The blog is NOT a substitute for veterinary care, advice, facts or opinions, and we cannot provide advice or consultation regarding such. Reading this website or using any of the information you expressly acknowledge and understand that there are risks and limitations associated with any advice, recipes, formulas, products given. Kanaka Holdings operates an online information and opinion blog and is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Website TERMS & CONDITION ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION ONLY – NOT VETERINARY CARE A typical characteristic of KFS is a sloped back. Like short spine syndrome in dogs, KFS is a rare bone disorder that occurs from birth. Humans with short spine syndrome have a similar condition called Klippel Feil syndrome (KFS), a condition fusing two or more vertebrae in the neck. Most short-spine dogs are not in frequent pain either. With proper care and love, dogs with short spine syndrome can overcome their health struggles and lead a long life. This condition causes the vertebrae to fuse, leading to characteristics like fewer ribs, a hunched back, and a less flexible spine. Since short spined dogs have a rare genetic condition, they will likely face health issues throughout their lifetime. I’m going to share several other cases of dogs that lead happy lives today! Keep reading for more happy stories like Cooper’s. However, short-spined dogs can still live active, healthy lifestyles.Īnd fortunately, short spine syndrome will not shorten a dog’s lifespan! One of the oldest dogs with short spine syndrome passed away at 14 years old. Normal puppy activities, such as eating from a bowl or picking up toys, are difficult for dogs with short spine syndrome. Life Expectancy for dogs with short spine syndrome And best of all, Cooper loves making people smile! Short Spine SyndromeĪ rare genetic condition that shortens a dog’s spine from birth, short spine syndrome can cause health issues in dogs from an early age. He’s the perfect testament to educating others about short spine syndrome and showing that a dog with no neck can still lead a happy life. Today, Cooper continues to lead a normal, happy life. See also Blind and Deaf Puppy Learns To Use Stairs All By Himself It would be a lot for most foster parents to take on.įortunately, Secondhand Hounds and kind folks like Ely Keegan, Cooper’s forever foster parent, understand what makes Cooper different and can provide him with proper care for years to come. His goofy, sweet, and fun side is coming out more every day.īecause of Cooper’s deformity, the folks at Secondhand Hounds soon realized that his needs remained uncertain. But now, he is no longer shy and is trusting of people. When Cooper first arrived at Secondhand Hounds, he was thin, matted, and shy. One of the breeding facilities likely had a litter and noticed Cooper was unique, so they let him go. In the south, there is a large hunting dog population for Cooper’s breed. It will sometimes impact a dog’s ability to eat properly, will cause problems going to the bathroom, and cause other various functional difficulties like making it hard for a dog to scratch themselves.Īfter a good samaritan called about a stray dog on her porch, animal control rescued Cooper and brought him to a generous rescue group, Secondhand Hounds. But the condition impacts the dog beyond just aesthetics. Short spine syndrome compacts a dog’s vertebrae and makes them appear shrunken. He is one of 30 dogs with short spine syndrome.Ĭooper was born with this rare condition that shortens a dog’s spinal column and literally made him look like a dog with no nec. Unfortunately, many short spined dogs aren’t so lucky. Fortunately, Cooper now lives with a loving rescue facility that took a chance on him, encouraging him to live life with happiness as his true self. This is the story of Cooper, a beautiful dog with no neck living with a rare genetic condition known as short spine syndrome.

Short spine syndrome dog