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Short Spine Syndrome in Dogs

Dog Short Spine Syndrome

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Elyse Macartney
DVM

What is it? | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

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Short spine syndrome in dogs, or SSS, is an extraordinarily rare congenital disorder that makes dogs look like they have no neck. While some unique health issues go along with the condition, many dogs with spine problems like SSS can still live long and content lives with their pet parents. 

Read on to learn more about short spine syndrome in dogs and how you can support a pet with this condition. You may also want to check out Petco’s guide to 9 Common Health Conditions in Dogs to learn more about canine wellness.  

What is dog short spine syndrome?

Experts don’t know exactly why pets are born with this condition, but inbreeding may play a part. 

The crux of short spine syndrome in dogs is that the vertebrae don’t develop into bone during the fetal stage of development but instead remain in a more pliable cartilage stage. Since the vertebrae never ossify, the spine remains soft. Over time, the soft vertebrae get compressed. The spine may fuse and shorten significantly.

Symptoms of dog short spine syndrome

The symptoms of short spine syndrome in dogs are visible, so it’s not hard for a vet to make a diagnosis. Dogs who have SSS typically show noticeable signs like:

  • A very short neck. In fact, a dog with short spine syndrome may not appear to have a neck at all. The back of their head may rest against the top of their back and impede their ability to move their head from side to side. 
  • A short back. Some dogs with SSS also have a shortened back. A short spine dog may have a hunch in their back or just be shorter than most dogs of their age and breed. 
  • A sloping lower back. When the spine fuses into a curve, the lower back sometimes slopes down. 
  • A short tail. Many dogs with this condition also have a short tail, even when dogs of their breed tend to have long tails. They may also have a corkscrew tail, uncharacteristic of their breed.

Since dogs are born with this condition, it’s noticeable in puppyhood. 

Diagnosing dog short spine syndrome

Your vet will probably be able to identify short spine syndrome with a visual assessment and simple physical exam. However, they may want to conduct additional testing to confirm the diagnosis since short spine syndrome in dogs is so rare. 

An X-ray can help your vet determine the severity of the condition and if it’s affecting other aspects of your dog’s health. While there are no dog prescriptions that can cure short spine syndrome, your vet may recommend medication for pain or other symptoms. 

Treating dog short spine syndrome

There is no direct treatment. Instead, your veterinarian will aim to treat any secondary issues caused by short spine syndrome.

Most available treatments are surgical interventions. Your vet may suggest surgery to relieve nerve compression or deal with herniated intervertebral disc. A dog who isn’t experiencing any discomfort may not require any treatment. 

Preventing dog short spine syndrome

This condition is so rare that it is highly unlikely you will ever have a dog with short spine syndrome. If your pet does have SSS or a similar spine issue, it’s especially important that they be spayed or neutered so they don’t pass the condition to offspring. 

Dogs with short spine syndrome may be susceptible to more serious symptoms if they’re also experiencing other health issues. Be sure to take your dog in for regular checkups and X-rays and keep up to date with vaccinations. Your vet may also recommend supporting their health with dog multivitamins or supplemental therapies. Check out Petco’s guide for Signs of Parvovirus: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know.

FAQs about short spine syndrome in dogs

What is short spine syndrome in dogs?

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Short spine syndrome is a rare genetic condition that occurs when a dog’s vertebrae do not ossify into bone the way they should. This causes dogs to be born with a compressed spine that makes it appear that they don’t have a neck. Dogs with this condition may also have a short or hunched back. 

How long do dogs with short spine syndrome live?

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A dog with short spine syndrome can live a long and happy life. Since there are so few dogs with this condition, there is not enough data to determine an average lifespan. You can help prolong your pet’s life by keeping up with regular physical exams and considering surgery if recommended by your vet for issues like painful nerve compression. 

How many dogs have short spine syndrome?

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There are very few dogs with short spine syndrome (SSS). Some counts put the total number of patients at 14, while others say there are 30 dogs around the world with SSS. In any case, it is very unlikely that a pet parent will have a puppy who has this condition. Pets with short spine syndrome may be able to pass it to their offspring since it is believed to be a genetic condition. 

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