Whiskey's recovery journey
Poodle · 5 years · male
15 total sessions · 9 hydro · 3 land rehab · Dec 2024 – Mar 2025
- OA + IVDD
- 15 visits
- Aquatic rehabilitation
- 9 hydro
Presentation
Two years of osteoarthritis and IVDD — Whiskey had not stood or walked unaided for a year. Pain was so intense that even morphine patches and NSAIDs no longer held.
Assessment
Spinal and orthopaedic review confirmed severe lumbar sensitivity and hind-limb muscle atrophy. Aquatic work was deferred until laser, e-stim, and home care reduced baseline pain.
Rehabilitation plan
Intensive land rehab first — laser, infrared, e-stim, and proprioception exercises. Aquatic therapies introduced only after noticeable pain reduction, starting with gentle supported water exercise.
Progress
Standing and small steps after two intensive rehab sessions; weaned off morphine patches over subsequent visits as comfort improved and blood work normalised.
Outcome
Within two months, independent standing, car jumps, and beach walks returned — now on fortnightly maintenance to limit senior muscle loss.
Individual results vary by diagnosis, age, and home adherence. This case summary is drawn from RehabVet clinic records with owner consent to publish the pet's name — it is illustrative, not a guarantee of outcome.