Is this an Achondroplastic Dwarf ? - Page 2

Kudos, Marjorie!

Two Moons- I ALWAYS live up to my word- it is my badge of honor. Even people who dont like me (I am very outspoken)have a healthy respect for my word. I have no agenda, other than the health and well being of the breed. It was a promise I made to  my beloved Jack Flash, who I lost to DM. I promised him as his eyes closed for the last time, that I would always look after his kind, as he looked after me. For those of you who have not read the "Two Hearts" story on my DM website, Jack Flash saved me from being car-jacked, and saved my life.  Looking after his kind is the least I can do to repay him for 13 years of love and loyalty. I have 2 GSDS, at the present time- one also has DM. Much as I love and adoe this breed, these are the last GSDS I will ever own, as the heartbreak of owning this breed is just too great. It is just emotionally devastating. They are bred to implode, IMHO. . However, I will always be their champion- make no mistake about that, and dont ever question my word. It will last longer than the earth we live on. That is probably the only thing in this world you can count on.

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

You don't have to worry about Marjorie living up to her words. I first "met" Marjorie back in the 90's on a different board when I had AOL. My day wasn't complete until I read her daily update on Jack Flash. An owner's love for her dog has never captured my heart more. This pup could not be in better hands.

Heidi

Thanks, Heidi! Hell would freeeze over before I broke a promise I made to Jack Flash......

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, I'm sorry I can't help you with dwarfism, but boy is he some sweet. He looks like he's going to be a very affectionate, gentle companion. Good luck with him

You gals are making me cry, I also have one at home, (rottie) that saved my behind, when someone got into my car at a light. I wish you the best with your new addition.

We have been trying to get him flown to us, but arent having much luck on the fly boards, so we are going to be setting up a ground transport. He is recovering from being neutered, now. The good news is that they wouldnt have neutered him if he had any indication of a heart problem, so that is good news :)

Marjorie
Executive Director: New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue www.newbeginningsrescue.com 501 C3 pending

our building project -photos http://gsd911.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=196


http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/SupportCriticalGSDMResearch 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

I count on very little in this world Marjorie,
And time will be the judge of anyones words.
Its great the people such as yourself take the time and trouble to help the helpless ones.   But as a whole there are too many who go on only to suffer, man and beast alike.
So heres my only point, theres not enough to go round and while many are worthy of salvation, many more are worthy of our compassion and deserve our strength to do whats neccesary for their sake.
Its a choice each must make on an individual basis.   Its a responibility we cannot turn away from.
I am not my brothers keeper.
I wish you the very best, you are one out of the ten.
Thats a good thing.....:)
Brent.

My words WILL stand the test of time. You can take that to the bank, Brent :) This little guy will live with one of the directors of our rescue, in her house, as her fur kid. He will get the finest care, love, and a big soft bed to sleep on. He will be ferociously loved and protected. We will do all we can for him, and if and when there comes a time when he will have no quality of life, we will do what is best for HIM, and he will leave this world peacefully, not in a scary gas chamber choking to death.Thats the least he deserves. Someone had to have known what they were doing when he was bred. This is a completely heriditary condition that is dominant. He is not the product of a puppy mill- he has quality stamped on him, aside from his deformities. I hope his breeder rots in hell. We intend to give him a good life, where he knows he is  well loved. We have been told he is a good boy, and as sweet as they come.

Marjorie
Executive Director: New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue www.newbeginningsrescue.com 501 C3 pending

our building project -photos http://gsd911.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=196


http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/SupportCriticalGSDMResearch 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

The pup does indeed appear to be an achondroplastic dwarf.  However, one cannot know for certain without having a genetic test which, at the moment, does not exist. There are other potential causes for him looking like he does.

This same condition exists in humans, but interestingly enough, we know where the defective gene is in humans, but it is not in the same location in dogs.  GSDs are among the breeds affected by the autosomal dominant inheritance seen in this condition. If the dog inherits two copies of the defective gene, it is believed to be lethal. There is a lot of research going on at the moment into this condition.

The prognosis is not terribly bright for this little fellow. His skeletal structure is severely compromised. He likely has other health deficits that will show up, and he probably will often be in pain or discomfort. The best thing one can do if trying to treat him is get baselines on hormones and if deficient, consider replacement. There are other things I would consider as well. Noting however if and when and how severe his discomfort is will be the hard part. 

Of note, there were some breeding experiments conducted years ago between GSDs and Bassets, for example, trying to decipher the short limb issue. None were particularly successful as I recall.

Sometimes the most kind thing to do in such cases is to do what is right for the dog and that often means euthanization. Hopefully those involved with him will understand that dogs can hide discomfort and pain.