My husband fell in love with a Rottweiller puppy at a pet store and he had what the vet called swimmers, he couldn't stand on his back legs. They told us we would have to make him swim in the bathtub several times a day and keep him on a calcium supplement. Well we have had him for about 7 months now and love him very much. He walks on all 4 legs and runs kind of funny. Sometimes he limps around but seems to not be in pain. I really don't think the vet is all that great and I'm not familiar with any others around here. I would like to know if anyone else has ever heard of this and what you do to treat it.
2006-07-03 06:44:20 · 5 answers · asked by Catherine W 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just to bring another thought into the equation ,what I'm hearing is the slim possibility of nerve damage.Has he ever been hurt on his back?I will agree that swimming is good therapy and that the first thought with the rottweiler is dysplasia,and that a second opinion from a specialist makes good sense,just want to bring up another possibility.Good Luck to you.
2006-07-03 07:40:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Swimmers usually affects the front more than the back, in my experience. . I'm wondering if it isn't a spinal or hip problem.
I'll research and get back to you here....
I read and read swimmers articles.. Back legs were never the problem... I really think you need to change vets. You may even find you have cause for malpractice, at least to get your bill payments refunded, as he hasn't been treating the pup for true problem....check with the new vet....Your pup needs X-rays to learn what is going on, and to direct the treatment.
This is an excellent supplement>>
http://springtimeinc.com/ShowView/product/94/2
I have bought it for friends who's dogs are having arthritus, and hip dysplasia, or other bone/joint problems.
It always makes an improvement. They ship very quickly, and offer 2-4-1 bargains all the time.
If you are not already feeding Solid Gold, Canidae, Wellness, Innova, or Wysong, I would heartily recommend any of these great kibbles. You will find them at most local pet supplies.
2006-07-03 06:51:50 · answer #2 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bought a swimmer puppy from a pet store!? Oh, wonderful... English Bulldogs have this tendency, too. But, the problem is usually dealt with before the puppies go to their new homes. I'll go try to find you some information.
And Chetco is right, by the way (as always). But I'll still get the swimmer info up so you can see if this is what is happening...
This site is for bulldogs, but the swimmer info is still true, no matter what breed.
http://www.bulldoginformation.com/Swimming_puppy.html
You know, I can't find anything on "Pectus Excavatum" in older dogs. That's a good sign that you are dealing with something else, I would say. See what Chetco comes up with...
2006-07-03 06:50:27 · answer #3 · answered by doldaggabuzzbuzz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen more than a couple of "swimmer" pups. It's visible at mere days old & relatively easy to fix. Obviously,has NOTHING to do w/dysplasia.
Pups are FLAT...visualize a seal,perhaps. Ribs here,people. Aso FAT.
Can't imagine how-the-he** ANYBODY (especially petstore ignoramuses!!) could tell you a pup was a "swimmer"! Makes me wonder if they meant "wobbler"...
2006-07-03 08:07:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, no because you have to train puppies to be good swimmers.
2006-07-03 06:47:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋