Swimmer Puppy Syndrome in Dogs

All puppies are born with loose tendons and muscles. In healthy puppies, the tendons and muscles develop adequate tension in the legs in the first weeks of life so that they can bear their own weight and begin to walk.

In puppies with swimmer syndrome, the tension in the tendons and muscles fails to develop. Instead of the legs moving under the body ready for standing and walking, the legs remain splayed out beside or behind the body. Without early treatment, puppies with swimmer syndrome are permanently unable to walk. In some cases this leads to fatal changes in the development of other parts of the body.

Swimmer syndrome is rare in puppies. Puppies that are not able to walk or support their own body weight by the age of 20 days require veterinary attention.

Swimmer syndrome is more prevalent in smaller dog breeds.

Swimmer syndrome generally affects the hindlimbs. In some cases, both the forelimbs and the hindlimbs are involved.

Due to the constant pressure on the chest from lying on the ground, puppies with swimmer syndrome also tend to develop a flat chest, which makes breathing difficult. In some cases, this also causes the internal organs to be compressed or moved out of place. These physical changes may be fatal if left untreated.

Puppies with swimmer syndrome may also have difficulty digesting food. Because they cannot move around easily, they also tend to be contaminated with their own urine and feces, making the risk of infection higher than usual.

The causes of swimmer syndrome in puppies is not yet well understood. It is theorized that there is a genetic component. Another theory is that the health and nutrition of the mother in the prenatal period may have an effect.

The characteristic symptom of swimmer syndrome is the puppy’s inability to bear its own weight or walk. The legs of these puppies lie flat on the ground beside or behind the body.

Diagnosis of swimmer syndrome is based on physical examination.

Treatments include binding and hobbling or shackling the legs, using a sling or harness, massage, and physical therapy. Veterinary advice is required to direct these treatments.

Binding and slinging help keep the puppy’s legs in the proper position while gradually encouraging weight bearing. Physical therapy and massage help to develop the necessary tension and tone in the muscles and tendons for weight bearing and walking.

Treatments in physical therapy include:

• Taping the knees and ankles into the proper position
• Connecting the legs
• Using a sling or harness to support the puppy’s weight while taped, allowing the puppy’s feet to just touch the ground
• Exercising the muscles with the help of a sling at first
• Moving the limbs through their full range of motion
• Massaging and stimulating the legs and feet
• Exercising in water which stimulates the swimming reflex (only after 6 weeks of age)

Other considerations for puppies undergoing treatment for swimmer syndrome include:

• Flooring must provide traction such as carpet, as slippery surfaces like tile and wood make it too difficult to get a proper footing until fully recovered
• Bedding must provide soft support
• Hygiene practices must be carefully maintained as these puppies cannot move to urinate or defecate

Without treatment, puppies with swimmer syndrome never learn to walk or support their own weight on their legs. The changes to the structure of their body can lead to fatal complications like a flat chest, deflated lungs, or issues with the internal organs.

In cases where treatment is started early and is performed consistently, the prognosis for a full recovery is good. Once the puppy is able to walk on its own, its life expectancy is the same as other dogs with normal development.

There are no preventative measures to avoid swimmer syndrome. Providing high quality nutrition and prenatal care to the mother is recommended.

Swimmer syndrome is uncommon in dogs.

Binding Slinging Physical therapy Massage