A special hydrotherapy pool which has helped scores of dogs recover from crippling injuries will close this month due to a downturn in customers.

The owner of the specialist facility at Lime Liegh Boarding Kennels, in Hackford, near Wymondham, blamed a lack of referrals from vets and limited cover provided by pet insurers for the decrease in business.

Increasing costs, including heating, electricity, chemicals for the pool and insurance, have also played a part.

Eileen Barrett, who has been practising hydrotherapy at the kennels for three-and-a-half years, said: 'It's a shame. I do not want to give up because I have enjoyed it so much. Seeing the dogs at the start and then at the finish, helping them walk better and seeing them out of discomfort, it's a real achievement.'

The alternative healing method involves dogs walking or swimming in a heated tank which helps to increase their muscle tone and aids recovery.

She said despite a successful start, she has struggled to attract regular referrals from local vets and the poor economic conditions have led to some customers having to abandon the treatment.

Rachel Gallyon, of nearby Hingham, has been bringing her dog Brogue for hydrotherapy for about three months after the small dachshund twisted her back on the ice over winter.

She turned to Mrs Barrett for help after drugs prescribed by a vet left the seven-year-old with an ulcerated stomach, saying: 'The hydrotherapy has been fantastic. It's so sad to lose it.'

The hydrotherapy pool will close on September 17, but the boarding kennels, and cattery, will continue as normal.