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Source:
Walter Renberg, 785-532-4131, wrenberg@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Sara Shellenberger, 785-532-6415,
media@k-state.edu
Monday,
February 26, 2007
K-STATE'S
VETERINARY MEDICAL TEACHING HOSPITAL OFFERING UNDERWATER REHABILITATION
TREATMENT
MANHATTAN
-- Dogs and cats may find themselves under water for rehabilitation
at Kansas State University's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Introduced
to K-State's veterinary program in spring 2006, underwater rehabilitation
treatment uses a combination of swimming, underwater exercises and
an underwater treadmill to improve range of motion or coordination
for small animals.
"The
idea behind underwater rehabilitation treatment stems from the human
field of aqua therapy," said Dr. Walter Renberg, associate
professor of clinical sciences at K-State. "Rehabilitation
is as important for animals just as it is for people."
While
patients of underwater rehabilitation treatment can suffer from
a variety of diseases, most come with two general needs, according
to Renberg.
"The
bulk of our patients are usually dogs with orthopedic or neurologic
conditions," he said. "Patients may suffer from a myriad
of diseases, but most utilize underwater treatment to strengthen
muscles, improve coordination or to increase/improve range of motion
in joints."
Though
fairly new to the veterinary profession, underwater rehabilitation
has quickly grown in popularity, Renberg said.
"Underwater
rehabilitation treatment was introduced to the profession about
five years ago," he said. "It is still a growing area
of interest for many professionals within veterinary medicine because
it has been quite effective."
While
underwater rehabilitation is an exciting opportunity for small animals
in need of treatment, Renberg cautions pet owners to remember it
is only part of the rehabilitation process.
"It's
all about balance. There is certainly a high degree of usefulness
to underwater rehabilitation, but it is not a cure-all treatment,"
Renberg said. "Equally important are things such as stretching,
massage and exercise -- including things done here at K-State's
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and exercises done at home."
Additional
rehabilitation treatments available at K-State's Veterinary Medical
Teaching Hospital include therapeutic ultrasound, neurological muscle
stimulation and a dry treadmill. Home exercises such as walking
up and down the stairs can also contribute to your pet's continued
rehabilitation, Renberg said.
Almost
one year after K-State's underwater treatment debut, Renberg said
he is glad K-State took the plunge.
"We
as a university need to be providing this service," Renberg
said. "Underwater treatment provides an excellent opportunity
for small animals to get the rehabilitation they need."
For
more information about underwater rehabilitation, contact K-State's
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at 785-532-5690. Both medically
referred patients and local patients are accepted for medical treatment.
Prices vary with condition and duration of treatment, but complete
rehabilitation treatment for several weeks for an average dog is
estimated at about $300.
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