I first discovered spas when my husband ran over our dog's foot. With our dog in danger of losing a limb, a progressive vet recommended hydrotherapy.
I first experienced the benefits of spas when my husband accidentally ran over our boxer Beauregard. In all fairness to my spouse, I should add that our 9-year old dog was running to greet his master, slipped on the ice, and slid under the moving car. Fortunately, damage was limited to his front left paw. Our vet performed surgery to remove bone fragments, and he set a fractured bone.
Within two days, the foot emanated a strong odor and it was clear that something was gravely wrong. A trip to the vet confirmed a serious infection. The vet cautioned that Beauregard could lose his leg if antibiotics didn’t work. We were told to bring him in weekly for bandage changes.
A Holistic Intervention
A friend advised us to consult a progressive veterinary clinic with spa facilities 50 miles away. The new veterinarian immediately began hydrotherapy, allowing the foot to soak in warm, gently moving water. After hydrotherapy, he carefully applied silver ointment to Beauregard’s wound, shrouded the foot in 4 layers of bandaging, and recommended daily hydrotherapy.
Knowing a daily 50 mile daily trek would be difficult, he consulted with our local veterinarian, instructing him on how our local clinic could accommodate us. After a week’s time, Beauregard was prancing merrily into the clinic and pronounced out of danger. We were then instructed to perform hydrotherapy every other day at home for two more weeks. Beauregard healed perfectly.
Since, I’ve been a genuine fan of spa therapies. When I developed an acute attack of neck arthritis, I sought out massage and hydrotherapy and healed quickly. My vacations are no longer complete without scheduling a spa treatment or two. I now consider spa treatments a part of my overall wellness program rather than an added treat.
