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This thread discusses the Content article: Swimmer Puppies (Pectus Excavatum)

I got a puppy today that was born a swimmer puppy. It is now 11 weeks old and still has the flat chest. As far as activity she plays just like a puppy. Is there anything at this point that can be done to correct this????

If the puppy can't stand you are in deep trouble.
If you don't correct it NOW the puppy may die. The flattening of the chest squashes its vital organs. I have had one pup that had this and she is now a normal young dog. I searched on the internet under "swimmer puppy" and found a wonderful site that showed how to make a jacket for the pup so as to train the front legs to grow in a downward direction. the site is at www.swimmerpuppy.com My pup was only 4 days old when I felt the difference and went into a panic. Do something NOW for the poor thing before it's too late. 12 weeks is a long time to let it go. Don't leave it another day or you will loose it.

She walks just fine. She even runs and plays my question was is there anyway at this point to repair the flattening of the chest that is still there.

If she's walking fine the general consensus is that her chest will fill out to normal (or good enough) as she grows. I would just keep an eye on her, don't let her lay on her chest. If you see she is on her chest when she is asleep, just gently turn her on her side. Sounds like she will make it, some don't. Good luck with it all.

Thanks for your help. The xrays don't look so good but I am hoping that because she is so young she will get better with time and help.

Hi,

what prognosis does your vet offer? And what does your breeder say?

Perhaps binding the front legs close together will help.

This will give the appearance of a "normal" chest and will help develop the correct shape.

Swimming is a great exercise for your puppy as this will strengthen and develop the chest muscles and front legs.

Also pulling the puppy backwards along a rough towel so that his claws catch in the fabric will help stretch the front legs and shoulders.

Michael

The vet is giving me a chance to have the problem repaired through a surgery procedure. The breeder had bound her legs which is why she is the way she is now. She did this and then left her a day or so with no one to watch her. Causing more damage than help. But I will keep you up to date on how the surgery goes. She is doing it this weekend! Keep us in your prayers!