Effect of postoperative underwater treadmill therapy on functional recovery in dogs undergoing intervertebral disc surgery: a retrospective matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative recovery of neurologic function after surgery for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is variable. While underwater treadmill therapy (UWTM) is widely used in practice, objective evidence of its contribution to improved neurologic function remains limited.

HYPOTHESIS/

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of postoperative UWTM vs standard home-based rehabilitation on recovery of neurologic function in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy or ventral slot surgery.

ANIMALS: Seventeen dogs received supervised UWTM twice weekly for 6 weeks (UWTM), and 17 matched controls received owner-guided exercises (CONTROL).

METHODS

Retrospective matched cohort study based on a review of medical records of dogs undergoing surgical decompression for IVDD. Dogs receiving postoperative UWTM matched 1:1 with control dogs based on breed, type of surgery, and body weight (≤10% difference). Neurologic function was assessed preoperatively and weekly (6 weeks) using the Olby Open Field Score (OFS). Improvement was expressed as change from baseline (ΔOFS). The primary outcome was the time to regain independent ambulation (defined as OFS ≥12).

RESULTS

Both groups improved over time. From week 2 onward, ΔOFS was consistently higher in UWTM group than in CONTROL group (week 2: +4 vs +2; week 3: +6 vs +3). Median time to independent walking was shorter in the UWTM group (range 7-35 days) compared with the CONTROL group (range 14-42 days; Mann-Whitney U, P = .0069). No UWTM-related adverse events, including infection or wound complications, were observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL

IMPORTANCE

Incorporation of structured UWTM therapy should be considered as part of postoperative management to enhance recovery outcomes.