swimmer puppy help, does he have a chance - Page 1

I had a swimmer puppy born in one of my litters. I didn't even know the condition existed until I researched his symptoms.
I noticed it when he was one day old the litter was only three puppies and he had a large rib cage that was flat on the bottom.
I've been doing all that was suggested as far as caring for it. I've been lying him on his side when nurseing and doing massage on him.  I would like to know if he has a chance at living a normal life.
The stories I've read about dogs with the condition are kinda vague.
Right now "thor" is 17 days old and hes gaining weight just fine and moving around not as fast as the other two but he does get his feet under him.  Thank you for any info anyone can provide, Cherie'

Some swimmers can from what I've read too.....
I think as long as his rib area can strengthen & "correct".....his organs might not be jeopardized.
We had a swimmer puppy about 9-10 years ago......we made the decision to put it to sleep.
I wish you the best of luck!
Robin

You have kept him this long, he will be on his feet soon if he is able, perhaps if he is surviving as well as you say he is, see how nature intends it, andif he then isnt coping you have your answer, how sad - hope the answer is the one you want.  Let us know.  Never seen this but heard of it, and didnt think they could survive even to 17 days.   Mo - Mascani

thank you for your replys.  Do you have any suggestions on getting his rib cage to strength and correct faster?
~Cherie

Since he can get his feet under him and move around, and he's getting excellent care, his chances are very good. Putting him on a rubber mat will make it easier for him to get his feet under him and move around. Give him time and see how he does. Unless there's something awful happening that you haven't mentioned, there doesn't seem to be any reason to execute the little guy.

Hi Eisha,
 
  Yes, your puppy has a chance at a very normal life.

  I just recently had a litter of labs and the mom had sooooo much extra milk that all my pups were swimmers at the beginning......

Please do the following, your pup will be fine, I used duck tape, just take both his back legs, and stand them like you want them, even maybe alittle close together, THEN-----get out the duck tape & twirl a piece around the left one above the hock, maybe like two times, then keep it in one piece and bring the duck tape over to the right leg and twirl it around  the leg ---above the hock.

  Please let me know if this works for you......

Here is what you need to do, and I guarantee you that in 3 to 4 days your pup will be walking normal......

Try and roll him onto his sides when he is sleeping.  This will help with the shape of the rib cage.  Since you said he was walking, the action of his front legs should be forward not out to the sides.  I wish you luck with the little guy.  He has a chance.

I would not use duct tape, but some gauze. There is a chance he can be normal. There is a lot of information on the web about how to treat these pups and since he is as old as he is and is trying to stand, help him by supporting him as much as possible and many times a day as possible. Rotate his position when he is sleeping. Here are some web sites that have some information and potential treatment options to help you. Good luck.

http://publications.royalcanin.com/renvoie.asp?type=1&cid=124305&id=102462&com=2&animal=0&lang=2&session=2120576

http://www.swimmerpuppy.com/saved/belle/belle2.html

http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/breeding/swimmers.htm

Our Vets use 1 inch tape and they hobble the puppies front legs together and rear legs together this seems to help.
We also have breeders that use what they call egg carton foam,  there are peaks and valleys so the puppy is not always flat.

I agree with Hodie about the duct tape, I'd opt for something a little less adhesive. If he's getting his feet under him I believe he's on his way to recovery.I would do as others suggested about keeping him off his stomach, rotating often.I think he'll be fine. Good luck, let us know how he's doing.                                         Michael