RSPCA Lancashire East Branch makes use of water remedy to assist rescue canine to study to walk once more

Two-year-old Ronnie, a golden retriever cross, has been receiving the water remedy after he was recognized with hip dysplasia, a painful situation that causes one or each hip joints to develop abnormally whereas a puppy is rising.

He got here into the care of the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch’s rehoming centre close to Accrington final June after his proprietor handed away and is now their longest-staying resident.

Jeanette Ainscough, centre supervisor, mentioned: “Ronnie was sore and in a fair amount of discomfort at first. He was noticeably wobbly on his rear end during walks and would bunny hop with both back legs moving together. Because of the pain and swelling he was overcompensating in other areas of his body, his shoulders were stiff and he’d spasm through his back.”

X-rays revealed that each hip joints had been partially dislocated.

A free therapy plan to assist Ronnie was generously arrange by rehabilitation and health professional Amy Taylor, from Taylored Pet Therapies, who’s a long-time supporter of the centre. This has included weekly hydrotherapy periods in addition to a specialist therapeutic massage.

Amy mentioned: “When I first saw Ronnie he was really struggling. He couldn’t use his hips properly and could only walk comfortably for five to ten minutes, it really was a case of helping him to learn to walk again.

“The underwater treadmill he’s been using is especially helpful for strengthening specific muscles and improving gait. The buoyancy of the water supports his body, which reduces the weight on his affected joints whilst exercising the necessary muscles and helping to build them back up. Ronnie is such a lovely dog and has made incredible progress. As long as he continues to receive the right support and is well taken care of in his new home, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t go on to lead a full and active life.”

Ideally, Ronnie will need an owner who can continue his hydrotherapy and other treatments. Although he’s currently on mild pain medication, it’s hoped this can be reduced and potentially even stopped on veterinary advice once he’s in a home environment.

Jeanette added: “Ronnie’s quality of life has improved tremendously. He’s now enjoying three 20-minute walks a day and is gradually able to go further and further. He loves playing in our off-lead pen with his tennis balls and spending time with his favourite people in our social rooms.

“He’s already dealt with a fair amount of adversity in his short life and coped with it remarkably well. With the right care, he’s shown he can live life to the full and we’d urge people to look beyond his medical condition and see him for the amazing young dog that he is, who is so deserving of his own home.”

Ronnie’s excellent home could be someplace away from different dogs, with youngsters aged 1 6-plus, and the place somebody shall be round many of the day. He loves individuals however may be nervous of some males on account of his previous, so introductions will must be made slowly.