A dog’s life can be plagued with some long-term illnesses, just like humans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Amongst these illnesses, we have short spine syndrome.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Dogs with short spine syndrome have short bodies and look hunched, giving them a Quasimodo appearance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Their head will look normal but the neck will be short. They usually have longer rear legs and a short tail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This is a disturbing medical condition to consider, especially if you’ve never known anything about it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Can short spine syndrome be cured? Is it rare? Does it leave the affected pooch in constant pain? Can it be prevented or is it best left in the hands of fate?<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This guide will tell you all you should know about this condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Included are some courageous canine warriors who live a normal life, despite this illness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is Short Spine Syndrom in Dogs?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

According to research, short spine syndrome occurs when the vertebrae are compressed, making the spine shorter than usual.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rather than strengthening to become bones, these vertebrae remain in cartilage form.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Besides the hunched form it gives them, short spine syndrome impedes the normal functions of the affected dog.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Short spine syndrome is different from a spine injury. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This condition is often a result of poor inbreeding and makes the dog look shorter than it is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It also causes the dog to look like it has no neck, forcing it to turn completely if it has to look around.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Short spine syndrome is not limited to dogs, however. Humans and even horses can suffer from this condition. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to this condition. Just as with people, dogs with short spines are seen as abnormal and ‘ruined’.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As we’ll soon see, many of these dogs get abandoned and end up in rescue shelters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Is Short Spine Syndrom a Rare Condition?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Short spine syndrome is a very rare condition, and sources have shown that it doesn’t always occur.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It isn’t like hip dysplasia or some other joint-related conditions that are more common.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Experts recorded that there are currently about 30 known dogs with the syndrome.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It is hard to know how accurate the data is as not everyone who owns a dog with short spine syndrome would be willing to talk about it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Either way, it is an uncommon condition. It is, however, not limited to a particular breed, size, or gender.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Are Dogs With Short Spine Syndrome in Pain?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n