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- Title
Swimming Puppy Syndrome in Cats.
- Authors
Monteiro Gomes, Luedja Carla Vidal; de Santana, Vanessa Lira; de Farias, Leonardo Alves; de Souza, Almir Pereira
- Abstract
Background: The swimmer puppy syndrome, characterized by an abnormal puppy development, is rare in cats, and commonly observed between the 2nd and 3rd week of life. The puppy affected by the syndrome has difficulty with ambulation, abduction and paresis of the hindlimbs and, occasionally, the forelimbs. The recommended treatment consists of using bandages around the affected limbs and physiotherapy while remaining on non-slip floors and soft surfaces. This paper reports the occurrence of the swimmer puppy syndrome in an entire litter of cats, emphasizing the discussion about the types of treatments for the disease. Case: Three 11 day-old kittens of non-defined breed (NDB) were referred to the Veterinary Hospital with locomotion disability. The mother of the kittens was found on the street. Upon clinical examination, the only observed abnormality was that the kittens remained in constant sterna recumbency while the hindlimbs were extended and displaced laterally. After examination, it was decided to accompany the animals until the third week of life for re-evaluations. At 25 days old, the kittens showed less severe sternal recumbency. However, the hindlimbs remained in constant abduction and displaced laterally and caudally while producing rotational movements similar to swimming when trying to move around. The chest and pelvic radiographs detected normal bone density, and joint and bone development, as well. The swimmer puppy syndrome was diagnosed based on clinical findings and animals history. The treatment consisted of immobilizing the pelvic limbs with cuff-shaped bandages in the tarsal region to let them adduced in the anatomical position. The bandages, which were changed three times a day, consisted of a rectangular fabric1 fixed with adhesive and masking tapes to the tarsal region. The floors of the room where they remained most of the day were covered with soft and non-slip mats fixed to the floor. The animals were also encouraged to walk once a day for ten minutes on a rough cement floor. The bandages were kept for 15 days and at 40 days old, the kittens had typical quadrupedal stance and could walk normally on any floor. Discussion: In cats, the swimmer puppy syndrome is rare and little reported, often being observed affecting only one animal. However, in the present case the syndrome affected the entire litter, thus strengthening the possible genetic etiology. Early diagnosis and the subsequent initiation of therapy were critical factors for the successful treatment and rehabilitation of the kittens. The bandage allowed the kittens to remain with the limbs adduced in anatomical and physiological position while enabling movement, practice of physical exercises and flexion, extensions and activation of limbs coordination. The various floors were intended to avoid the appearance of skin lesions and generate different impulse forces for ambulation, increasing strength and muscle tone. Based on the findings it is concluded that although uncommon in cats, the swimmer puppy syndrome can be diagnosed in the first few days of the kitten's life and with the appropriate bandage treatment (shape and materials) associated with soft, non-slip surfaces and regular monitoring, total rehabilitation of the anatomical function of affected limbs can be expected.
- Subjects
CAT diseases; KITTENS; VETERINARY medicine; ANIMAL development; PHYSIOLOGICAL therapeutics; DISEASES
- Publication
Acta Scientiae Veterinariae, 2015, Vol 43, p1
- ISSN
1678-0345
- Publication type
Article