Swimming Syndrome in Two Labrador Puppies

Abstract

Swimming puppy syndrome, is an uncommon developmental abnormality observed in neonatal dogs in which the hind limbs and sometimes the front legs, are splayed laterally. Affected animals often remain in sternal recumbency exhibit swimmer like movements at the time of trying to ambulate that are more pronounced on smooth surfaces. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, although various undocumented theories have been formulated. Twenty five-day-old, two Labrador retriever littermates constituted the study material. Clinically, inability of stand or move about, extended limbs, swimming like movement on sternal recumbency and inability of adduction in the limbs were observed. Neurological examination was considered normal. Bilateral lateral patellar luxation was observed in both cases. Before starting to the treatment, a soft rug, 3 cm in thickness, was spread over the floor of the whelping box. In the treatment process, physiotherapy of both hind limbs was initiated and performed for 5 min, three times daily. Gentle passive flexion, extension and adduction of the hock, stifle and hip joints were performed. At the end of the 6th week of treatment process, functional activity of the limbs was observed in both cases. As a result it was concluded that, both puppies were able to walk as good as their littermates at the end of the 6th week of the therapy process as mentioned in the previous studies, and prognosis is good with lack of concomitant pectus excavatum.