Do you have a puppy that cannot walk or move normally? Have you noticed that when walking it makes movements similar to those of a dog that swims? If the answer to these questions is yes, it is very likely to be swimming dog syndrome
Swimmer's syndrome in dogs, also known as flat puppy syndrome, occurs in very young puppies and is a neurological problem that causes reduced or even loss of hind limb movements and/or earlier. In this article on our site we will talk about swimming puppy syndrome, what it is, what the causes are, how it is detected and what is the most appropriate treatment. If you want to know more about this topic, read on.
What is swimming dog syndrome?
The meaning of the term "syndrome" is none other than the set of clinical signs and symptoms that may result from one or more causes, that is, it is not a disease in itself, but a medical condition caused by one or more diseases.
Swimming dog syndrome, also called flat dog syndrome or myofibrillar hypoplasia in dogs, results from an alteration in the nervous system, that is, motor development in puppies. It causes difficulty in locomotion or even loss of limb movement, causing the affected puppy to walk or drag its limbs. This syndrome acquires this common designation because dog walks as if swimming
Usually manifests before the first month of life, when puppies begin to take their first steps (around the second or third week of life). It is at this stage that the tutor begins to notice that something is wrong with the dog's movement.
Swimming dog syndrome can affect any gender or breed, however a predisposition is believed to exist in small, short-legged breeds such as Basset Hounds, English and French Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels spaniel or yorkshire terrier.
Symptoms of Swimmer's Syndrome in Dogs
Although we have already mentioned the main symptom, walking as if swimming, puppies affected by Swimmer's Syndrome may show more signs such as the following:
- Weakness.
- Walking and ataxia (lack of coordination of movements).
- Inability to stand up.
- Hyperextension of extremities.
- Sternal decubitus (with the sternum and abdomen against the ground).
- Locomotion similar to the act of swimming.
- Wounds from dragging the legs.
- Constipation.
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Weight loss (they are usually the weakest animals in the litter, as they cannot feed themselves).
Swimming puppy syndrome can affect the hindlimbs and/or forelimbs, however, it is more common to affect on both hind legs. The prognosis for recovery is more guarded when all four extremities are affected.
When these clinical signs are observed, they generate a lot of concern and doubt in the people who live with the dog. However, don't worry, in the following sections we will try to clarify all your doubts and insecurities regarding this problem.
Causes of swimming pup syndrome
The causes can vary, but it is usually associated with a birth defect, that is, one that develops during pregnancy. In addition, there are experts who maintain that there is a component:
- Inherited (passed from parents to children).
- Environmental (after birth there is a lack of stimuli to walk or a slippery floor).
- Nutritional (Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to this syndrome).
How to cure swimming puppy syndrome? - Treatment
Swimmer's syndrome in dogs does not disappear overnight, it is necessary to go to the veterinary clinic to diagnose it and start treatment. It can be cured, yes, but it is necessary to follow the specialist's instructions and be consistent with the stipulated treatment. In general, the treatment includes the following techniques:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the treatment of choice and, in general, if started as soon as possible, in the third or fourth week of life, the animal has no sequelae and fully recovers. Daily physiotherapy with 15-minute sessions, several times a day, is recommended to increase muscle tone and strength, in addition to stimulating motor coordination. Swimming is also recommended for physiotherapy.
Bandages
In some situations bandages are used to reposition limbs This technique shows more satisfactory results when started at three or four weeks of age, as the bones and joints can be shaped more easily and make the therapy more effective.
As a curiosity, the bandages are made with figure-eight plasters or handcuffs to stabilize and maintain the limbs in their normal anatomical position. As the rate of growth of animals is exponential, bandages must be changed regularly to keep up with this growth.
Nutritional supplements
The vitamin E, the selenium or thetaurine can be used as a complementary treatment. A deficiency in selenium can lead to reduced growth, weakened immune systems or fertility problems.
Weight Management
Excess weight makes movement difficult and causes an overload on the joints, which are totally counterproductive when the puppy suffers from swimmer's syndrome. Thus, offering a balanced diet, quality and adequate is also part of the treatment to cure swimming puppy syndrome.
Environmental modification and enrichment
Using Non-Slip Flooring can be a simple solution for pups who are always slipping. Likewise, it is advisable to review all the surfaces of the home to ensure that they promote the recovery of the dog. Likewise, it is always good to improve the environmental enrichment in general to ensure that the animal is entertained and happy, whether or not it has swimmer's syndrome.
