Darcie, our much-loved 12-year-old black Labrador, means the world to us, so seeing her struggle with arthritis, muscle loss in her back legs and reduced mobility was heart breaking. As she increasingly relied on her front legs to compensate, it affected her whole posture, causing painful muscle spasms in her back. In April, she then injured a front leg after getting her foot caught in a rabbit hole. Because she had already been relying so heavily on her front legs, the injury effectively left her relying on just one good leg. Around the same time, her pain medication was making her sick and leaving her feeling very poorly, so she was in pain, losing confidence and simply wasn’t herself.
On our vet Annalie’s recommendation, we were referred to Kathryn for hydrotherapy. Darcie’s first appointment included a thorough assessment, laser treatment and practical advice about how we could best support her at home. Once we had found pain relief that suited her, improved her pain management and started her weight-loss programme, she began six hydrotherapy sessions. Throughout her treatment, Annalie and Kathryn worked closely together, ensuring Darcie’s care was joined up and tailored to her needs.
The difference has been incredible. With every session, Darcie became stronger and more confident. By the end of her treatment, the muscle in both back legs had evened out, she was confidently walking on the underwater treadmill, and she was moving so much more freely. She’s happier, more active and, most importantly, she’s enjoying life again.
Thanks to the care, expertise and teamwork of Annalie and Kathryn, it genuinely feels like we have our old Darcie back. We would wholeheartedly recommend hydrotherapy to anyone whose dog could benefit from it. It has transformed Darcie’s quality of life—and ours too.
Darcies owner – Vets4Pets client
