Do you have a puppy that can’t walk or move normally? Have you noticed that his attempts to walk resemble those of a dog swimming? Then it can be a dog syndrome that swims.
Swimmer dog syndrome, also known as flat dog syndrome, occurs in very small puppies and is a neurological problem that causes a decrease or even loss of posterior and/or anterior limb movements.
- In this article by Animal Expert we will explain the syndrome of the dog swimming.
- What it is.
- What causes it.
- How it is detected and what is the most appropriate treatment.
- For more information on this topic.
- Read on.
A designação “síndrome” significa o conjunto de sinais clínicos e sintomas que podem resultar de uma ou mais causas, ou seja, não é uma doença por si só, mas sim uma condição médica originada por uma ou mais doenças.
Swimmer dog syndrome, also known as flat dog syndrome or myofibrillary hypoplasia, is the result of an alteration of the nervous system, that is, motor development, in puppies. Causes difficulty of locomotion or even loss of limb movement, forcing them to walk or drag the limbs. This syndrome acquires this common name because the dog, when trying to walk, performs a movement similar to that of swimming.
It usually occurs before the first month of life, when the puppies begin to take their first steps (around the second or third week of life). It is at this point that the tutor begins to notice that something is wrong with the movement of the dog.
Swimmer dog syndrome can affect any sex or breed, but it is believed that there is a predisposition for breeds such as Basset Hound, English Bulldog and Fancs, Cocker Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, that is, in dogs of small breeds of short legs (chondrodrodrotrophic breeds).
Although we have already mentioned the main symptom, some other possible symptoms of this syndrome are:
Swimmer dog syndrome can affect the hind legs and/or forelegs, but it is more common to affect both hind legs. The recovery forecast is most reserved when it affects all four members.
When these clinical signs are observed, they raise a lot of concern and doubt for the guardians who live with the dog. However, do not worry, in the following areas we will try to clarify all your doubts and insecurities about this problem.
The causes can be varied, but they are usually associated with a birth defect, that is, that develops during pregnancy. In addition, some authors claim that there is a component:
If you don’t know if there’s a dog with Down syndrome, check the answer in our article.
It should be remembered that this syndrome does not heal, otherwise, if you do nothing to help your dog, it will not disappear. This is a problem that requires regular medical-veterinary follow-up, as the success of treatment will depend on the continuous reassessments of the veterinarian and his team.
Physical therapy 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 recovers completely. Daily physiotherapy is recommended with 15-minute sessions, several times a day, to increase muscle tone and strength, as well as stimulate motor coordination. Swimming is also recommended as physical therapy.
In some situations, bandages combine to reposition the limbs. This combination shows more satisfactory results when it starts at three to four weeks of age, as bones and joints can mold more easily and make therapy more effective.
Out of curiosity, bandages are made with eight-shaped bandages or handcuffs to stabilize and keep the limbs in their normal anatomical position. As the level of growth of animals is exponential, bandages should be changed periodically to accompany this growth.
Vitamin E, selenium and/or taurine may be used as a complementary treatment. Selenium deficiency can lead to reduced growth, weakened immune systems, or fertility problems.
Excessive weight makes movement difficult and causes joint overload
The use of non-slip floors can be a simple solution for puppies that always slip. Plus, see more options to enrich your pet’s environment and give you happier, more complete time.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to Dog Swimming Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend that you visit our Other Health Problems section.