HYDROTHERAPY – THE HEALING POWER OF SALT WATER
Neurologic Conditions
In memories of all immobile dogs that were not given a second chance
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household, and gardening-related uses.
Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the associated health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function, and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches.
The Epsom salts for dogs can be helpful for dogs suffering from allergies, for treating open wounds, relieving skin discomfort and relieving aches in muscles. The only thing you should watch over is your dog not to drink water with Epsom salt, because it can disrupt its digestive system. Before you start using a bath with Epsom salts for dogs, you should know the benefits.
References
Darryl L. Millis, MS, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, CCRP Professor of Orthopedic Surgery & Director of Surgical Service
Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP
Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management, is a a founder and past-president of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
Janet B. Van Dyke, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, CCRT, CEO
Ludovica Dragone, DVM, CCRP
Vice President of VEPRA, Veterinary European of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Association.
Andrea L. Henderson, DVM, CCRT, CCRP
Resident, Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Steven M.Fox, MS, DVM, MBA, PhD
President Securos. Inc
AN ALTERNATE APPROACH TO PET’S HEALTH
Magnesium (Mg) is essential for a wide range of bodily functions, therefore optimum performance. It is a critical component of cells, bones and tissues and almost every physiological process you can imagine. Magnesium is crucial for nerve transmission, muscular function and the regulation of blood sugars and hormones. Dogs require essential vitamins and minerals just like humans do. One of these key nutrients is magnesium, involved with energy production at the cellular level. Every time your pet moves a muscle, experiences a heartbeat, or has a thought, magnesium is needed to facilitate that transfer of energy. Also involved are three other minerals: sodium, potassium, and calcium, all dependent to some degree on the action of magnesium. These minerals are necessary for proper heart function, muscle movement and nervous system signaling. Sometimes, whether due to malnutrition, diabetes, or kidney damage, an insufficient amount of magnesium is present for use in the body, leading the other three minerals to drop.
The Benefits of Proprioception Exercises
Exercises that develop core muscle strength and proprioception are vital to maintain optimal fitness for all dogs, but especially for canine amputees. The best exercises to do with pets going through rehabilitation are using inflatables of different shapes and sizes, including unstable surface work and weight bearing activities. These fitness games help with core strengthening, increased range of motion and flexibility, sensory and perceptual stimulation, joint alignment, and balance control.
Remember, walking is great for endurance, but it does not build strength.
• Non weight bearing exercise
• Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
• Promotion of relaxation
• Joint mobilization
• Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)
• Muscle strengthening, maintenance & restoration
• Increase in range of motion of affected joints
• Improved circulation
