A message from the Vet


Jasper and Mackenzie are brother and sister and were born with a congenital condition in which they lack front legs. Their hind legs are normal. Additionally, the female, Mackenzie, has an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is a hole in the inner most layer of the body wall, near the groin. This allows loops of intestines to poke through, where they are visible as a bump just under the skin. Eventually when Mackenzie is bigger, she will require surgery by a board certified veterinary surgeon to fix the inguinal hernia. The puppies will also be neutered and spayed when they are older.

Currently, the puppies are receiving physical therapy from a veterinarian who is also an animal physical therapist. This is needed to help teach the puppies to walk on their hind legs, and train them to be stronger. We also plan on purchasing modified carts that will allow them to pedal with their hind feet with a wheel at the front end, so they can get around in a comfortable position. So far Jasper and Mackenzie are doing great! They are happy and well adjusted puppies.

The important lesson to be learned from Jasper and Mackenzie, is that their birth defects may never have occurred if their mother and father had not been related! As with people, if two animals who are brother and sister are bred together, there is a much greater risk of birth defects. Only unrelated dogs should be bred together! I recommend that anyone who plans on breeding dogs and having a litter of puppies research the process very carefully, or consider leaving it to experienced dog breeders only. Keep in mind that if you acquire a male and female puppy together, you will need to have them altered (neutered and spayed) by the latest, 6 months of age, so that you don’t end up with an unplanned pregnancy.

Dr. Margaret Guzinski