Walking! and swimmers pup ; swimmers pup example;

Question
I have just purchased an english bulldog puppy! He is the cutest thing in the world. He is also very young 6 weeks old. He is very active and seems healthy but he is not walking yet. his front legs seem strong, but his back legs are very weak. he is constantly doing splits or dragging his legs and cant grip any surface! What can I do to help him gain strength?

Answer

powder - nuvet for pup ************* Follow up on NuVet powder for pups *******************
Hi again , Please make sure you work this pup on some carpet- Also, try to get a diagnosis from your local vet...
NuVET Puppy Powder / NuVET Plus will be a good thing to start with this pup __________________
Keep  me posted!
Good Luck
Marie Peppers
Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net
********************************************************************

Hi Amanda - this is called a Swimmers pup :
Swimmer Puppies





The term swimmer is used to describe a puppy that paddles its legs much like a turtle but is unable to stand. A puppy should be standing and walking by three weeks of age. As a result of weak muscles in the rear limbs, swimmers are generally unable to stand at the normal age.

What are the symptoms?



The only symptom of a swimmer puppy is its inability to stand or walk by the normal age of three weeks. The puppy will instead lay on its chest and paddle its feet as if attempting to swim in a turtle-like fashion. Most swimmer puppies will recover with time.



What is the management?



Slippery floors may worsen or in some cases may even cause swimmer puppies. This is not always the case because swimmer puppies are also seen when a rough surface is used for raising puppies. In any event, an affected puppy should be placed on a rough rather than slippery surface.

Puppies should not become overweight as this may further the weakness in the rear limbs. Most swimmer puppies will develop to normal functioning by eight weeks of age if treated early and placed on flooring with good traction.

Since there may be a hereditary component to this condition, dogs who were swimmer puppies would not be optimal breeding animals.

***********************************************************
TALK to your VET before you to Any Taping of the legs....JUST to get the Correct Diagnosis...
************************************************************


A swimmer pup can be hobbled by attaching tape around its legs in a figure eight, allowing enough play in the tape that the pup can move them.  In this way the legs are drawn together more allowing the puppy to stand and take a few steps.  Also 2 - 2X4s about 6 feet long can be placed about 4 inches apart side by side then place the pup inbetween them with someone at the end calling the puppy and trying to get it to move between the boards.   I keep imitation sheepskin in the whelping box with old towels bunched underneath to make hills and valleys, this helps to strenthen the legs.

good site :
info take from this site:
http://bulldogsworld1.homestead.com/Spinal_Nerve_conditions.html



ALSO, A GOOD BULLIE PUP VITAMIN IS THE NUVET POWDER - PLEASE ADD 1/2 TEASPOON PER DAY MIXED INTO THE PUP FOOD...
HOLISTIC AND SAFE - NOT IN STORES ; ORDER HERE:
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie referred you : referral code 81098
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
You are looking for the NuVET Plus powder for pups...( they also have wafers, too)


Good Luck kids!!

Marie Peppers LPN MA