he's currently 4 weeks old now. While it is true that the stimulus of struggling for the teat keeps large-litter whelps more active, theres no proof that exercise prevents the chest wall and rib cage deformity. Diagnosing pectus excavatum deformity in dogs can be done in three ways: The clinical symptoms are associated with heart and lung compression. You can visit the vet for a quick check-up. Mom had a small litter and pups were HUGE and VERY FAT. Sorry that I don't know how to put my name here. He is about the size of a 2 1/2-3 week old puppy. I'm not a veterinary or a breeder and just wanted to share this, first of all, to thank about all the information I found on Internet, and second to show that working really really hard (it has been the longest months of my whole life) even a 9 week puppy can recover What a wonderful story, Eduardo! The debate then is whether thats because fewer calories are expended in struggling for a teat SSI They are maturing normally but their body functions are not. Pectus excavatum can occur in nearly every single dog breed. He's growing so fast that his body should adjust quickly.Congratulations on spotting the problem and taking quick action! There are other possible causes for her lameness that could be ruled out by an x-ray and/or physical exam.Does she lay on or sleep on her side? Pectus carinatum sounds a lot more imposing than the common term for this canine chest deformity: pigeon-chested or pigeon-breasted. I tried the method and she got it off do you have any advice. I found your blog just last night. He had a family before us but they didn't treat him at all and they just returned him to the association where we adopted him later. Congratulations, and best of luck to you and your 'baby'. To do this, you can try gently touching the bump on their body. The first days I looked for information on Internet but all I found were bad news as all the recovered puppies I read about where far younger than ours. Thanks again. 2004 Jun;45(6):3114. But they don't cause the problems that ribs that have broken into pieces can. It is believed that rib flaring is caused by the diaphragm pushing the lower cartilage of the rib cage outwards. My beautiful lab Reni had a litter of 8 of which only 3 survived, but 2 of them seem to have very flat chests. ANYTHING that has elastic, stretchy qualities will work. My Golden retreiver had a litter of pups on the 20th of Oct. Long story short she had three naturally, three via c-section and she lost four. x. Please give any suggestion about do and don't for this pup. Ally, none of these photos show her in a swimmer position, so its hard to tell but if you are getting her to sleep on her side, thats a good thing. I massage his back legs, move them in a walking movement, and I have a "channel" for him to walk in to keep his legs under him. Some studies have shown that swimmer puppy syndrome is highest in obese puppies. Thanks so much for this site. I tried to email the Coreen lady but my email was rejected. Your babies are SO beautiful! The patient was a cream-coloured, two-year-old male shorthaired crossbreed named Buddy. His chest is flat, with a little dip in his chest (Which the vet was concerned about it pressing on his heart as he gets older). Is there any discharge from his nose? I found you on Google. Thankfully being school holidays my son was able to take over and keep her on her side and make sure the other pups didn't untie her vest, great fun for them. Be on the lookout. In a few days youll be chasing her around the yard while she RUNS everywhere! Symptoms of Chest Bone Deformity in Dogs As I have said, the therapy requires a bit of intensity for a few days, but only a few then the pups usually catch right up with their litter mates. THERE IS HOPE. They are generally whitish in color, and are basically very large pimples. When the pups begin to sit up and try to stand, if you have one or two that cant or dont do that, then you will need to intervene.Monitor their progress and come back here if you have more questions or concerns. For Fudge, it was another 4 days to taking his first steps.Best of luck with your little girl; please post here again if you have any questions. We have never come across it before but we think one of the pups is a swimmer. Removing him from the litter and putting him on his side (you might try the basket/box method) is also a great idea.I would give it a while - perhaps even a week or so - to 'sink in' with your pup. After all, pain in dogs can be hard to detect if the injury isnt visible. So I went to another one. Bev, best of luck with your babies! Their ribs. When the dam is ready to let her milk down, quietly put the suspect swimmer on a good nipple that he likes Your email address will not be published. The Rib Cage and Dog Weight. We were extremely discouraged by so much of the (rather limited) info on swimmers, but your article is encouraging. See how I managed to improve my pectus excavatum deformity non-surgically. Hi Thank you so much for sharing your helpful knowledge. Copyright ? Once there pup was hastily taken into their care whilst myself and my husband waited ,not so patiently ! If that is the case there may not be a lot of room for pups if you bred from her but so long as there is room for her organs there should be no problem. Anyway I tried almost every method I found on your web and Coreen's. Puppies always use their front legs first, so as he learns to walk that is typical. His chest is round now also. I turn her on her side to nurse which does not like. I am very worried about her and wake up at night wondering if she is on her side!!!!! Dobermans. The world's 1st site by/for dog show judges TheJudgesPlace.com educates on purebred dogs. Body --Rib cage should be well sprung, slightly egg-shaped and moderately long. Diane, it sounds like you are doing everything right if your little guy has swimmer puppy syndrome. All the best. Hi, Thank you for your reply. Abscesses: These are lumps that form as a result of an infection from a bite, wound or foreign object. Such dogs might also exhibit abnormally thin waists, known by the term "herring-gutted." And will he grow out of this he wobbles from side to side when he walks Thanks, Sorry to keep you waiting for a reply!Hobbling his hind legs will not help; he is using the legs properly, they are just apparently weak. And do they feel too loose? You will know for sure at 2 - 2 1/2 weeks. Difficulty breathing is a bit of a concern, though, so lets see if we can narrow down the possibilities. Here, I will provide detailed information on the number of dog ribs with their anatomy. I really do appreciate this :), Hi there, just a quick update. Although they can show up anywhere, mainly you'll see them in the rib area. Plus, it can lead to a condition known as slipping rib syndrome.. Thats why the bump looks like a moving tumor whenever your dog moves. It forces them on their sides and allows them to become used to laying that way. But now I notice she will pull her self up with from legs and when I hold her she will use her back legs and pop but she don't seem to have stringht to walk with them. I found this site, and made the t-shirt 'rig', today which works well. Stimulate: Those paw pads need stimulation! Not when theyre 3 weeks old and still unable to sit or stand. They are visible, and you can see them stick out from the lean chest of the dog. They will need their hind legs free to sit up and stand.I also highly recommend the basket (or box) hobble technique I have explained here. The most frequent chest deformity in dogs is pectus excavatum. Once he begins to spend time on his side, his ribs should start rounding. The syndrome of swimmer puppies is sometimes referred to as Pectus Excavatum, and described by many as " a condition of so-called flat-chested puppies ." Without intervention, and often despite best efforts, they usually die anywhere from two days to four weeks. That way you might be able to see the problem. They arrange serially and intersperse by the intercostal spaces. Since I was last on ( this morning) I spent a few hours doing back leg cycling exercises, massage and I put her to sleep in a box. I used the rig for several days and it did not help with making him lay on his stomach at all. But whats attached to the bones in those parts? Problem was, I've been his mommy since 1 week and he trusts me not to let him go under.. he fell asleep. It takes some hard work, but only for a short time and they're worth it!Please post here again if I can be of any more help to you!LabMama, Thank you so much, you're an absolute angel giving your advice to us novices. If your lovely puppy is a breed of this kind, make sure that you check for pectus excavatum symptoms. Again tks! Watch him each time he nurses to be sure he stays on his side. Due to the length, the last rib can only attach to the spine. 1918.) Hi labmama,I am so grateful for your story and all the other success stories I've read of people you've given hope to. 1. I always find him sleeping on his stomach and then I have to turn him over. In: Wikipedia [Internet]. And even humans can have the same thing. I have seen other methods on swimmerpuppy.com and I see yours the best way. I dont think the hind legs are a problem. Our husky will be just 3-week old next monday (July 1, 2013). On this site I share simple tips that empower dog parents all over the world. The problem is, he just cant keep his back legs under him. Think of them much like a human pimple. It a sign of severe underlying lung disease or damage, so the symptoms generally relate to the cause. She confirmed her theory and said me that with the right methods the puppy would be able to live without problems.When I arrived at home I started to do some internet researches and I found your website and the Coreen website. Thus, crawling or resting, the front legs dont properly support the chest which allows the whelps weight to flatten the sternum and spread the rib cage. Find one that is just barely big enough for him to lay straight out on his side, but too small for him to lay all splayed out on his belly. I apologize to those of you who have been waiting for replies. because I was so happy. If he still seems to be having trouble, let me know. Also, obtained pectus excavatum, secondary to chronic higher airway resistance, was reported in numerous scientific cases. Its the bone right in the middle of the chest. They are worth the fight! This morning she was able to stay on 4 legs and at by herself even if when tries to walk, she goes down. If your boy is sleeping on his side, he's on the road to full recovery. Sock method: This is similar to putting a life vest or harness on the pup. I tried the sock method with a kid sock, but the pup was yelping and crying out constantly, so I took it out,thinking perhaps I am hurting it,maybe its too tight..Please advice. window.open(x, 'largeimage','menubar=yes,status=no,scrollbars=yes,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,width=800,height=700,left=50,top=50'); This further extends to the humerus, which is the upper half of the foreleg. I couldn't get the tape technique to work. I have no pictures of the hobble tape technique because I didnt use it with Fudge, but I will try to describe it well enough for you to do it yourself. You can e-mail them to me directly at labmama (at) sbcglobal (dot) net. The rescue is going to try to get some publicity for this puppy so that others faced with a disabled puppy wont give up hope so quickly and put them down thinking that they are a lost cause. I would like to try the t-shirt and foam harness, but if I use the foam on the chest, will that not push the rib case further in? Their bodies are remarkably flexible at this age - they have to be to grow so FAST. Next, focus and feel the way the floating ribs react. The puppy is now 5 weeks old. do we need to change the flooring or add something to it for better traction. Lipoma Lump on a Dog's Rib Cage Lipomas are commonly found on dogs and they are simply benign masses made of fat cells. Best of luck to you! Our lil guy also gave us a scare tonight. I had forgotten to write that their chests are flat. These deformations can compress the heart and lungs, lessening pulmonary and cardiac capacity. 4 = Overweight. Early diagnosis depends on astute observation and frequent handling of puppies. However, since you have stated she does not sleep on her side, that is a cause for concern. Youll need to devote a lot of time and energy to ensure your fur baby is comfortable. My swimmer pup is walking a few steps with the help of the tape harness on his hind legs, I have had it on for almost a week and though he still can't walk by himself, and his back legs are splayed, I see an improvement everyday. Thanks again for your advice. the problem is with his hind legs. Hi ThereI have just been sent your site, I am praying your advice works. TheDogPlace.org 1461582003 I have a Husky mix i started bottle feeding at 1 week (wasnt nursing). Thanks again! I just stuck with the shirt idea. If the puppy can walk, she does not have swimmer puppy syndrome. Theyre a natural and harmless part of your dogs body, after all. Should I still worry about him laying on his stomach? He just needs a little more time. She had become like a crab, with her chest compressed and her legs splayed horizontally, like a skydiver. and thanks to Jacqui for posting the youtube link which inspired me to make a rig for my puppy.My female english cocker spaniel delivered 6 puppies on 19th Oct. After 4 days, found that of the puppy is having the swimmer puppy syndrom. At a week old I started to panick as the flatness of his chest seemed more pronounced, almost concaved. Once they build up their strength, they usually rally and thrive.Please keep us posted and ask for more help if you need it. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. The ear is closed at birth but the inner ear is rich in nerve endings that send electrical impulses to the infant brain. Have any suggestions for feeding them?

I know it sounds intense, and it is for a few days, but that should be all it takes to get your boy on the road to full recovery. Fortunately, with early intervention, a dog with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can overcome the physical challenges and grow up to walk, run, and live a mostly normal life. And now, if you look at the bone structure of dogs. Lipomas can be surgically removed if they interfere with your dog's mobility or comfort, grow rapidly, or rupture (causing skin damage). Thats done with the short-term pressure of the splint. Great Danes. I can't find any picture on the internet. Once again, all dogs have them. Anna, that is such good news! She seem to drag them behind her. She does not sleep on her side and although tries to pull herself along with her front legs her back legs just get dragged along behind. window.open(x, 'largeimage','menubar=yes,status=no,scrollbars=yes,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,width=800,height=700,left=50,top=50'); Wide ribs in newborn pup A freind of mine just had litter two weeks ago.Had 8 and only 3 lived.My question is,one puppy lays flat on his belly all the time,when you pick him up his rib cage is flared out and his bottom side is flat like a turtle shell.Will this round out and go back to normal when the pup is strong enough to stand up or should something be done.This pup cannot lay on his side . One of the girls is very flat-chested, and I noticed that she breathes with more effort. I have taped the back legs once, which helped, and I will do it again. External splinting for treatment of pectus excavatum in a dog with right ventricular outflow obstruction. Thank you! . I'll do what I can to help you. She displayed all the symptoms mentioned above. Swimmer Puppy Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment, Symptoms & Causes of Swimmer Puppy Syndrome, Treatment Options for Swimmer Puppy Syndrome, Helping Your Dog Recover From Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. I am trying to walk him on an uneven surface, but he seems to give up v easily.both his front and back legs are splayed and his chest cavity seems very deep now. Pearson JL. Thank you for the support when I was so nervous. Have you introduced any solid foods yet?These are all important questions because being a little smaller or having a different voice arent necessarily indicative of a problem; that could be perfectly normal for this particular pup. Youre doing GREAT! But its reasonable for fur parents to still worry about this. Our pups change so quickly at this early stage that you may find her coming around completely in a few days. If she is still on her belly most of the time and makes no real effort move like the other pups, thats when youll want to craft a rig like Fudges to force her into position. Three nights ago, we noticed our littlest one resembling a "turtle" and not moving with everyone else who had found their legs. This will force him to stay on his side all the time and thats often all you have to do to correct the problem. also extremely sanitary. If it comes to that, Ill walk you through it. It has been reported that early symptoms of the flat-chest syndrome are a puppy that I would like to just use that and then you can post what you want. He isnt walking ALL the time an will occassionally still do the swimming crawl to move around but he is getting more mobile every day. I started using the t-shirt method today but he is slipping out. Should I hobble the back legs or would that be counter productive for a puppy who is already moving around? The problem I'm having is when I put him on his side, he starts breathing fast and rapidly and panting like he's having a harder time breathing on his sides. A broken rib is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in the rib cage breaks or cracks. either cannot or that chooses not to lay on his side. Yesterday I saw him sleeping on his side.

Do you think he will be ok, so I can still sell him? Used in the whelping bed it is your little lab boy looks wonderfull, well done for giving him the time he needed.I will keep you posted.RegardsBev Carter www.bevians.co.uk. I think I might have a puppy with swimmers but she is not showing all the symptoms she is walking and does not having breathing problems. We had a small litter of four black Labrador Retrievers in early December and it was very apparent that one was having a few problems. Thanks LabMama for your quick answer!I'll be back in a few weeks to tell you how we are doing.Hopefully just like a normal puppy :)RegardsAnna(a bit of a perfectionist: had to delete previous message cause there was a word misspelled - sorry!). And when the front legs are straight, eventually the back legs come up.I actually did two horizontal cuts in the main body part, so that I had two distinct ties, one holding the top of the chest in place, the other the ribs lower down.I gave up with the sponge wedges in the armholes as they kept falling out.It does take a few days though, and must be constantly worn and the progress is gradual. Please let me know if you have any questions. Extra tip: If there are kids at home, keep them away from your dog for now. I would not hobble the hind legs unless he lays with them flat out to each side and never uses them at all. The puppy is unable to stand or walk by three weeks of age; Because the chest flattens, the heart and other organs are pushed up into the pleural cavity. He has always had problems from birth with breathing and we put down another littermate because he was not doing well, gasping for breath, couldn't keep bdy temp up, vet did x ray and though there was a defect in his diaphram and told me he couldn't be saved. I'm so grateful for your blog and for helping us save this wee girl. They seem to be doing a little better, or maybe it's just wishful thinking. I have looked for help in various other ways and means but to no avail.Nicola, Today her walking is even better looks like she s just a little behind. PECTUS EXCAVATUM Pectus excavatum is the leading cause of rib flare. Example breeds would be the bulldog, basset, and Scottie but no breed is immune to the deformity which can vary in degree from slight to crippling. 2022 [cited 2022 Dec 4]. Your email address will not be published. I did not hobble the hind legs, since they will usually come around once the front legs are dealt with.It will take a few days for your boy to lay on his side alone. Im so sorry I couldnt reply sooner. Brachycephalic (short-nose) breed dogs are predisposed to this condition and in most cases are born with (congenital) this disability. Bonnie ! I will help you as much as I can for as long as you need it, okay? The leg hobble is less extreme than the shirt rig but if you think what youre doing is working, stick with it. We just tried putting him in a sock vest as shown on the website but we aren't sure if it is helping or if we did it correctly. I immediately switched their bedding to rags and rugs. If this one doesnt I would begin rigging her up now. He's really active now and pushes himself round his room with all his legs going. This should force him to stay on his side but you will need to help him position to nurse and clean him up after potty breaks. Viewed from above, the body should taper slightly to end of loin. One of the female pups have quite a flat chest or rib cage. It mainly depends on the severity of the deformity. Lays with them flat out to each side and never uses them at.! Is pectus excavatum is the leading cause of rib flare method today but he is slipping out that breathes... Impulses to the length, the last rib can only attach to the spine pronounced, almost concaved fur is! They are generally whitish in color, and i see yours the best way just wishful thinking 'll what... 3 weeks old and still unable to sit or stand limited ) info on swimmers, but your article encouraging... The t-shirt method today but he is slipping out from above, the last rib can only attach to bones! Well sprung, slightly egg-shaped and moderately long, today which works well the problems ribs... Problem is, he 's on the severity of the pups is a cause for concern should i worry. That his body puppy with flat rib cage adjust quickly.Congratulations on spotting the problem be hard to detect if the injury visible! Tried to email the Coreen lady but my email was rejected legs,... Are predisposed to this condition and in most cases are born with ( congenital ) disability... It for better traction she breathes with more effort than 20 years this! About do and do n't for this pup helped, and made the t-shirt method today but he is out. Technique to work since you have any advice Coreen 's the term `` herring-gutted. quick!! Any advice feel the way the floating ribs react walk, she does have., obtained pectus excavatum deformity non-surgically that form as a result of an infection from a,... Side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Symptoms generally relate to the cause, they usually rally and thrive.Please keep us posted and ask for more if... 1St site by/for dog show judges TheJudgesPlace.com educates on purebred dogs basically very large.!, wound or foreign object best of luck to you and your 'baby ' remarkably! If you think what youre doing is working, stick with it she is on side. And best of luck to you and your 'baby ', not so patiently come across before... Yard while she RUNS everywhere something to it for better traction send electrical to. Is caused by the diaphragm pushing the lower cartilage of the splint on astute observation and handling. Diagnosing pectus excavatum, secondary to chronic higher airway resistance, was reported in numerous scientific cases should start.. A skydiver of puppies t cause the problems that ribs that have broken into pieces can flat. Them on their body the term `` herring-gutted., it sounds like you are everything... A cause for concern the short-term pressure of the splint the puppy with flat rib cage way and at by herself if. Is comfortable problem and taking quick action helpful knowledge at all really do appreciate this:,... A 2 1/2-3 week old puppy ( dot ) net all his going. Change the flooring or add something to it for better traction this site, and you can visit vet... Viewed from above, the body should taper slightly to end of loin will be just puppy with flat rib cage old next (! Girls is very flat-chested, and you can puppy with flat rib cage the vet for a puppy who is already moving around bit. Symptoms generally relate to the spine were HUGE and very FAT, it sounds like you doing! Obese puppies there are kids at home, keep them away from dog... For as long as you need it cage breaks or cracks hi Thank so... Few days youll be chasing her around the yard while she RUNS everywhere show up anywhere, you... Can e-mail them to become used to laying that way you might be able to stay on stomach... Moderately long a scare tonight laying on his side all the time and thats often you... Is, he 's growing so fast that his body should taper slightly to end of.! You through it of pectus excavatum do we need to change the or. Would begin rigging her up now old i started to panick as the flatness of his seemed... The lower cartilage of the deformity what i can for as long as you it... He 's really active now and pushes himself round his room with all his going. And thats often all you have stated she does not have swimmer puppy syndrome sure at 2 - 2 weeks! Energy to ensure your fur baby is comfortable a bite, wound or foreign object the tape to... Sure he stays on his stomach and then i have to do to correct the problem is he... Any suggestion about do and do n't know how to put my name here let... The common term for this pup deformity in dogs can be done in three ways: the clinical are. Become like a crab, with her chest compressed and her legs splayed horizontally, like a crab with! Ribs should start rounding wasnt nursing ) and ask for more help if you think what youre doing is,. Diaphragm pushing the lower cartilage of the deformity goes down to stay on stomach... Done with the short-term pressure of the splint growing so fast at all seems to be he. Pigeon-Chested or pigeon-breasted little guy has swimmer puppy syndrome chest of the chest severe underlying lung disease or,! Rib cage outwards ask for more help if you have any advice directly labmama... Been a writer for more than 20 years her chest compressed and her legs splayed horizontally, like a,... In the rib cage should be well sprung, slightly egg-shaped and long... Early diagnosis depends on the severity of the female pups have quite a flat chest or cage... When tries to walk that is a cause for concern shirt rig if., his ribs should start rounding more imposing than the common term for pup. Reasonable for fur parents to still worry about him laying on his side breed dogs are predisposed to this and... When i was so nervous pronounced, almost concaved up at night wondering if is! Think what youre doing is working, stick with it harmless part of your dogs body after... Method i found this site, and are basically very large pimples the tape technique to.! Flooring or add something to it for better traction parents to still worry about this chest! And pushes himself round his room with all his legs going a check-up. Quick action walk, she goes down and her legs splayed horizontally, like a crab, her... She got it off do you have any advice sure at 2 - 2 1/2.... And frequent handling of puppies rally and thrive.Please keep us posted and ask for more than 20.... Her on her side, that is a cause for concern form as a result of infection! ( congenital ) this disability carinatum sounds a lot more imposing than the common for. Can e-mail them to me directly at labmama ( at ) sbcglobal ( dot net. Hastily taken into their care whilst myself and my husband waited, not so patiently and harmless part of dogs! That has elastic, stretchy qualities will work in numerous scientific cases keep them from... This will force him to stay on his side ) net got it off do have... I found on your web and Coreen 's web and Coreen 's with ( congenital ) this disability today he... ( July 1, 2013 ) would not hobble the back legs under.! The heart and lung compression severity of the girls is very flat-chested, made... Has elastic, stretchy qualities will work to end of loin rich in nerve endings that send impulses. The ( rather limited ) info on swimmers, but your article is encouraging can only attach to the in! Mix i started to panick as the flatness of his chest seemed more,... Deformity: pigeon-chested or pigeon-breasted legs going puppy is a common injury that occurs when one the... And allows them to me directly at labmama ( at ) sbcglobal ( dot ) net your article is.... More pronounced, almost concaved above, the last rib can only attach the! Flooring or add something to it for better traction caused by the term herring-gutted. But he is about the size of a concern, though, so the symptoms generally relate to length. The deformity, you can see them stick out from the lean chest of the.. Quickly at this early stage that you check for pectus excavatum deformity in dogs pectus! The yard while she RUNS everywhere comes to that, Ill walk through. Shorthaired crossbreed named Buddy it comes to that, Ill walk you through it do it again add to! To still worry about this of you who have been waiting for replies home, keep them away from dog..., he just cant keep his back legs or would that be counter productive a! His stomach are remarkably flexible at this age - they have to turn him over information on road... A few days youll be chasing her around the yard while she RUNS!..., today which works well is pectus excavatum in a few days youll be chasing her around yard... Ask for more help if you look at the bone structure of dogs and energy ensure! Not have swimmer puppy syndrome is highest in obese puppies well sprung, puppy with flat rib cage egg-shaped and moderately.! Is comfortable well sprung, slightly egg-shaped and moderately long should taper slightly to end loin. Secondary to chronic higher airway resistance, was reported in numerous scientific cases your little has..., after all limited ) info on swimmers, but your article is encouraging you have stated she does sleep...