Definition
Anomaly of puppy motor development (permanent abduction) causing splayed fore limbs (26%) or hind limbs (less frequently, 8%), or tetraparesis (in a sky-diving or tortoise-like position, 50%). It is similar to the Splayleg Disease of piglets.
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Synonyms
- Splay leg (paraparesis),
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- Splay weak (tetraparesis),
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- Myofibrillar hypoplasia.
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Causes
- A genetic cause is possible but unlikely considering the spontaneous recovery of many puppies.
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- A dietary cause is excluded, too, since the frequency of onset does not seem to be related to the composition of the mother's diet. However, notable improvement in the condition of some puppies after weaning may reveal an alteration of the mother's milk. Absence of mycotoxins (mainly zeralenone) as well as the concentration of in methionine, vitamin E and selenium in the mother's diet should be closely monitored.
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Recent studies relating to the aetiology of the Swimming Puppy Syndrome have investigated all maternal dietary conditions (such as oxidation, lack of taurine, K/Na balance, deficiency in magnesium, vitamins B6, C, E, and L-carnitine, relative excesses in calcium, phosphorus, and levels of zinc, copper and choline) and have not shown any systematic anomaly. Taurine synthesis might be insufficient in diseased puppies due to either deficient synthesis, or increased urine loss, or increased tissue needs.
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- Environmental factors (slippery floor).
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- Glycogenesis (deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase disturbing the muscular metabolism of glycogen has been reported in the pathogenesis of Splayleg disease in piglets).
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Predispositions
- Small breeds (Dachshund, York-shire, West Highland White Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel).
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- Breeds with large thorax and short limbs (Pekinese, Cavalier King Charles, Basset Hound, French and English bulldogs).
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- The swimming puppy syndrome has however been described in many other breeds (Belgian cattle dog, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever).
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- This syndrome has also been reported in cats, although relatively rarely.
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- There is no gender-related predisposition (unlike piglets in which the disease affects males twice as much as females).
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- Puppies of normal size at birth but with faster growth that the rest of the litter.
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- Runt of litter, occasionally.
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- Bitches having already given birth to swimming puppies in previous litters.
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Diagnosis
- Normal neurological examination.
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- Few modifications of additional examinations.
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- Few changes are observed in additional examinations.
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- Examination for potential metabolic deficiencies (e.g. taurine level in the mother).
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- Histological examinations of brain tissue from seriously diseased or dead puppies.
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Differential Diagnosis
- Toxoplasmosis (maternal IgG serology).
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- Neosporosis (histology, serology).
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- All causes for encephalomeningitis (especially systemic mycosis).
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- Spina bifida (radiological diagnosis in breeds at risk: English Bulldog and Beagle).
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- Degenerative or overload diseases (histological diagnosis): see breed predispositions.
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- Myopathies (electromyographic, histological and biochemical diagnosis).
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Physiopathology
- The disease could be related to delayed myelination of the peripheral motor neurons.
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Prognosis
- Ninety percent (90%) of puppies recover without after-effects (based on a study of 60 cases), and even in the absence of treatment (10%)
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- The prognosis is poorer as puppies age, even if the condition of 2-month-old puppies proved to improved rapidly and spectacularly within three days.
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- The prognosis is even poorer if all four limbs are affected.
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- Bronchopneumonia complications due to improper swallowing may occur.
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Treatment
- Functional rehabilitation of the four limbs affected (physiotherapy for 10 minutes, 4-5 times daily) or balneotherapy.
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- Treatment using a simple restraint device, similar to that used in piglets suffering from Splayleg disease. This device can be made by the breeder at a very low cost.
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- Early placement (from 2-3 weeks of age) of puppies on rough surfaces (e.g. egg cartons or grass).
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- Stimulation of paw pads with a toothbrush.
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- Use of flexible plastic handcuffs on affected limbs to limit splaying.
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- Injections of vitamin E and selenium (although deficient levels of these components in milk is unlikely, deficient ingestion may be suspected).
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- Dietary rationing to limit weight gain in diseased puppies.
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- Making sure that diseased puppies sleep on the side to prevent further thorax flattening.
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Prevention
- Bitches having given birth to swimming puppies should be excluded from breeding.
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- Crushing of diseased puppies should be prevented either through close supervision or by installing anti-crushing bars.
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