flat puppy syndrome

flat puppy syndrome

dorsoventral compression of the thorax with legs spread to the sides, sometimes with rotation of the humeral, radial and femoral articulations; observed in puppies of 2 to 4 weeks of age. The cause is unknown, but rapid weight gain, as occurs in offspring of bitches with abundant milk and few puppies, may account for some cases. An hereditary predisposition has been suggested in some breeds. Many affected puppies recover with normal conformation and use of the legs with only minor therapy. Called also swimmer pups.