Page 9 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2025

Rehabilitation
HYDROTHERAPY CASE

Helen Webb, Senior Neurology and Rehabilitation Nurse

ilson was initially referred in Wilson
2012, at eight months old, for
W cervical and thoracolumbar pain
and pyrexia. At first presentation Wilson
was very weak and had extremely wasted
muscles for such a young dog.
He was diagnosed by the Neurology
and Neurosurgery Service with steroid-
responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) and
was started on a course of medication to
treat this condition.
Wilson’s owners reported that he had
been unwilling or unable to move around
much due to the pain he was in and would
get tired extremely quickly. Consequently,
he needed assistance to regain muscle
tone and encourage him to begin exercising
again. Therefore, as part of his treatment,
he was referred to the Hydrotherapy team
to help with his rehabilitation.
Fortunately, Wilson loved the water and However, Wilson's owners decided Over the next year Wilson continued
took to hydrotherapy extremely well! He was to continue his weekly sessions at the to attend weekly sessions but due to
introduced to swimming in our pool initially hydrotherapy unit as they could see how his age and weight he had developed
as he was too weak to walk on the treadmill much he adored being in the water! chronic osteoarthritis and was beginning
at that time. His sessions began very Wilson attended weekly fun swim to struggle more to exercise. He had also
slowly, with short bursts of swimming and sessions in our pool for many years with started attending the RVC pain clinic for
lots of rests. The buoyancy and weightless no complications and became a very well acupuncture and to manage his pain levels.
environment of the water meant he was able known and loved patient by all the team due Sadly, on 11th August 2025 Wilson
to easily move his limbs without the added to his craziness and love of swimming! came to a hydrotherapy session, but
weight upon them. In 2023 however, Wilson came for his owners were concerned as he had
his usual swim but after his session our deteriorated, including losing his appetite.
Progress hydrotherapy RVN noticed that his gait was The hydrotherapy RVN asked for him to
Over the next few months Wilson began abnormal; he had developed some hind be assessed by a vet and after a long
to develop more muscle and was able to limb proprioceptive deficits post-swim. After discussion Wilson’s owners made the very
do more exercise on land, building up his a discussion between his vet and owners, sad decision to euthanise him.
strength again. After 4-6 months Wilson was Wilson was referred back to the RVC Wilson was a huge character and a
back to being a playful puppy and no longer Neurology and Neurosurgery Service and legend among everyone in the hospital
required hydrotherapy. was diagnosed with lumbar sacral stenosis team, from the receptionist to the vets. He
following an MRI scan. attended the Hydrotherapy unit for around
The decision was made to manage 12 years, and his owners reported that he
this condition conservatively, and Wilson always knew that on a Thursday at 5pm it
was again recommended to continue his was time for his swim – and he would bark
hydrotherapy sessions. However, it was like crazy at them so they could never forget
recommended that he have his sessions in to bring him!
our underwater treadmill to ensure he had a He will be very sorely missed but we
more controlled session. are so thankful that we were able to help
support him through his life and keep him
Setback enjoying his long life to the fullest!

Wilson continued his hydrotherapy sessions
weekly until a year later, when he deteriorated
and was referred back to Neurology and
Neurosurgery for an extradural cyst. He
underwent a hemilaminectomy and, once
fully recovered, was again allowed to For small animal referrals, please call:
continue his hydrotherapy to help regain 01707 666399
Wilson in the hydrotheraphy pool muscle lost during his recovery period. Email:
qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk

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