Downs syndrom in dogs? Can this happen? - Page 1

I was at a seminar today, and one of the participants asked the vet if she knew if dogs could also have Downs Syndrom. The vet couldn't answer this question so I suggested I'd throw this topic in the round to see if anyone has had any experience with this illness. Thanx for any input of any kind.

I once had a dog that was pretty much an imbecile.

I should mention that I loved him anyway. When he was 8 he got sick and couldn't be saved. I cried and cried.

There is no such syndrome in canines. There are a variety of neurological disorders.

I had a puppy with hydrocephalus that lived to 7.5 wks. He looked like a Down's Syndrome puppy but I don't think dogs have that disorder. I hand-raised him from the second day. He was a cute little guy. Looked like a little Martian puppy dog that might sprout antennae any minute. He was affectionate and playful, but had trouble standing and walking, & might not have had much sight, but I loved the little guy. He was actually doing pretty well, behind in development compared to his litter mates but starting to walk and carry is mini-tennis ball and tear up his stuffed animals. I had an appt. at Univ. of PA VMTH to have him examined to see if there was anything we could do for the little guy but he took a sudden turn for the worse a few days before and I had to put rush him down to the ER. By the time we got there he was in such obvious distress, crying continually and having seizures, the only thing to do was to put him to sleep. I cried like a baby when I got home. Had to sleep on the living room floor with his hot water bottle in my arms for a couple of nights. At least I gave him a chance. We won't have the full autopsy report for a few more days. Heartbreaking. I called him "Martin" (after My Favorite Martian) ...my "Pocket Shepherd." Shelley Strohl

OH Shelly that is heartbreaking!! I could feel your pain.... Personally I have not had to experience this, I am very grateful!

When I finally fell asleep with the hot water bottle clutched in the crook of my arm that morning I had a dream as real as if it I was living in it. Little Martin was trotting along on the green grass behind my dear Pallo and beloved Onyx (two excellent puppy-sitters while they were on this earth;) with his little mini tennis ball in his mouth, prancing proudly over the ground with a fine, graceful gait. He still had his odd-shaped head and big slanted eyes, his cute little ears still pointing out from the sides as they had since he was 4 weeks old, and his neck was still sort of arched like a parade horse. But his little black and brown body was strong and beautiful and he was absolutely DELIGHTED with his new ability to move about freely on his own accord and his new friends. I have no doubt God was letting me know in no uncertain terms that Little Martin is happy, waiting for me to join him and all my heart-dogs at the Rainbow Bridge one day.

Shelley, after I lost my first GSD to cancer, I stopped my car and pulled along side the road a few times thinking I saw him running free in an open field. Once I almost called out to him. In an odd way it was comforting to think he was well again. It's been 5 years and I still miss him a lot.

Shelly I too have had things happen after the death of 3 of my old dogs that I was tightly bonded with. I swear I was wide awake each time and they all were happy, and like they were young again. I think they wanted me to know they were alright and would be waiting for me....

Hi. Thanx for your input. It's interesting to see that dogs can also have "similar" illnesses. Your answers are very much appreciated.