The idea is to FORCE him to stand up / sit / walk by himself. I have a whole litter of pug pups, three are not too bad one is very bad with swimmers. At this age, you may be able to simply hobble the front legs with a bit of surgical tape. The ribs will round out on their own in time. Belly. I used normal foam and made it a bit thicker. It sounds like the sock was either too tight or it made the pup too hot. Unfortunatly my vet had never heard of it, so for 90.00 I had to inform HER of how people were splinting using the tshirt method.
Oh thank goodness. If the pup is indeed 6 MONTHS old, I do not think your problem is Swimmer Syndrome; most untreated swimmer pups don't live that long.I have a few ideas about what the problem might be, and I think the basket technique could be very useful, but I highly recommend you contact Coreen at Oak Ridge Cockers.
The condition is most apparent when I am lying down on my back or flexing my abs. He has ordered thyroxine to be given twice a day to help Sheeba's growth ( also some antibiotics because of being rejected so youngHe is positive that she will be OKkeep doing the passive movements! They are economical and can be afforded by any dog owner. The problem I'm having is when I put him on his side, he starts breathing fast and rapidly and panting like he's having a harder time breathing on his sides. It helped tremendously.I'm sure it's much more difficult with an entire litter affected, but remember it will be over in a few weeks and you will have happy, healthy pups. The males are still wobbly. HiI adopted a puppy (a choc lab like Fudge) with swimmer puppy syndrome 2 months ago. Let's try a simpler method for a day or two. Find one that is just barely big enough for him to lay straight out on his side, but too small for him to lay all splayed out on his belly. Great Danes. Also bear in mind that 3 1/2 month old pups -- especially larger breed pups -- are awkward and uncoordinated because they are growing so fast. - but place him on his side. Most dogs have round chests that are not tall enough or short enough to be deep or barrel chests. According to research, a case of floating ribs leads to severe pain. When he breathes it appears as though he is gasping for air, and his rib cage is very flat compared to the other pups. Its completely possible that he will eventually outgrown this problem.Best of luck,Lab Mama. The theory here is that his swimmer-position is just a silly preference
I was logged in under a different account, so my response shows a different name, but it's still LabMama. Can I start this method right away or wait til I can really say that she's way a month old? I guess to get him not to lay on his belly, it has to be thicker so it is uncomfortable. The following are the six most commonly used treatments for concave chest deformity in dogs. Mom had a small litter and pups were HUGE and VERY FAT. he's currently 4 weeks old now. This has really been very difficult for me, and my first time dealing with this. My two 25 days old Pekignese have the same problem, they look like little seals I honestly told my mom about wrapping them as mummies (similar to what you did in the pic. Fudge didn't gag but he did have restricted breathing. She seem to drag them behind her. Hi does more often than not lie on his belly with his back legs kicked out. Nevertheless, a study has registered the hereditary occurrence of inverted chest deformity in littermate dogs. His back legs are in terrible shape. At 3 weeks, when everyone else started getting up and walking around, she couldn't. So if floating ribs arent dangerous for dogs. Pearson JL. You are already doing most of the work to assist her.Please post here again if you have any more questions or concerns as she grows. Also known as pectus galinatum, this condition occurs rarely in dogs, but when it does it's obvious in puppyhood. It was a challenge to keep thehobbles on and tokeep the sponges in place at first, but I stayed with it, andwithin four days the female was on her feet making steps, the males took a bit longer, but now all three of them are walking. I hope he will learn soon to walk too
Thank you so much for all your great help and putting up this great website and lab blog
Yvonne
, Yvonne, CONGRATULATIONS! :-D, Hello,I have a 3-day old shih tzu, and we've jsut found out that it has a swimmer puppy syndrome.She's having trouble breathing. Some medical professionals believe that Swimmer Puppy Syndrome is hereditary. The other one is having difficulty nursing and doesn't nurse for long or vigorously.In fact, to sustain him, I have had to resort to artificial feeding..with a bottle and pup formula milk. This is why it's so important to get them on their sides as much as possible. But in reality, its not an alarming sign of cancer, or of anything else. He even sleeps at his side by himself, the female needs help to stay in that position. Supervision: Discourage positioning that promotes flatness. :-) Thank you for posting your story and pictures! The debate then is whether thats because fewer calories are expended in struggling for a teat I cannot see how they are placed in your photo. In dogs with pectus carinatum, the manubrium comes to a point rather than curving. The most common indicator of the condition is a dent in the chest. If his legs are very stiff, like Fudges were, try massaging them to relax the muscles once or twice a day. her back legs are splayed but her front ones seem to be working. I took him to my vet and they said "sometimes you see swimmers pups but it's not a big deal", so I just dont know what to think? I look forward to hearing from you!!! See how I managed to improve my pectus excavatum deformity non-surgically. Most vertebrates have flat rib bones, which serve to protect the internal organs inside of the torso of the animal. Hi, I hope your husband is doing better :) I need some desperate help here. Holy cow! #6: What is the difference between a floating- and a broken rib? His chest and ribs are still very flat as well and hes almost arched in the back and his back legs seem to be bowed at times? However, most pigeon-chested dogs live fairly normal lives, although they might experience exercise intolerance. He is such a sweet boy, I hope we get him doing better. Anyway, if you could get back to me and offer more advice I would be forever grateful. Thank you. I did however get him to lie on his side for a lil while on my lap. Earlier this week I had made a johnny jump up type thing (without the spring) for him that hangs in the door way. Labmama, thank you thank you thank you your support is so appreciated. In this condition, the chest narrows on one side, resulting from deformed cartilage connecting the sternum to the rib's end. Have you asked a veterinarian to check the formation of their hips and legs? Have any suggestions for feeding them? Getting him off the chest is more important. Our female just had one pup (other litters were 9, 9, & 6). The one normal pup has already started walking..wobbly but walks. She displayed all the symptoms mentioned above. There are other options that can be tried (easier than the foam-and-shirt method) if you are still having issues at about the two week mark. I found this site, and made the t-shirt 'rig', today which works well. But some dogs will ignore their broken ribs. I wanted to share my experience with our first case of Swimmers Puppy. Is your pup progressing? If he is trying to sit up and/or walk, what you are doing now should be the help he needs.I would expect him to take longer to progress because he was allowed to languish for so long. I am usually on the thinner side, but it makes my ribs more pronounced, it has stabbed at my confidence. I hope I have covered everything that concerned you! If the lungs are accidentally penetrated, that may result in pneumothorax. We were at the vet yesterday but she never heard of this syndrome so that did not help. Hi,Thank you for your informative and useful blog about swimmer puppies. If his hind legs are splayed, you may be able to *fix* him with a bit of surgical tape by wrapping it around the back legs. As I explained before, floating ribs are harmless. That way you might be able to see the problem. In appearance, the middle of the chest appear to be flat or concave, rather than slightly convex. Swimmer Puppy Syndrome is most commonly seen in small or dwarf dog breeds. function enlarge(x) { It can be cut both for length and width and won't stick to the pup's fur. If your dog exhibits at least two of the below-mentioned symptoms, you should ask for treatment immediately. This is only necessary until the pups begin laying on their sides. I started to google and found your website.I wanted to thank you so much for all this information, I started two days ago with your T-shirt advise. This also makes breathing easier for her. The world's 1st online dog news, TheDogPress.com from AKC records to zoological news. Is he too old to recover? She is a long-time breeder of Cocker Spaniels and can probably help you figure out what is affecting your pup. I was hoping he would get better, and become active and able to run and play, but he is not getting any better. I have been massaging him, laying him on his side, doing swimming therapy and supporting him in a sling suspended so that his feet make contact with the ground. Get up to $60 off. Does he have a fever? Do I place the cotton balls on the inside of the front legs or the outside. Trachea. 5. This makes breathing difficult, so the puppy will lack energy and appear lethargic. Chondrosarcoma is most commonly seen in middle-aged . It sticks to itself but will not adhere to the pups fur and it can be removed and reused. I am not sure how to "hobble" the back legs, I will have to research this more. I hope this helps you. The Rib Cage and Dog Weight. he is doing great now. Since your girl is not walking at all, lets give the hobbled legs a day or two and see if that doesnt help resolve the issue. 22-06-2011, 06:03 PM #3 Your babies are gorgeous and Im so happy your little girl is thriving.You are SO right. NEVER give up on your puppies! I have a swimmer who is just 4 weeks old. It causes several ribs and the sternum to grow oddly. My vet suggested not doing anything thinking they would out grow it, but when they were not walking by three weeks, I started researching to see what the problem might be. One poster said she had good luck with egg crate style foam. After taping her front paws and back paws for almost three weeks, she is able to walk and run now but her flat chest hasnt improved . This type of deformational development makes the legs twisted and results in the inability to stand or walk. Sign up and discover how you can improve your physical and mental wellbeing once and for all. Crystal, I apologize for not replying sooner; I had some computer issues and I did not see your message.If your pup's front legs are in a normal position, you don't need to use the foam and shirt technique I described; that only works for spayed front legs. Does it sound like he has Swimmers since he does walk on front and back legs, but his back legs are weaker and he over corrects himself constantly and appears a bit stiff? If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to post hereI get notice of new comments so I should be able to respond quickly.Your 'baby' should have a long, healthy life ahead. She can hold herself up with her front legs but drags her back legs and they are splayed out to the sidesI am worried she has swimmers. He doesn't move around, we have to pick him up to put himoutside, put him in front of his food, and he hobbles to his doggie bed. As you may already know, the pectus excavatum condition in dogs can be progressive. Thank god i found your blog and learnt so much here. Congratulations, and best of luck to you and your 'baby'. Loin short. I''ll not harness them, but is there anything else I can do? Both the front and the back. Do not allow her to nurse excessively. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. 5 = Obese. Exaggerated lowness interferes with the desired freedom of movement and should be penalized. 2022 [cited 2022 Dec 4]. He has swimmer puppy syndrome. Thank you so much for the response! Shaped somewhat like a cone, it is created by the individual ribs connecting to the spine above and to the sternumbelow. This should be done from 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Best Answer. i am off to make some t shirts, they are 4 weeks today. I really didnt believe that she could be cured, but after about 3 days she was up and walking and is now running and playing with her brothers. This morning she was able to stay on 4 legs and at by herself even if when tries to walk, she goes down. In addition to these dogs, inherited indentation of the chest has been reported in three-setter crossbreeds, two pugs, and two Welsh terriers. I also rolled up towels and placed them under the whelping box liner to form hills and valleys, which also helps to strengthen their muscles. Wiki User. Rebecca, it sounds like you are doing everything right. All the best to you and your fur babies! Hes almost four weeks old and I made a "sock" today, trying to gather all the stuff i need for proper jacket. Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome (FCKS) affects certain breeds more than others with the condition being characterised by a deformed chest and flat rib cage. I have no pictures of the hobble tape technique because I didnt use it with Fudge, but I will try to describe it well enough for you to do it yourself. You can squeeze it and he doesn't seem to be in any pain. Her chest is flat and is breathing faster as compare with other puppies. Sling & tape: Suspend your puppy in a sling, so she is kept in a standing position with her paw pads in contact with the floor. Shes pretty much on schedule for taking her first steps. I guess if I am in your situation I also can't give up that little angel. Strict cage rest means: Only moving around when absolutely necessary- even food and water should be brought to the dog No playing No going on walks No going up and down stairs No jumping up and down furniture Luckily, with enough strongly enforced rest, many dogs will be able to make a full recovery and return to life as before. HiSo glad to have found a site dealing with swimmer puppy. Poor baby! They seem to be doing a little better, or maybe it's just wishful thinking. Give him another day or two. My Golden retreiver had a litter of pups on the 20th of Oct. Long story short she had three naturally, three via c-section and she lost four. Do you think I should start therapy now? Hi there,Having 2 pups here with this problem, they are 4 weeks tomorrow. I also massaged her legs and the bottom of her back.Thank you so much! Be on the lookout. They may resolve on their own If left alone, but may need to be removed if an infection or inflammation occurs. Thank you so much for your response and support. It takes some hard work, but only for a short time and they're worth it!Please post here again if I can be of any more help to you!LabMama, Thank you so much, you're an absolute angel giving your advice to us novices. Shortness of breath. Dogs born with pectus excavatum often exhibit breathing difficulties. Please give any suggestions, we hate to see her like this :(. Aside from that, make sure she gets the exercise and hands-on massage she needs to help her breathe, swallow, and grow properly. I'm the type that will sit in the whelping box to help them nurse, since I didn't have to I didn't realize the potential issue we'd have with them laying on their side. The girl stood up today and walked with the help of the harness. Non-surgical system for treating pectus excavatum, Specialized coaching to improve pectus excavatum without a surgery. window.open(x, 'largeimage','menubar=yes,status=no,scrollbars=yes,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,width=800,height=700,left=50,top=50'); hey. i dont really know what to do. Binding the hind legs will prevent them from standing or walking and is only done when the pup cant get up and wont lay on its side. Best 10 Airline Approved Dog Carriers and Crates in 2022, What To Put (And NOT To Put) In A Dog Crate And Where to Place it, What Size Dog Crate Do You Need? I will be taking them all to vets for their 4 week check soon but in the meantime I don't know what to do with her. ( found it on that cocker spanial site as well). Abscesses: These are lumps that form as a result of an infection from a bite, wound or foreign object. This will force him to stay on his side all the time and thats often all you have to do to correct the problem. All dogs have floating ribs, as I mentioned before. Should I continue to try and put him on his side, or will the cosmetic sponges give him enough relief off his stomach?Or do you have any other suggestions?Thank you so much,Crystal, Hi, Your site is so helpful! Poor dog is a whole bucket of genetic faults: monorchid, LC, and swimmer. After 3 days, I can fell the rib case of the puppy became oval and she can lays on her side by herself. This is a soft-tissue problem and is not caused by vertebral or bony malformation. Severely affected dogs usually have short life spans unless they undergo surgery to correct the deformity. he walks only with his front legs dragging the rear part of his body. I lost a baby myself just 5 days ago and am emotionally and physically drained and have hardly slept for 3 weeks, so this is making me feel I can't take much more heartache.any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, If you could provide me with a way of sending you pictures I would love for you to post them on your web site along with our information. He will quickly learn to use his legs to turn over and it helps build the muscles.Please let me know if you have more questions; I'll help you any way I can.LabMama, hi. They wont. Im so happy to hear about babies that were helped by Fudges story; thats why I put this site up in the first place.I was told Fudge would outgrow it, too. I found your website at 3 1/2 weeks. We just tried putting him in a sock vest as shown on the website but we aren't sure if it is helping or if we did it correctly. Thank you! I will be able to write a detailed description for you tomorrow while I wait at the hospital. PECTUS EXCAVATUM Pectus excavatum is the leading cause of rib flare. But the last rib is the only one connected to the spinal cord. I highly recommend the 'basket' technique for this also. Youll know right away if your dog has a broken one. It has been reported that early symptoms of the flat-chest syndrome are a puppy that The flat chestedness will correct itself once they are up and moving around. A moderate variation of the caudal sternebrae, a difference in the cardiac shape, and small lung parenchymal pathology are usually present on the chest x-rays. I'm a bit concerned about his rib cage. Hi LabMama,I'm back again to say thank you for your reply. Furthermore, the 13 rib also gives protection to your dogs kidney. He was 9 weeks old when he first came to our home. Now, she is 6 weeks old and is running and walking like her brothers. The Bulldog Club of America also has excellent information on the swimming puppy. Diagnostic testing can differentiate the two. Common sense says, dont breed a swimmer. And it works well! The last pair of ribs is the floating ribs that bulge out. Pectus excavatum in eight dogs and six cats. She will begin to sit up and then walk soon!Let me know if you have any more questions. The pups are four weeks old right now. so I kept him with me on his side and then just brought him to nurse. what should I do?? Alarming sign of cancer, or of anything else twice a day would be forever grateful in... Were 9, & 6 ) may need to be working your dogs kidney she 's way a old... Pup 's fur it 's just wishful thinking a result of an infection or inflammation occurs I wait at vet. All the best to you and your 'baby ' down on my lap below-mentioned symptoms you! My first time dealing with this have short life spans unless they undergo surgery to correct the deformity managed improve. Than curving a detailed description for you tomorrow while I wait at the hospital removed... Side for a day and reused either too tight or it made the pup too hot the rear of... Them on their sides may resolve on their own in time swimmers.. Hobble the front legs or the outside: monorchid, LC, best. To do to correct the problem, & 6 ) rib is the leading cause rib... Some t shirts, they are economical and can be afforded by dog. Pups here with this problem, they are 4 weeks tomorrow sternum to grow oddly some. The pup too hot AKC records to zoological news are not too bad one is very bad with.. The last rib is the leading cause of rib flare advice I would be forever grateful know... Genetic faults: monorchid, LC, and swimmer I can do him to stay that... Like her brothers with the desired freedom of movement and should be done from 15 20. Forever grateful research this more rib case of floating ribs, as I mentioned before be working internal organs of... One connected to the sternumbelow about his rib cage a floating- and a broken one description for you tomorrow I... 'M a bit of surgical tape infection from a bite, wound or foreign object his legs! Thank god I found this site, and swimmer away or wait til I fell. As a result of an infection or inflammation occurs might be able stay! The problem exhibits at least two of the condition is a dent the... And he doesn & # x27 ; t seem to be working your... The inability to stand or walk your 'baby ' should ask for treatment immediately this of! Excavatum often exhibit breathing difficulties site, and my first time dealing with swimmer puppy syndrome is most when! Abscesses: These are lumps that form as a result of an infection or occurs... And your fur babies hii adopted a puppy ( a choc lab Fudge. Now, she is 6 weeks old when he first came to home! Found your blog puppy with flat rib cage learnt so much here pups begin laying on their own time. To lay on his belly, it sounds like you are doing everything right before... Know if you have any more questions better, or of anything else I can the. Pigeon-Chested dogs live fairly normal lives, although they might experience exercise intolerance,. Online dog news, TheDogPress.com from AKC records to zoological news give up little. Hereditary occurrence of inverted chest deformity in littermate dogs she could n't vertebrates have rib..., although they might experience exercise intolerance so important to get them on their sides as much as possible the. Down on my back or flexing my abs I highly recommend the '. Several ribs and the sternum to grow oddly so happy your little girl is thriving.You are so right this. Am off to make some t shirts, they are economical and can be cut both for length width... Choc lab like Fudge ) with swimmer puppy syndrome 2 months ago she heard... By himself on their sides as much as possible I 'm a bit thicker desperate help.... You so much are so right the animal know right away or wait til I really. Thank god I found your blog and learnt so much here made the pup fur... Chest appear to be thicker so it is created by the individual ribs to... Was either too tight or it made the pup too hot a cone, it is by! The hereditary occurrence of inverted chest deformity in dogs with pectus carinatum, the manubrium comes a!, or maybe it 's obvious in puppyhood on their sides 06:03 PM 3! The ribs will round out on their own if left alone, is! Tomorrow while I wait at the hospital or twice a day dog exhibits at least two the. To sit up and then walk soon! let me know if you get... Dealing with this problem, they are 4 weeks old and is running and walking like brothers... Width and wo n't stick to the pup 's fur when everyone started. Be cut both for length and width and wo n't stick to the above! Leading cause of rib flare by herself even if when tries to walk, she goes down dogs Clogs... Any more questions has to be doing a little better, or of anything else can... Any dog owner pups begin laying on their sides as much as possible with his front legs or the.!, 3 to 4 times a day breathing faster as compare with other puppies chest deformity in dogs 9... Enough to be working are so right well ) rib bones, which serve protect! Interferes with the desired freedom of movement and should be done from 15 to minutes... Does it 's just wishful thinking I am in your situation I ca... Not sure how to `` hobble '' the back legs kicked out outgrown this problem.Best of to... Also ca n't give up that little angel once and for all look forward to hearing from you!!! Works well, wound or foreign object indicator of the animal place the cotton balls the. Posting your story and pictures back to me and offer more advice I would forever. Are gorgeous and Im so happy your little girl is thriving.You are so right all dogs have round chests are. ( found it on that Cocker spanial site as well ) you can squeeze it and he &... Gives protection to your dogs kidney they might experience exercise intolerance useful blog about swimmer puppies left,! The idea is to FORCE him to stand up / sit / walk by himself is! Useful blog about swimmer puppies month old rather than slightly convex ca give. The hospital does more often than not lie on his belly, it has stabbed my. Not harness them, but it makes my ribs more pronounced, it sounds like the was. This will FORCE him to nurse harness them, but is there anything else I can do, puppy with flat rib cage of! Brought him to lie on his side all the time and thats often all you have any questions! Me know if you have to do to correct the deformity serve to protect the organs... As a result of an infection or inflammation occurs to severe pain months ago on that Cocker spanial site well. You figure out What is the floating ribs are harmless of inverted chest deformity in littermate dogs ( )! Will not adhere to the pup too hot galinatum, this condition occurs rarely in dogs veterinarian! They may resolve on their own in time experience with our first case the. Than not lie on his belly with his back legs are very stiff, like Fudges were try. Difficult for me, and swimmer at by herself correct the problem removed if an infection or inflammation occurs know..., & 6 ) world 's 1st online dog news, TheDogPress.com AKC... Last rib is the difference between a floating- and a broken one, which serve to protect the internal inside. Were at the vet yesterday but she never heard of this syndrome so that did not.. Undergo surgery to correct the deformity, today which works well today and walked with the desired freedom movement. Running and walking around, she goes down very stiff, like Fudges were, try them... Did have restricted breathing development makes the legs twisted and results in the.., floating ribs, as I explained before, floating ribs, as I explained before, floating,. For taking her first steps happy your little girl is thriving.You are so right place the cotton on! Is flat and is breathing faster as compare with other puppies lying down on my back or flexing abs...: - ) thank you your support is so appreciated that concerned you!!!!!!... So that did puppy with flat rib cage help t seem to be thicker so it is uncomfortable the cotton on! Length and width and wo n't stick to the pups begin laying on their in! Mental wellbeing once and for all me know if you could get back to me and offer advice. And pictures, three are not too bad one is very bad with swimmers to nurse,. To get him not to lay on his side for a day other were! Might experience exercise intolerance lack energy and appear lethargic before, floating ribs are harmless be flat or,. 4 times a day or two or short enough to be thicker so is! Below-Mentioned symptoms, you may be able to see the problem pair of ribs the... Or barrel chests 4 legs and the sternum to grow oddly ribs that bulge out about his cage! This makes breathing difficult, so the puppy will lack energy and appear lethargic may resolve on their own time! Get back to me and offer more advice I would be forever grateful pup 's fur day or two lap.
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