Swimmer Puppy - Page 2

I had a swimmer and the towel method worked well.   I needed to be  pretty attentive because I was adjusting the towels alot.  So I put them under the indoor/outdoor carpeting I had on the floor of the box so the whole flooring was sort of "wavy" and the puppy was unable to sleep comfortably on his belly.  He recovered very quickly and never had any further problems.  But since I have only had one, I don't know if the recovery is based on severity and how that is judged....cele

I thank everyone for their comments.  I appreciate all the help and so does my pup.

Was the pups chest flat?  If so, did it revert back into its normal place?  My pup is 3wks old today and im hoping I can help him.

I had a rott pup born with the swimmer syndrome.  She always kept a barrel shaped chest.  but I have seen other's look perfectly normal after therapy.

Besides the Sirius web site mentioned above, there are other really good sites on the web. One of interest for you will be:

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

You also must begin some therapy with the pup and some of this reading can help you. Do you have a good vet? If so, also ask him/her for information and assistance. I have some other good literature somewhere, and I will try to find it.

Getting a proper surface under the pup is also very important as someone notes above.

Best of luck trying to help this pup.

Hodie,

Please PM that info when you find it - I would greatly appreciate it - I was thinking of going tomorrow and purchasing those rubber mats used in weight gyms to help him get a good grip on the floor.

 VJKGSD,

For now, and immediately, get him off his belly. Make him suckle on the side. Turn him sideways and try to support him if necessary. Get carpet or something more rough surfaced under him. Use a towel under him to help him stand. Exercise the legs, one or two at at time. Get some help if you can to do this. The fact that he made it this long is a bonus, but if he does not receive proper therapy, he will end up dying. That is why you probably need someone to help you with some experience in this.....

I will be looking for additional information and get it too you as soon as I can.

I hate to say this but from the articles i read the outlook is not good and it is very likely the pup will have a painful life. Good luck!

Interesting post.  I had never heard of this before.  The link that Cora provided was pretty informative.

WIth proper treatment the dog can live a normal life. I've seen many dogs who you can clearly tell were swimmers. I'm surprised to see breeders who don't know what a swimmer is.