We were invited to appear on the Expresso Morning Show to chat about Azzan's experience and his amazing recovery. Watch the interview by clicking on the following link:
|
|
Stories of animal abuse seldom have a happy ending, but with
the help of a group of kind-hearted travelers and a few generous helping
hands, Azzan, a courageous four-legged canine has a second chance at a happy
life. We've been following this heart-warming tale and went with Azzan to his
latest procedure. And today we have him in studio with Naomi and Liam to hear
all about his courageous tale.
|
He has just received his orthotics made by Dr Megan Kelly from Holisticvets in Steenberg and he has started his hydrotherapy classes.
More videos:
Azzan on his way to get his orthotics
Azzan's first hydrotherapy session
More videos:
Azzan on his way to get his orthotics
Azzan's first hydrotherapy session
Here's a little more info from the Holisticvet website explaining the hydrotherapy:
Hydrotheraphy – Underwater treadmill
Traditionally when we hear the word hydrotherapy we think of swimming. With the latest advancements in animal physical rehabilitation the underwater treadmill has been developed. This tool allows us to isolate specific joints and muscles by changing the water level and the speed of the treadmill. It also has the benefit of floor to paw contact which is vital for gait training and neural re-education in all neurological cases as well as the benefit of being able to target the extensor muscle groups which are the bodies dynamic joint support. For these reasons Holisticvet uses an underwater treadmill as our form of hydrotherapy.
The buoyancy of the water causes reduced weight bearing and allows the animal to walk as if they would if they were on land, and had no ailments. The underwater treadmill is designed so that you can change the water level depending on the size of the pet or condition and by changing the level we can increase or decrease the flexion or extension of certain joints. A very common problem with animals who are limping whether due to old age arthritis, post surgery eg knee ligament rupture or neurological weakness, is muscle wastage. The most common muscles to waste are the extensor muscles. These are the muscles that support the body and allow one to be able to stand. The underwater treadmill is vital in helping regain that muscle mass and strength which provides the joints with support. The overall result is decreased pain, improvements in strength, mobility and range of motion.
Hydrotheraphy – Underwater treadmill
Traditionally when we hear the word hydrotherapy we think of swimming. With the latest advancements in animal physical rehabilitation the underwater treadmill has been developed. This tool allows us to isolate specific joints and muscles by changing the water level and the speed of the treadmill. It also has the benefit of floor to paw contact which is vital for gait training and neural re-education in all neurological cases as well as the benefit of being able to target the extensor muscle groups which are the bodies dynamic joint support. For these reasons Holisticvet uses an underwater treadmill as our form of hydrotherapy.
The buoyancy of the water causes reduced weight bearing and allows the animal to walk as if they would if they were on land, and had no ailments. The underwater treadmill is designed so that you can change the water level depending on the size of the pet or condition and by changing the level we can increase or decrease the flexion or extension of certain joints. A very common problem with animals who are limping whether due to old age arthritis, post surgery eg knee ligament rupture or neurological weakness, is muscle wastage. The most common muscles to waste are the extensor muscles. These are the muscles that support the body and allow one to be able to stand. The underwater treadmill is vital in helping regain that muscle mass and strength which provides the joints with support. The overall result is decreased pain, improvements in strength, mobility and range of motion.
Expresso also included Azzan's story on their site.