Frequently Asked Questions: Canine & Equine Hydrotherapy Solutions
General Hydrotherapy Questions
Aqua therapy, or hydrotherapy, utilizes water’s natural properties—buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure—to create an optimal healing environment. The buoyancy reduces weight-bearing stress on joints and bones (up to 60% weight reduction at proper water levels), while resistance strengthens muscles without strain. Hydrotherapy accelerates recovery timelines for many conditions and improves outcomes compared to land-based therapy alone. Our veterinary clients report 30-40% faster recovery times for post-surgical rehabilitation when incorporating aqua therapy protocols.
Hydrotherapy effectively addresses numerous conditions including post-surgical recovery, arthritis, neurological disorders, soft tissue injuries, obesity, and athletic conditioning. For canines, it’s particularly effective for cruciate ligament repairs, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. For equines, it excels in treating tendon injuries, arthritis, and muscle strains. The controlled environment allows for precise therapy progression that can be tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Veterinary clinics typically see ROI within 12-24 months after implementing hydrotherapy services. Our clients report average monthly revenue increases of $5,000-$8,000 after adding aqua therapy solutions. The equipment creates multiple revenue streams: rehabilitation sessions, conditioning packages, and wellness programs. Additionally, offering hydrotherapy distinguishes your practice from competitors, attracting new clients seeking advanced care options. Our financial consultants can provide customized ROI projections based on your specific practice demographics.
Our AquaPaws underwater canine treadmill system requires a minimum footprint of 8′ x 10′ with standard ceiling height, while our equine systems typically need 12′ x 20′ with 12′ ceilings. Both systems require proper drainage, electrical connections (220V for equine, 110V for canine), and water supply. Our installation team conducts thorough site assessments to ensure proper placement and can work with existing spaces or provide guidance for new construction. Hudson Aquatics provides comprehensive installation plans for your contractor or can recommend experienced contractors familiar with our systems.
Canine Hydrotherapy Questions
The AquaPaws system features adjustable water depths from 1″ to 30″, accommodating dogs from toy breeds to giant breeds. The variable speed control (0.1-8.0 mph) allows for precise protocol development for each patient, while the adjustable resistance jets can be customized to target specific muscle groups. The system’s entry ramps and non-slip surfaces ensure safe entry and exit for all patients regardless of mobility limitations.
The AquaPaws Plus offers essential hydrotherapy features with adjustable water depth, variable speed control, and resistance jets, making it perfect for clinics beginning aqua therapy services. The AquaPaws Mod Pro includes advanced features like underwater treadmill cameras for gait analysis, integrated vital monitoring, programmable exercise protocols, and performance tracking software. The Mod Pro’s expanded dimensions accommodate larger breeds and allow therapists to enter the water with patients when needed.
Initial sessions typically last 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing to 20-30 minutes as conditioning improves. Treatment protocols vary based on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, fitness level, and therapeutic goals. Our clinical specialists provide comprehensive training on protocol development and progression strategies. The system’s programmable features allow for consistent session replication and precise progression tracking.
All AquaPaws systems include multiple emergency stop buttons, slip-resistant flooring, temperature monitoring, water quality management systems, and reinforced entry/exit points. The systems also feature adjustable harness attachment points, variable speed controls with soft start/stop functionality, and clear visibility panels for continuous patient monitoring. Our proprietary water filtration system maintains clean, safe water without harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive patients.
The AirPaws Land Canine Treadmill provides a transition between aquatic and normal activity, allowing patients to apply strength and movement patterns developed in water to land-based activity. The integrated monitoring system tracks progress across both platforms, enabling comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Many rehabilitation protocols benefit from alternating between aquatic and land-based therapy, and having both systems allows for versatile treatment approaches and more efficient scheduling.
Equine Hydrotherapy Questions
Our equine systems feature proprietary lateral stability support, allowing horses to maintain proper biomechanics during aquatic therapy. The systems include variable depth control (up to 48″), adjustable current resistance, and integrated vital monitoring. Our equine systems are designed with input from leading equine veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists to ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. The systems’ reinforced construction exceeds industry standards for durability and longevity.
Underwater equine treadmill therapy develops core strength, improves symmetry, and enhances proprioception without the impact stress of traditional conditioning. For performance horses, this translates to improved biomechanics, increased stamina, and enhanced recovery. Our equine clients report measurable improvements in stride length, symmetry, and muscular development after implementing regular hydrotherapy sessions. The controlled environment allows for precise conditioning that can be tailored to specific performance requirements.
Regular maintenance includes daily water quality monitoring, weekly filter cleaning, and quarterly system inspections. Our automated water management systems simplify maintenance, requiring minimal staff time. Hudson Aquatics provides comprehensive maintenance training and ongoing support through our service team. Annual maintenance contracts are available, including preventative maintenance visits and priority service response. Our systems are designed for durability in high-volume clinical settings.
Hydrotherapy provides significant benefits for senior horses, particularly those with arthritis, muscle atrophy, or chronic pain. The buoyancy effect reduces joint stress while maintaining muscle tone and range of motion. Many equine clients report improved mobility and comfort in geriatric patients following regular aquatic therapy sessions. The controlled environment allows for safe, effective exercise even for horses with limited mobility on land.
Our equine water treadmill systems feature gradual entry ramps, anti-slip flooring, and quiet operation to minimize stress. The systems allow for slow introduction to water and gradual speed increases. For particularly anxious horses, our systems can be operated at minimal water levels initially, gradually increasing as the horse becomes comfortable. The clear side panels allow horses to maintain visual contact with handlers throughout the session, reducing anxiety.
Technical and Practical Questions
Hudson Aquatics provides comprehensive on-site training for all staff members who will operate the system. Training includes operation, safety protocols, basic maintenance, and therapeutic application guidance. We also offer advanced clinical training programs for developing therapeutic protocols and programs. Our education team provides ongoing support through our online learning platform, featuring webinars, case studies, and protocol libraries.
Our integrated water management system includes filtration, UV sterilization, and automatic chemical balancing. The system monitors water quality continuously and alerts staff to any issues. Water can typically be maintained for 1-2 weeks before requiring changing, depending on usage volume. Our proprietary filtration system is designed specifically for animal hair and dander management, outperforming standard pool filtration systems.
Hudson Aquatics provides 24/7 technical support through our dedicated service team. Remote diagnostics allow for quick troubleshooting and resolution of many issues. On-site service is available nationwide with typical response times of 24-48 hours. Preventative maintenance programs are available to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan. Our service team maintains a comprehensive parts inventory for rapid replacement when needed.
Hudson Aquatics provides a comprehensive marketing toolkit including educational materials, social media content, and referral development strategies. Our marketing team can assist with open house planning, demonstration events, and referral outreach programs. We offer co-branded materials that can be customized for your practice. Additionally, we maintain a national directory of facilities with our equipment, providing referral opportunities from pet owners seeking aquatic therapy services.
Hudson Aquatics offers multiple financing options including equipment leasing, revenue-share models, and traditional financing. Our financial team can help develop customized acquisition strategies based on your practice’s specific needs. Many clients qualify for Section 179 tax benefits, potentially reducing first-year costs significantly. We also offer staged implementation plans for practices looking to expand services gradually.
Water Quality FAQs
Twice per day. Beginning and end of each day is suggested.
Use an ammonia-free hard surface disinfectant to wipe down doors and windows each day, or after each use.
Immediately press the e-stop button and manually open treadmill waste valve to gravity drain contaminated treadmill water. Then follow the owner’s manual instructions.
A: Use chlorine neutralizer per container directions.
B: Drain 1/2 water storage tank and fill with fresh water to dilute.
A: White foam indicates cleaners and contaminants are present. Add additional Foam Out chemical.
B: Brown foam is a sign of problems with sanitizer levels. A shock treatment, or hyper-chlorinated treatment is required.
Calcium build up indicates high pH levels in the water. Refer to owner’s manual to adjust and maintain correct levels.
First, check if recirculation pump is working, if the filter needs cleaned, and check pressure. Next press the reset button on the heater and check the thermostat setting.
Patient and trainer (if entering water) should shower off oils, lotions, shampoos, and any other contaminants.
Hose off horse’s legs and pick their hooves before using the AquaPacer.
Canines should be cleaned prior to their therapy experience.