TESTIMONIALS
" I particularly like to refer cases to Emma at Vale Hydrotherapy as her CV includes 9 years of veterinary nursing."
Veterinary Surgeon Oxfordshire
Veterinary Surgeon Oxfordshire
MOLLY
At 6 months old, Molly (Labrador – Bullmastiff cross) was diagnosed with double hip and single elbow dysplasia. I was devastated by this diagnosis not least because I thought she was condemned to a life of discomfort with no opportunity to be the fun-loving, active and boisterous dog she clearly was.
Following veterinary recommendation Molly started swimming at Emma’s Vale Hydrotherapy. Although she looked fine to me, Emma immediately noticed how under-developed Molly ‘back end’ muscles were and out our only regret is that we didn’t take any ‘before’ photos, as Molly has since been transformed into a striking, athletic young dog with perfect muscle development. Her ‘back end’ is well rounded, helping to support her hips and enabling her to lead a fully active and pain-free life. She moves with an ease and suppleness I would never have guessed was possible for a dog with her condition.
Molly’s introduction to the pool is imbedded in my memory as Emma holding a lead that lead to a plume of water in the centre of the pool; Molly technique obviously needed much improvement and I’m ashamed to say I cried with laughter during her first session! From then on though Molly took to it like the proverbial duck to water and swimming is the highlight of her week – endlessly chasing the ‘Wubbas’ round the pool.
At 6 months old, Molly (Labrador – Bullmastiff cross) was diagnosed with double hip and single elbow dysplasia. I was devastated by this diagnosis not least because I thought she was condemned to a life of discomfort with no opportunity to be the fun-loving, active and boisterous dog she clearly was.
Following veterinary recommendation Molly started swimming at Emma’s Vale Hydrotherapy. Although she looked fine to me, Emma immediately noticed how under-developed Molly ‘back end’ muscles were and out our only regret is that we didn’t take any ‘before’ photos, as Molly has since been transformed into a striking, athletic young dog with perfect muscle development. Her ‘back end’ is well rounded, helping to support her hips and enabling her to lead a fully active and pain-free life. She moves with an ease and suppleness I would never have guessed was possible for a dog with her condition.
Molly’s introduction to the pool is imbedded in my memory as Emma holding a lead that lead to a plume of water in the centre of the pool; Molly technique obviously needed much improvement and I’m ashamed to say I cried with laughter during her first session! From then on though Molly took to it like the proverbial duck to water and swimming is the highlight of her week – endlessly chasing the ‘Wubbas’ round the pool.
BONNIE
'Last year, our 2 year old Newfoundland, Bonnie, was diagnosed with severe double elbow dysplasia, and to a lesser degree, double hip dysplasia. As with giant breeds, she was susceptible to joint problems. Following major surgery on her elbows, which lasted for 5 ½ hours, and a period of rest and gentle healing, Bonnie finally landed at Vale Hydrotherapy, and came under the care of Emma.
It would be fair to say that we thought Bonnie would never walk or exercise to any great degree, and we had come to the conclusion that we would have to treat her as if she were geriatric. Unfortunately, in the weeks following surgery, it was not unusual for her legs to give way, and she would collapse on the ground.
The first swimming session was tiring for Bonnie, but Emma’s expertise and vast knowledge had determined the precise stage at which to commence Bonnie’s rehabilitation. Emma allowed Bonnie to develop her stamina and muscle strength. The effects of the hydrotherapy were fairly evident even from the first visit.
Bonnie’s treatment began weekly, with her health, muscle strength and stamina improving rapidly. Moreover, Bonnie loves her sessions in the pool. Despite, our best efforts, Bonnie will not consider playing with any toys in the water - obviously, she is there to swim and it is a very serious matter to her!
Bonnie now has been swimming for 9 months, and it has been wonderful to watch her go from strength to strength. After 5 months of weekly sessions, we finally felt she could manage fortnightly sessions with no detriment to her muscle strength.
Bonnie is now a completely different dog - her walks are now similar in duration and quality to that of her breed. And yes Emma, when she chases her ball, despite what you might think - she is as graceful as a gazelle!!!
Many, many thanks Emma for your experience, knowledge and friendship. Bonnie would not be the dog she is now if it wasn’t for you'.
'Last year, our 2 year old Newfoundland, Bonnie, was diagnosed with severe double elbow dysplasia, and to a lesser degree, double hip dysplasia. As with giant breeds, she was susceptible to joint problems. Following major surgery on her elbows, which lasted for 5 ½ hours, and a period of rest and gentle healing, Bonnie finally landed at Vale Hydrotherapy, and came under the care of Emma.
It would be fair to say that we thought Bonnie would never walk or exercise to any great degree, and we had come to the conclusion that we would have to treat her as if she were geriatric. Unfortunately, in the weeks following surgery, it was not unusual for her legs to give way, and she would collapse on the ground.
The first swimming session was tiring for Bonnie, but Emma’s expertise and vast knowledge had determined the precise stage at which to commence Bonnie’s rehabilitation. Emma allowed Bonnie to develop her stamina and muscle strength. The effects of the hydrotherapy were fairly evident even from the first visit.
Bonnie’s treatment began weekly, with her health, muscle strength and stamina improving rapidly. Moreover, Bonnie loves her sessions in the pool. Despite, our best efforts, Bonnie will not consider playing with any toys in the water - obviously, she is there to swim and it is a very serious matter to her!
Bonnie now has been swimming for 9 months, and it has been wonderful to watch her go from strength to strength. After 5 months of weekly sessions, we finally felt she could manage fortnightly sessions with no detriment to her muscle strength.
Bonnie is now a completely different dog - her walks are now similar in duration and quality to that of her breed. And yes Emma, when she chases her ball, despite what you might think - she is as graceful as a gazelle!!!
Many, many thanks Emma for your experience, knowledge and friendship. Bonnie would not be the dog she is now if it wasn’t for you'.
LIZZIE
I also take our aged arthritic Labrador Lizzie who, at best, tolerates her weekly swimming sessions. The weightless exercising of her joints and muscles plus the warmth of the water have resulted in an improvement in her mobility I would never have believed possible. Emma responds to each dog as if they were her own and her concern for their welfare comes through loud and clear.
Emma’s calm, confident and professional manner together with her training, skills and compassion for her canine clients plus her wonderful sense of humour makes her the only hydrotherapist I would consider taking my dogs to (even though this entails a 1½hr round trip).
Thank you Emma (and of course your able assistants Olivia and Dora) for giving both Liz and Molly such improved qualities of life.
I also take our aged arthritic Labrador Lizzie who, at best, tolerates her weekly swimming sessions. The weightless exercising of her joints and muscles plus the warmth of the water have resulted in an improvement in her mobility I would never have believed possible. Emma responds to each dog as if they were her own and her concern for their welfare comes through loud and clear.
Emma’s calm, confident and professional manner together with her training, skills and compassion for her canine clients plus her wonderful sense of humour makes her the only hydrotherapist I would consider taking my dogs to (even though this entails a 1½hr round trip).
Thank you Emma (and of course your able assistants Olivia and Dora) for giving both Liz and Molly such improved qualities of life.