SCOUT'S FIRST WATER THERAPY 9 MARCH 2011

Priscilla writes: Scout's First Water Therapy Session Goes Well! Scout came into PT today a little grumpy & tired. Amy had given him one of his pain meds prior to the session as his doctor had suggested, and I'm sure he didn't want to go through the pain again. He did seem better when he discovered it wasn't going to be the 'same old therapy' today when Jennie, his physical therapist, took him inside the water tank with the treadmill. As the water was filling up in the tank, Amy kept him busy with toys & treats. Then, when the water had reached the correct level, Jennie just walked him slowly around a bit to make him feel comfortable. She then made circles in the water with her hand and Scout liked that and looked as if he was thinking, 'maybe this could be fun!' She then started the treadmill going very slowly and set the timer for five minutes. He began walking forward with the movement; Amy encouraged him with treats. Jennie worked on his leg & foot the entire time the treadmill was going. When the five minutes were up, Jennie drained the water out and his session was done for today. He seemed in a much better mood when he came out! After Jennie dried him off it was time to go home for a long nap. Scout was a tired little puppy! Update from Jennie on today's water therapy session: The news from Jennie was good today as she was much more optimistic after seeing the results of today's session. She said it was much easier to work on his foot, leg & hip in the water and she felt the water therapy was going to be just what he needs. We were all surprised & happy (would you believe ecstatic?!) to observe him using his foot just a little bit more as he left the PT building. Next session is Friday.

SCOUT'S SECOND WATER THERAPY HERE