Boca Park Animal Hospital is one of the first private practices in the Las Vegas valley to implement an underwater treadmill for dogs and cats into their rehabilitation program.
"There are so many other ways besides medication to help pets and people have a good quality of life," said Dr. Kim Wagner with Boca Park Animal Hospital.
The underwater treadmill is great for overweight and arthritic cats. It's also great for dogs with hip dysplasia, any type of neuropathy, arthritis, and dogs who just had knee or hip surgery.
The treadmill can also be good for show dogs or keeping dogs fit.
Mary Woloson started the therapy with her 10-months-old Newfoundland Smokeybear. He was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at just four-months-old.
"It makes a huge difference," said Woloson. "I'm seeing improvements getting in and out of the car. I'm seeing improvements at home. He has better stamina. It's amazing and I feel like I've got some comfort in his future."
Smokeybear has already done 12 underwater sessions with Dr. Wagner.
"If he were six years old with hip dysplasia and we were trying to catch up, we would be in a much trickier situation," said Dr. Wager. "It would be a lot harder.
The Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center has had an underwater treadmill since 2005.
