What is Swimmer's Syndrome in Newborn Kittens and Puppies?

If you’ve never heard of Swimmer’s Syndrome, join the club because it’s a relatively rare genetic condition that impacts less than 4% of newborn puppies and an equally low percentage of newborn kittens.

Now, the term may be confusing because it really has nothing to do with swimming or water. It’s a developmental disorder that causes a newborn animal’s back legs to splay out flat rather than tuck up against their body as one would expect. And while it won’t be immediately noticeable at birth, breeders and pet parents will begin to notice an irregularity around the time the newborn reaches three weeks of age. By then, they’ll have noticed the puppy or kitten is unable to stand or bear weight on its hind legs and they will present as “paddling” their back legs to move around. Hmmm... so now we’re getting to that “swimmer” connection.

While quite rare and unlikely to ever impact an entire litter, studies have found a few commonalities in who is impacted. For instance, brachycephalic dog breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Pekingese, can be prone to Swimmer's Syndrome. As can Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, and, surprisingly, Dachshund puppies. All may see higher instances of this type of deformity. For felines, Burmese and Bengals tend to have this syndrome crop up in their litters more frequently than others but again, this is a rare syndrome that affects only a small percentage of newborns, regardless of breed.

The good news is that although it is serious, it can be treated. In fact, quite successfully when caught early. And that includes a formal diagnosis from your veterinarian and a treatment plan be put in place that includes physiotherapy, massage, and splinting the back limbs as the newborn gains strength.

So, you may be wondering what exactly is Swimmer’s Syndrome, and how does it impact a newborn’s mobility. In a nutshell, when the tension between a newborn’s tendons and hind leg muscles has not developed properly, it makes it impossible for them to hold their own bodyweight and, ultimately, to walk. Hence, the splayed look.

Diligence and a commitment to daily treatment is needed to work through this affliction with a specific focus on limb movement and enhancing range of motion. For puppies over six weeks of age, this can also include water therapy to help build strength while not stressing mini joints.

In addition to exercise, gentle massage is highly beneficial at helping with mobility and building a bond between you and your young puppy or kitten. Add in baby steps on non-slip surfaces (think, lots of mats, towels, and runners) along with soft, supportive sleep surfaces that cradle tired joints, and you're well on your way to rehabilitating your tiny fur kid.

Of note, due to the newborn’s inability to move around, hygiene and cleaning both the kitten or puppy and their sleeping quarters are of the utmost importance to ensure that feces and urine-soaked bedding are avoided. This factors large into our initial statement that care will require diligence, patience, and a gentle approach in order to get to the other side.

Now, although this affliction appears to be random and infrequent, studies have found some possible links between not only genetics but also a lack of maternal nutrition during pregnancy.

The key to your tiny pet surviving Swimmer’s Syndrome is early diagnosis, daily exercise, and a loving home that encourages mobility.