Randaluca Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Hi, I have a four week old pug pup who has been diagnosed with a heart murmur (at this stage). Originally they believed it to be a hole in the heart but after today's echo cardiogram/heart ultrasound the vet has indicated it is only a murmur. Now I have had pups with murmurs before so that's not the real issue for me atm. Jimi also is a "swimmer" pup. I've read the pinned thread and what I wanted to know is can I use some of the techniques - esp the pillow case - with a 4 week old pup who ALSO has a heart murmur? His breathing is quite labored and I'm worried he might have difficulty breathing but I really want to get his rib cage normal again. If someone could give me a heads up on how to insert or attach a photo I can put one of him sleeping. I think I may have attached it but not sure if I've done it right LOL Any help would be greatly appreciated as I love this little boy dearly and want to help all I can :) Maranda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadbury Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 (edited) Yes use the pillow case for sure, best to place him on his back in the p/Case and watch his breating to make sure he is doing ok, not stressed ....and only leave him for 10 mins at a time and build it up to 1/2 hour over the next 24 hours. Good luck with your little man.....I am sure with all your added attention he will grow into one very special little man. :D I can't help with the pic uploading stuff but I am sure someone will be along soon Edited August 24, 2012 by Kadbury Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randaluca Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 Great! How long before I should be able to notice if it's working? A few days? His back legs are really skinny compared to his little front ones so I think I might try the underlay thing in the whelping box but he tends to really just sleep. What sort of physio do people use on their wee pups? He's so much smaller than the rest of the litter but thankfully he has taken to weaning like a champ! (mind you I'm hand feeding him which I know is a bad habit but I can't help it LOL) Thanks so much for your help!I've tried the picture thing again but not sure if it's right! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randaluca Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 Well that was an epic failure. He screamed and cried and refused to stay put in there so I tried to hold him on his side until he fell asleep but he wouldnt have a bar of that either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pockets Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I have heard that small swims in a warm bath may work with you supporting him? Not sure what others thoughts are on this.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pockets Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Also making the Whelping box floor area sort of lumpy so they have to actually make an effort to move around and not just commando around the box Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randaluca Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 Thanks :) I think I'll try the foam underlay thing tomorrow in the whelping box. Will have to go buy one first. I managed to get him to sleep on his side but he wasn't too happy about it. Maranda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizT Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 (edited) If he is not happy in a pillow case cut a small hole for his head/face and carry him around ala 'sling' style for a bit. Edited August 25, 2012 by LizT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullbreedlover Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Also making the Whelping box floor area sort of lumpy so they have to actually make an effort to move around and not just commando around the box Making the floor lumpy should help with baby. Also I noticed in the photo that he was splaying his rear feet abit and that his feet were not at a good angle with his hindquarters. Keep on tucking his back feet underneath him to turn his feet in so he gets up on these more often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puglodge Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 We put socks rolled up under the whelping box blanket/bedding. This creates a lumpy surface & encourages the puppies to use their legs & muscles. Kerry :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pockets Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I just put clumped towels under the bedding and the pups had to work to get to mum :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I have used the lumpy bottoms from fruit cartons and rolled up towels. It is mostly necessary to put the pup away from the dam, and make him work to get back. I think I would keep an eye on your little fellow. Good luck with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 there's a pinned thread about swimmers, not sure if you've seen it. http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/157516-swimmer-pups/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazzapug Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Your puppy sounds like he is also flat chested which would account for the laboured breathing....you really need to perservere with the pillow case over the back of the chair...they do carry on because it makes their little back curve....you really must keep it up or he really wont survive. I have done the sock thing, the flower pot thing the toilet roll thing....but nothing works like the pillow case!!! If you need to ring anyone please ring Billbo Baggins.....or write up in the swimmers thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdoubleJ Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 We had a lot of success with the channel we made - as in the 'swimmer' thread...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 I remember years ago , a singleton fat lab puppy ... I was advised to use a figure-of-eight soft "hobble" on her front legs for some hours each day . It was fiddly .. and she was not yet at walking age ..but it worked :) She was really bad , too. You could also try warm water physio.... warm water .. hold puppy gently to support, and let those little legs work. I would think he is sleeping/tired as his body is very short on oxygen /circulation, with his heart & lungs so constricted in that flat chest Wishing you all the best in helping him survive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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