HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy, also referred to as water therapy or aquatics, refers to the use of water to treat a variety of conditions in veterinary patients and includes the use of swimming and an Underwater Treadmill
(UWTM).
Hydrotherapy is useful for treating both orthopedic and neurological conditions.
In an UWTM, warm water supports muscle relaxation and improved circulation, which can reduce pain
and encourage movement. Additionally, water provides both pressure and buoyancy, allowing the animal
to move and exercise without having to support its full weight. For overweight dogs or dogs with
arthritis, this is an excellent way to exercise with minimal impact on the joints. It is also an excellent tool
for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery (such as cruciate/ACL tears or fracture repairs), promoting
earlier return to function. For dogs with neurological disease resulting in loss of use of one or more
limbs, UWTM therapy can support appropriate gait and balance and slow progression of disease. UWTM
therapy is also a useful tool for improving fitness, as treadmill speed and incline can be adjusted, water
levels can be adjusted to provide more resistance, and a jet to provide turbulence can be added to
provide greater challenge for the canine athlete!
An UWTM is versatile tool for the veterinarian to tailor a program to meet the unique needs of your
animal, whether that is for rehabilitation, weight loss, or fitness goals for your animal.
Kekoa Nui Kennels is partnering with Yoshiko Veterinary Rehabilitation, LLC Managed by Dr. Kimi Ross.
Dr. Kimi Ross earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State
University in 2016. Since then she has had a variety of experiences, including practicing as a
solo doc in rural Alaska and as a Humane Society veterinarian on the island of Molokai. She is
currently an associate at Pahoa Animal Hospital where she emphasizes holistic care for her
canine and feline patients.
Among her patients in Alaska were many athletic dogs, from long distance racing athletes to
hiking and hunting companions. Due to their lifestyle, these patients often presented as limping
or lame, inspiring Dr. Kimi to pursue additional training for canine rehabilitation therapy, resulting
in a newfound passion for this branch of veterinary medicine. Although she no longer works with
sled dogs, Dr. Kimi continues to be passionate about improving the welfare and quality of life of
dogs (and cats!) with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions. She is excited to
partner with Kekoa Nui Kennels LLC to add hydrotherapy with an Underwater Treadmill
(UWTM) to her toolbox for supporting mobility and fitness for her patients.