Friday 16 September 2011

Cat News Friday - Hydrotherapy for Healing

Hydrotherapy is a healing method that has been used in the rehabilitation of injured dogs and humans for many years. It involves the rebuilding of weak and damaged muscle tissue in an animal, and the improvement of its overall fitness.

Cats, often considered aquaphobic, tend not to be prime targets for hydrotherapy.

That is, until Sue Wilson's little black cat Tootsie came along. 



Though you would hardly notice today, Tootsie had been victim to a hit and run. Her entire right leg had been shattered, in addition to a number of other serious injuries. Both Sue and the veterinarians she had gone to see believed that putting Tootsie down was the only humane option. 

However, Tootsie's fate had not quite been sealed. 

Vets decided that it would be worth trying hydrotherapy in a two-foot deep dog pool, as a last resort. And thank goodness they did. 

Tootsie took to the water immediately, starting out with 90 second paddles with the aid of a harness, to full 20 minute swims without any sort of aid. At the end of the month, Tootsie was back to her old self, running around in the yard and playing as if the accident was only a figment of distant memory. 


It just goes to show that not every cat is terrified of water, and not ever animal is doomed to 'quietus' after a life threatening injury. Sometimes, you just have to believe that something is possible for it to come true.

Do you have a story of a cat who overcame seemingly impossible hurdles on the road back to health? If so, please share it with us! 

All images and information courtesy of:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk.

12 comments:

Angel Prancer Pie said...

Amazing story! Thanks fur sharing it with us. xoxo

Ellen Whyte said...

It helped but you can see by her eyes how scared she is. Poor girl. Hope the rest of her life is trouble-free.

Mr Puddy said...

Magic !!! Thanks for sharing !
I collected the story like this in another blog of mine, but I ddon't post it often, but if you are love the strory like this, you can have a look here http://theninelives.blogspot.com/

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

Oh wow!!!! This is incredible1!!!
I can't believe kitties would take to water so well. Thanks for sharing.

BTW, you like my big garden and my SS hankers after Italy ever since she back packed it for 6 weeks after she finished her university, we should do a swap one day, with the humans looking after each other's kitties :)

We love LUNA said...

Mon Dieu, amazing reportage!I'm very impressed, thanks for sharing.
I think I prefer my naps instead of swimming! MOL
purrs and love to you all
Luna - WE LOVE LUNA

Jans Funny Farm said...

Water therapy does seem to be a help. Moki, a blogging cat, has had hydrotherapy too.

http://savemoki.blogspot.com/

Hannah and Lucy said...

It is amazing how much water therapy can help all animals.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Random Felines said...

Great story - I think I would be mauled if I tried this with one of my crew.

Thanks for visiting us!!!

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Oh we are so glad this story had a happy ending. What a lucky kit to have a mommy who didn't give up on her. xx

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Your post did our hearts good today!!

What a sweetie Tootsie is. This story reminds us that just because a vet thinks it's best for an animal to be put down doesn't mean we automatically do it. All of our babies deserve our faith and support.

Go, Tootsie!

Tom & Julie
xoxo

The Swanson said...

Can you tell us where you got this full body harness for the cat's hydrotherapy? I've been looking for months and can only find the type that goes around the neck and chest. This one looks like it holds the cat from the center of their mass, so their rear quarters don't sink (which is what happens with all other harnesses).

World of Animals, Inc said...

Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful post. Tootsie is such a cutie. So happy that Tootsie was able to get over that hurdle of recovery. Have a great day.
World of Animals