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Help dogs like Teddie...

When two-month-old Teddie was handed into Birmingham Dogs Home in October 2020, it was clear to the team that he had a severe disability. Even to the untrained eye, he was obviously in need of significant medical attention.

Swimmer syndrome

Sadly, his owners had lost their jobs and were unable to pay for the treatment the young chap needed. Teddie's owners first noticed there was something wrong when the people they got him from didn't put him on the floor.

On arrival to the charity, he was immediately rushed to the vets for a full examination. His front legs were completely splayed, meaning he was unable to walk or even stand. The vet diagnosed him with swimmer syndrome, or swimmer puppy syndrome, a rare development deformity of new-born dogs. The name is derived from the action the puppy takes to move; they paddle their legs to pull themselves along the floor.

Swimmer syndrome isn't common, so little research has been conducted to find the cause. Some vets believe it to be hereditary, some due to environment issues and other think it may be a birth defect.

Teddie developed pneumonia

A consequence of lying on his chest for prolonged periods meant Teddie had a flat thorax and chest, which, in turn, triggered breathing problems. He developed pneumonia and underwent a Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) operation to assist him with his breathing. This was just to treat the symptoms caused by the syndrome.

Teddie has undergone numerous operations

Then began the process of dealing with the deformity with his carpal joints. Now at six months old, Teddie has undergone numerous operations to improve his health and mobility. He wears splints to aid his walking and needs constant care and physiotherapy as his health continues to improve.

Hayley, assistant manager at Birmingham Dogs Home, says: He LOVES attention, especially from the vet nurses when he goes to the vet. He always comes back exhausted, as he gets nothing but attention and kisses. He's super happy, yet very strong willed and stubborn.

Teddie is a fighter

Teddie still has a long way to go, with more operations on the horizon and lots of physiotherapy from the veterinary team. But the team at Birmingham Dogs home are seeing small improvements every week. He now has two new splints on his front legs to help straighten and strengthen them; hopefully, in time, he will be able to hold his own weight without any assistance.

Teddie enjoys all the fuss and attention

Despite his obvious problems, Teddie is a real character. He knows what he likes: a warm shower and a rub down with a towel after. He is food mad and his favourite thing in the whole world is a little grating of cheese. Teddie has been so lucky to have the care and attention of the team at Birmingham Dogs Home and the access to top-quality veterinary care. Long may Teddies recovery continue he deserves a long and happy life.

£8 can pay for antibiotic ointment, gauze wipes and towels

£ 44 can pay for an orthopaedic recovery bed to help keep dogs comfortable after surgery

£135 can pay for theatre table heat reflective mats to maintain body temperature during operations

£97 can pay for a stretcher trolley

£360 can pay for kennel mattresses for the wards

£500 can pay for an examination table

£990 can pay for an infusion pump

£1,495 can pay for a medical anaesthetic system

£5,800 can pay for the sanitary ware

£9,000 can help us to pay for all of the electrical work for the clinic

Read more about how you can make a difference to homeless dogs here