When a vet suggested Heidi, a continental giant rabbit with arthritis, should try hydrotherapy, people were skeptical. While other arthritic animals, like dogs, have taken to the water therapy with success, Heidi’s owner, Amanda Williams, was sure her rabbit would hate the pool. But when Heidi was dressed in a life jacket and placed in the heated pool, the rabbit took to it like a “duck to water” according to Williams. After her sessions, Heidi is carefully dried to avoid hypothermia.

Williams is pleased with the results. “She is certainly a lot more lively and is obviously benefiting from this treatment,” she said.

Watch a video of Heidi swimming in her buoyancy jacket at the BBC.