Sistema de hidroterapia en el tratamiento de displasia coxofemoral para perros de raza pequeña

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research project focuses on the design and implementation of a hydrotherapy system in the treatment of coxofemoral dysplasia for small dogs, that was developed based on the need of an efficient and economical physiological procedure in canine bones disease's rehabilitation. The system uses the physical properties of water and its benefits in the treatment of motor disability. The operation of the system consists on an underwater treadmill, that generates movement in patient's limbs at different speeds determined by a specialist. The ingress of water is controlled to reach a suitable temperature for the rehabilitation; which is kept constant thanks to a stainless-steel structure. It allows to regulate water level, reducing body weight and consenting the movement of the affected limbs since less pressure is exerted on them. The operation control is carried out by a SCADA system developed in MyOpenLab, that allows to entry information associated to the patient, visualization and regulation of the speed of the underwater treadmill, the level of water and the temperature. The information is registered in a LAMP server, in which the dog's progress can be monitored. The hydrotherapy system provides a non-invasive solution in the treatment of canine motor diseases, giving an alternative to both, animal and owner, get a physiological procedure; In addition, it allows to record patient's progress to get new rehabilitation techniques, avoiding euthanasia in the dog.