During a visit to campus, Ray and Diann Boyd, who have already generously named the veterinary college as a beneficiary of their estate, were inspired by the need for a new underwater treadmill for the physical rehabilitation service. Underwater therapy is essential for pre- and post-surgery strengthening, age-related arthritis, overweight dogs, and more as it allows pets to improve muscle tone and limb use with less risk of reinjury.

Upon learning about the incredible benefits of underwater therapy, Ray and Diann knew this type of treatment would have dramatically improved the life of their first chow, Buffy, who had both hips replaced. They generously decided to fund a new Oasis underwater treadmill that will be installed in the front of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital upon the completion of the expansion and renovation, improving accessibility of our rehab services to mobility impaired patients. 

“We have always loved animals – we certainly hope that other pets will benefit from this treadmill.”

Underwater treadmills are the gold standard in canine aquatic therapy for physical rehabilitation that can provide exercise for post-surgical, non-surgical, and degenerative issues. They help recover from cruciate repairs, hip abnormalities, spinal cord damage, and joint replacement. It provides treatment options for Degenerative Myelopathy, Osteoarthritis, Dysplasia, and other issues. The treadmill also can help with weight control fitness conditioning and help diagnose musculoskeletal ailments.

Watch the underwater treadmill video→