Kai’s Water Treadmill Therapy Success Story

Kai Duran- Weimaraner- birthdate 2/12/2011- 13 years 9 months
Kai was diagnosed with intravertebral disc disease at a different veterinarian clinic. On 7/10, this clinic performed a hemilaminectomy (minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat nerve compression in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions of the spine).

Kai came to us on 8/19/2024 unable to use his rear legs. Dr. Key did a consultation with Kai and determined he would be a good candidate for water treadmill therapy.

Kai started his therapy with his rear legs in a sling. Kai’s therapy was every Monday and Thursday. Kai’s therapy included: cavalettis, laser therapy, and the water treadmill. Kai’s starting speed in the treadmill was 4% (0.34mph) for 6 minutes. During session six’s laser therapy, Kai got up on all four legs and started to walk off. Kai continued to thrive session after session. Kai went from needing full support with a sling, to running short distances on all four legs; keeping the sling nearby for when he got tired. The other treadmill clients would watch in amazement when Kai would come back to the lobby prancing, as they knew Kai was unable to walk on his own.

Kai’s water treadmill settings are now 15% speed (1mph), 15 minutes, and has a 20% incline. We know that Kai wants to be able to run long distances, so that has become our new goal.