture
- A slowed walking pace and fatigue on longer walks
- Difficulty with balance and posture
Due to her history of pancreatitis, some traditional pain medications were not an option, making physiotherapy and hydrotherapy key components of her treatment plan.
Treatment Plan
Jez started a combination of physiotherapy, massage, laser therapy, and eventually, hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill therapy) in November 2024.
Physiotherapy and Laser Therapy
Physiotherapy focused on reducing stiffness and improving strength, flexibility, and comfort. Treatments included:
- Heat therapy to relax her muscles before each session
- Soft tissue massage (STM) to release muscle tension
- Laser therapy to target inflammation and promote healing in her joints
- Passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises to improve flexibility
- Balance and strengthening exercises, such as:
- Forelimbs on a balance pad with slow head turns
- Walking over cavaletti poles to improve coordination
- Sit-to-stand exercises for muscle engagement
Hydrotherapy – Underwater Treadmill (UWTM)
Jez was introduced to the underwater treadmill to support her movement while reducing strain on her joints. Her sessions were tailored to her comfort levels, with gradual increases in intensity.
Key aspects of her hydrotherapy sessions:
- Initial water depth adjusted for support
- Slow speed settings (starting at 0.7 m/s)
- Short walking intervals (30 seconds to 1.5 minutes, increasing gradually)
- Encouragement with treats to keep her engaged
- Support for her back legs to improve her gait pattern
At first, Jez was a little hesitant and anxious, particularly when handled by a carer instead of her owner. However, with consistent sessions, she became more confident and engaged with the process.
Progress and Improvements
Over several months, Jez showed significant improvements in mobility, strength, and confidence. Notable changes included:
- Increased comfort and willingness to move
- Better posture and reduced stiffness in her spine
- More fluid movement in her legs, with improved coordination
- Stronger engagement of her hind limbs
- Reduced pacing and fatigue at the end of hydrotherapy sessions
- Increased energy and enthusiasm for home exercises
Her owner was impressed with how Jez adapted to her new exercise routine, particularly at home, where she enjoyed her strength-building exercises (even if she was a little vocal about it!).
The Role of Owner Commitment
One of the biggest factors in Jez’s success was the dedication of her owner. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy require consistency, and Jez’s home exercise routine played a vital role in maintaining her progress.
Regular home massage, balance exercises, and gentle walking routines helped sustain the benefits of her professional treatments. Her owner also adjusted her environment, using carpets and ramps to prevent slipping and reduce strain on her joints.
Where is Jez Now?
Jez continues her weekly therapy sessions, with a plan to transition to fortnightly sessions as her condition stabilises. The aim is to create a long-term maintenance plan that allows her to stay comfortable and mobile as she continues to age.Her case is a reminder that ageing dogs don’t have to just “slow down”—with the right care, they can remain active, comfortable, and happy well into their senior years.
