Is this an Achondroplastic Dwarf ? - Page 1

Here are some photos of a 5 month old German Shepherd that was due to be euthanized. We will be giving him a home, and I have been researching what could be causing him to appear the way he does,  I have seen Pituitary Dwarfs, but never an Achondroplastic Dwarf . Has anyone ever seen a GSD that looked like this? I realize his pasterns and hocks are completely luxated, but his body and head are normal sized - his limbs are short, and the front limbs are bent. Any in put? Anyone have any idea what the prognosis is for an Achondroplastic Dwarf ? We know he does not have heart problems, as we have had him neutered. He would not have been neutered with a heart problem.



We want to do right by him. Poor little guy has already been through so much :( We will go the mile for him and make sure he lives the best life he can. Isnt he such a cutee little guy?  he already has our hearts! Of course he will be seen by vets, and he will have a home for life with us. We would never adopt him out, as his care will probably be ongoing for the rest of his life.

Any suggestions that mighthelp the luxation that looks so severe? We have advised his foster to keep him on soft surfaces, thus all the blankets.

Marjorie
Executive Director: New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue www.newbeginningsrescue.com

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/SupportCriticalGSDMResearch 501 C3 pending

http://www.gsdbbr.org --> The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (including frozen/chilled semen database) BE PROACTIVE!

http://mzjf.com --

> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group

Hey Marjorie, the link isn't working.

UGH- I know- I cant get it to work ::( Dont know how to make these pics open here! HEEEEEEEEEELP!

Can you download the images into your computer (right click on the photo and save it to your hard drive)? Then you can upload them into your message by clicking on the little box with the mountains and sun on it (3 to the left of the smiley face), and then upload them to the server.

I can't get it to pull up the pics but just from your description of the dog, yes it sounds like Achondroplastic Dwarfism but you may have to have testing done to know for sure.  As for his prognosis, he can live a pretty good life but it will most likely be shorter than normal.  You will need to watch his weight very closely as his legs and joints will give out under too much weight.  He will not think he is any different than other dogs and may harm himself if asked to do too much jumping etc.  My husband has a friend who had a Dwarf GSD and he loved that dog just as much as he did the normal pups in the litter.  He kept it and sold the rest and they were best buds.  This young pup is very lucky to have fallen into your kind hands. 
Deb

Here you go... I don't know anything about why he looks like that though.
http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=elmod.jpg

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/808/elmod.jpg

Thanks all, for the help getting the photos up/. I got them all on the first post, thanks to the instructions :) Now, anyone have any idea about his condition? We want to prepare for his arrival as best we can. We are in the process of trying to get him transported from New Mexico to South Carolina- well- we have calls out for transport help. He was to have been euthanized if we didnt take him. He looks like he has a had a rough little life, and there was no way we could let him die in a shelter without a fighting chance! Someone contacted me through the GSDBBR about him, and she is fostering him till we can get transport. So, if thhe GSDBBR does no other good, it did help save this pups life- or at the very least, give him a chance for life. That makes it all worthwhile, to me. If the person hadnt contacted me, he would have been euthanized, by now.

Marjorie
Executive Director: New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue www.newbeginningsrescue.com

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/SupportCriticalGSDMResearch 501 C3 pending

http://www.gsdbbr.org --> The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (including frozen/chilled semen database) BE PROACTIVE!

http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group

What a cutie.  Those eyes really tell the story don't they?  Be sure to keep those nails clipped as short as possible, that may help with his getting around.  Does he always walk on his hocks?  I'm no doctor but in my opinion this is Achondroplastic Dwarfism.  Give him a gentle hug for me. 

Deb

Marjorie,
You have taken on a great responibility,
I hope you live up to your words.
He depends on you now.

 

Moons.