Hemivertebrae
This is a condition involving deformed, misshaped vertebrae or bones of the spine. It is commonly seen in all of the short-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. Some animals will have a few odd vertebrae and be completely normal. Others will start having problems between 4 and 6 months of age. The puppy may have a staggering, uncoordinated, weak gait. Some puppies get progressively worse and some actually become paralyzed. There is a study being conducted in England on this condition but right now we don’t know much about why some dogs have trouble with this and others don’t. Some specialists recommend spine surgery to stabilize the affected area but each case must be carefully evaluated.
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This is a condition involving deformed, misshaped vertebrae or bones of the spine. It is commonly seen in all of the short-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. Some animals will have a few odd vertebrae and be completely normal. Others will start having problems between 4 and 6 months of age. The puppy may have a staggering, uncoordinated, weak gait. Some puppies get progressively worse and some actually become paralyzed. There is a study being conducted in England on this condition but right now we don’t know much about why some dogs have trouble with this and others don’t. Some specialists recommend spine surgery to stabilize the affected area but each case must be carefully evaluated.
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