Sometimes being small comes with big consequences.
If only we could turn back time. Apart from going back to the time when there was no coronavirus, we would wish for our grown-up dogs to become pups again.
Sadly, we haven’t quite nailed down the whole concept of “time travel” just yet, so we need to deal with the reality of the present time.
But wouldn’t you agree when I say that most of us prefer pups?
One good reason is that they are more adorable when they’re still little.
Although we can’t really speak in general, some might choose grown-up dogs simply because they are better home protectors compared to pups.
For Ranger, though, there’s no need to turn back time.
He is already 3 years old but still looks like an adorable puppy.
He didn’t wish to be of this size.
Sadly, Ranger has pituitary dwarfism.
German Shepherds are just one of the many dog breeds that are prone to this kind of rare disease.
Although it could’ve also been triggered by a parasite called Giardia, which Ranger caught when he was still a pup.
“Pituitary dwarfism is an autosomal disorder that is inherited in some breeds such as German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Spitz, Dachshunds, Corgis, Basset Hounds, Saarloos Wolfdogs, and Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs.”
They’re able to get rid of the parasite but as time went by his owner, Shelby Mayo, noticed something strange.
Ranger didn’t seem to have grown since then.
It doesn’t mean things have totally changed. It’s just that he’s no longer physically developing at the expected growth rate for his breed.
“German Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females. German Shepherd Dogs are large dogs and their weight is justified by their height, which at the shoulder is about 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females.”
When they went back to his vet, that’s when they diagnosed him with dwarfism. Ranger may look so cute on the outside, however, he’s not that well on the inside.
Pituitary dwarfism can lead to other medical issues.
“The effects are not only on the outside because the deficiency of the growth hormone causes underdeveloped kidneys leading to renal failure, underactive thyroid glands producing dullness and slow intelligence, and most dogs with pituitary dwarfism are sterile.”
Speaking of effects, the poor dog already suffered from fur loss and flaky skin before his vets even discovered he had developed Hypothyroidism.
Sometimes, being small comes with big consequences.
Pituitary dwarfism can also shorten a dog’s life:
“Without treatment, your dog will have a shorter than normal lifespan of about four or five years. Treatment increases the lifespan and helps give your dog a better quality of life.”
Keeping up with the cost of specialized treatments isn’t easy.
Some families can’t afford it. Consider a dog lucky if its family can just sign a check on every multi-digit bill.
Luckily, for Ranger, his Instagram account spread the word about his story, which amassed a huge number of followers. A lot of people also showed their love by letting his human family know that they were ready to help.
All the help is certainly appreciated and we’re all happy that Ranger is getting all the love and support from kindhearted people who want to give more and healthier years in life.
To see more from this adorable pooch, just visit Ranger’s social media account. You may also visit his Etsy shop to buy Ranger’s merchandise.
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