Swimmers puppy syndrome
We have been offered a 4 week Old English Sheepdog that is suffering from swimmers puppy syndrome. He was the only puppy in the litter, therefore, he's a little chunkier than normal. He has a flat chest, and is standing but not walking. I asked the vet, but he recommend not to adopt since being a large frame breed is already working against him. What are you thoughts? Can he recover ? What would be the best treatment therapy for him ? I tried laying him on his side but he goes right to a flat position. Please guide me the right direction !! I'm not sure what should I do...should I take him or let him go to another home ! Will he have a long term sequeale? Or is possible to recover ? Thank you !! |
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| swimmers can recover but treatment should have begun NOW! The longer they remain on their chest, the less likely that chest will open and the pup will suffer breathing problems, poor heart development, etc. This would not be a pup you can leave for 9 hours and go to work. Physical therapy would be all day. The breeder should be doing the therapy now! Realize this may be a congenital condition and other pups in the litter may go on and throw more "turtles." I'd look long and hard at the pup, your time to spend working with it. For sure I would not expect to pay full price for this pup.........so much for a health guarantee with a pup that starts out with problems. |
| Swimmers on this size of a dog is not a good thing. As SheepieBoss said - a lot of work and time involved in helping this pup get through it, and a big commitment on your part. |
| Is the puppy full OES or mixed?? Odd that he was the only one in the litter, thought they had litters of 6 or more, or did you mean only one with this problem?? Unless you have owned an OES before and know what that entails as far as grooming etc.....I would not recommend you get a puppy with health issues unless you are experienced and will have the time to do therapy. If the breeder has not started....I would question the breeders ethics and genetics of their line. Dont make a rushed desicion that you may regret later. It is so worth having a pup from a reputable breeder. Just read some of the threads of those who have had health issues with theirs. |
| Thank you for all the replies....I'm glad I'm not alone in this hard decision. Actually, the breeder is my neighbor who has the mother. Her last litter had 7 puppies, which were all healthy and were sold. This second litter, he only had one puppy, which is the one I was referring to. He's actually not selling him, but rather wants to give him to a good, loving home. The puppy has legal documents from mom & dad. The owner is actually already doing all the recommended therapy we have found online. I'm knew to this breed in particular, so I wanted further input. I currently have a Yorkie and a cat, plus I have a 13 y/o girl. I'm concern about the puppy's recovery. I don't want the puppy to suffer or my family. Thank you so much : ) |
| Good. I hope the pup gets all the therapy he needs. You can go over frequently and tickle toes, hold the pup on it's feet and encourage walking. Laughed about the hand cuffs for the legs, but actually a good idea. Between those and a set of training "wheels" or out-riggers on the side, the pup stands a good chance of making it, if that chest will open. |
| Steel was born with swimmers....He is fine. Therapy has to start at birth and caution should be taken for the first year but that is my opinion. There is very little rock hard long term info written in stone info as far as long term prognosis other than to say all will be great as long as you get them through the beginning and up and moving normally. My breeder was better than amazing, also Steel came from 2 parents who have had all genetic testing. Elbow, hips, name it, have it! Again, Steel is perfect! I picked him at 2 weeks or he picked me - not sure how that went. At 8 weeks his back feet were still a little pointed inward and he hopped like a bunny when he ran but those were the only signs left. Breeder worked her butt off! The rest was up to me. My vet knew nothing at first but quickly researched as did I. No slipping, No stairs, No jumping, limited exercise, special exercises/bending. At 50lbs much went out the window as he became to long I guess for me to carry but exercises and bending still to this day. He isn't a year old yet. We still don't full out run very often. He jumps but usually aided for high jumps. We take only short walks (30 mins). Last check was 74.5lbs. Whole body is farrrrr up off the ground! Legs are straight knees and toes pointed in the right direction. Runs as he should. These dogs deserve a chance. If you have a little extra time to devote grab that puppy! If you have decided the breed is for you and your neighbor has done as she should it will be ok. I cannot stress enough the consequences of swimmers is bad if not treated properly. The puppy will basically suffocate is my understanding. Absolutely have to prevent the chest cavity from flattening. There are pics of Steel all over this site if you need encouragement. |
| Thanks Aleece. Glad Steel is ok. Guess this proves for real that love,patience and therapy can work wonders. |
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