I have only seen one reference to this condition in my books. As the condition is treatable, I've never bothered to search for further info on it. However, it was called polyarthrodysplasia and is marked by abduction of the forelimbs and flattening of the sternum.
Breeding away from it will reduce the incidence. It can also be caused by environment (footing, fast growth in the first weeks of life, etc.). I suspect that there is a recessive and, perhaps, polygenetic factor, but have never bothered to test mate for it. The best thing seems to be to breed away from it and to make sure that you supply proper footing in the whelping box. All the best, Susan Cochran ----- Original Message ----- From: "JEANIE MONTFORD" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2002 6:51 PM Subject: Re: [CKCS-L] swimmers > <<<<< Do you really think there is such a thing as a *swimmer*? Or are they > just > slow to get up and walk? >>>> > Laura a swimmer is unmistakable from the few that I have seen - its not > just a fat puppy who cant get up on its legs - the ribcage and chest are > quite different. If you look from above it is very wide and flattened and > from underneath the sternum is actually concave instead of convex - the > forequarter is widely spread with the front legs tending to point > backwards - difficult to describe but imagine putting your hands behind > your head. > > The amazing thing is that they do seem to grow up normally - I have heard > of vets here telling people they should be put down, but that's not > necessary. > Jeanie > > ========================================================= > "Magic Commands": > to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: > mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL > to start it up gain click here: > mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL > > E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. > Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html > > All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author. ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
