Veterinary physiotherapist Bianca Duthie specialises in hydrotherapy and rehabilitation for pets.
Image: Supplied
For many South African pet parents, hydrotherapy is still something they associate with serious injuries or post-surgery rehabilitation. But the stories of two remarkable dogs, Mr. Miyagee and Brinjal, are helping change that perception.
From rebuilding mobility to maintaining strength in their senior years, both dogs have found freedom, confidence, and joy in the water.
Mr. Miyagee’s Second Chance at Mobility
This little boy’s therapy started when he was just 10 months old after suffering a knee sprain. What began as rehabilitation soon became an important part of maintaining his overall joint health and mobility.
Later, things became more serious when he ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right hind leg. After compensating with the opposite leg, that ligament also ruptured. Because surgery wasn’t considered suitable for his tiny frame, hydrotherapy became essential to helping him manage muscle strength, movement, and long-term joint health.
His pet mom, Lindi Pieterse, says one of the most emotional moments was seeing how differently he could move in water compared to on land.
“While Mr. Miyagee struggled to walk or even stand on solid ground, the buoyancy of the underwater treadmill and pool changed everything,” Lindi says. Now using carbon fibre leg braces alongside hydrotherapy, Mr. Miyagee continues to stay active and comfortable through consistent rehab sessions.
“It’s a long-term investment in your pet’s quality of life.”
Brinjal’s story highlights the role of swimming for recovery in rebuilding strength and mobility after surgery.
Image: Supplied
Brinjal, the Senior Swimming Superstar
If Mr. Miyagee’s story is about resilience, Brinjal’s is about pure joy.
The nearly 13-year-old Dachshund-cross-Boston Terrier has become something of a celebrity at his local swimming pool, where he still enthusiastically swims laps and takes part in annual galas.
According to his pet mom, Ancheri Luus, his love of water started unexpectedly after he spent time barking at swimmers from the poolside “like their personal coach.”
“One day I wondered what would happen if I actually put him in the pool,” she says. “The rest is history.”
Swimming later became an important part of Brinjal’s recovery after knee surgery. Just one week after his operation, he was cleared to return to the water for rehabilitation.
“The water allowed him to build strength and stay active without putting stress on his healing knee,” Ancheri explains.
Today, Brinjal still swims regularly and remains energetic, playful, and social well into his senior years.
Mr. Miyagee during one of his hydrotherapy sessions as part of his long-term care to maintain mobility and manage joint health.
Image: Supplied
A Growing Focus on Advanced Pet Care
According to Bianca Duthie from Pets in Balance, hydrotherapy can support everything from injury rehabilitation and arthritis management to weight control and preventative care.
As more South African pet parents explore advanced veterinary treatments, many are also recognising the value of having pet insurance that supports ongoing care and rehabilitation. Top pet insurer, dotsure.co.za, is helping make specialised treatment options more accessible for pets needing long-term support.
Ts & Cs and possible exclusions may apply and can be obtained by emailing u2us@dotsure.co.za. Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). Voted South Africa’s Best Pet Insurance 2023-2025 by readers of The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, and City Press.