Canine hydrotherapy, a natural remedy for tissue, bone and joint damage, has become a fairly common way of treating dogs with mobility problems, including arthritis and injuries.
Hydrotherapy facilities are equipped with at least one type of pool, usually staffed by an associate who guides your dog through the process. The treatment has been so successful that it’s being introduced to other animal species, even those that categorically detest water.
When Mog the moggie (that’s British for “cat”) was struck by a car last February, the accident caused nerve damage that left him paralyzed in both front legs. Veterinary experts doubted he’d walk again.
But then his owner, Veronica Ashworth of Lostwithiel, England, had a brilliant idea. She’d heard of hydrotherapy for dogs — was there a way to do hydrotherapy for cats? Curious, Ashworth signed up Mog for sessions at Hawksland Canine Hydrotherapy in nearby St. Issey.
Although the facility is patronized by a great many clients, they’ve all been dogs until Mog came along. And now the little tabby is the most popular swimmer in the pool.
“He’s such an extrovert that when there were some students in watching him swim, he was really showing off,” Ashworth told London’s Daily Mail newspaper. “I know it’s quite unusual for cats to swim, but he’s such a character.”
Ros Boisseau, the facility’s owner, had the privilege of introducing Mog to the swimming pool.
“The first time I put him in the water, he looked at me in horror, but I told Veronica to call him,” said Boisseau. “Then he meowed at her and struck out across the pool to her. He really is amazing — cats don’t tend to like swimming.”
After 10 weeks of hydrotherapy, Mog’s diligent dog-paddling seems to be paying off. Ashworth reports that he can now put weight on his front legs.
There’s no guarantee he’ll fully recover or even improve further, but even the little feeling he’s regained is a bit of a miracle for a cat who was thought never to walk again. Ashworth remains hopeful that her Mog will be able to walk again, even if it’s only for short distances.
Mog still doesn’t love his swimming sessions, but he begrudgingly goes along with it.
“He makes a lot of noise about it, but he does it,” Ashworth said. “He does sort of a funny dog paddle; it’s hilarious to watch. I think he realizes it is doing him good.
Photo: rectorhughes/Flickr
