Swimmers
Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 1:40 pm
I have just received a referral to see two puppies diagnosed with swimmers. I have never heard of this. Has anyone had experience?
Oh ya! And in-fact, if you were to go online and do a YouTube Search, you will find plenty of videos! I think I've answered this question in blogs before as well. Try doing a search using the little white bar in the upper right hand corner of the main Member's page on FourLeg.
Okay, so essentially these puppies are more 'human shaped in the chest and pelvis and can't quite get their legs under themselves to get up and walk or move properly. They'll come around, but you need to 1) somehow hobble the little legs together - i.e. tape attached to 'anklettes', have them spend time on their sides (to normalize their chest & pelvis shape). Provide walking environments were their feet won't slip out (i.e. not slip or I've seen egg crates used, or narrow passage ways to practice standing). Swimming might be good as well, as they can move and build muscle, even when their legs are out to the side (with a life vest and a helper naturally).
And in they end, they tend to work out fairly well!!
But do the YouTube Search! You'll see more there than I could ever explain in words!!
Best of luck... and video tape them!!!! (Maybe we could turn it into a FourLeg Training Video!!! Keep me posted!)
Cheers,
Laurie