Young dog with rare dwarfism condition responds well to regular injections to boost growth and development. An undersized dog with an extremely rare condition has recovered well with treatment from Specialist vets. Internal Medicine Specialists from the Hospital for Small Animals used progesterone injections to stimulate growth hormone production in the six-month-old Chihuahua.Within nine months, the dog had tripled in weight and had the normal energy levels of a young dog. Underdeveloped puppyPixie the Chihuahua was referred to the Hospital aged six months, when her vet became concerned about her size and delayed development. Weighing less than 500 grammes, she was very thin, uncoordinated and had very low energy levels. She also still had her baby teeth, months after they should have been replaced with adult teeth.Pixie had also collapsed several times owing to low blood sugar, despite being fed every three hours. Pixie, shown on the left, weighed less than 500g when she was first referred to our Hospital at six months old. Following treatment, Pixie, shown on the right with her brother, has a normal body condition and weight. Rare conditionAfter several scans and tests, the internal medicine team diagnosed hyposomatotropism, otherwise known as pituitary dwarfism. This extremely rare condition is characterised by the underdevelopment of the pituitary gland, resulting in a deficiency of growth hormone and other key hormones.Without growth hormone, Pixie’s mental and physical development was stunted and she was unable to regulate her glucose levels, causing her to lose consciousness. Hormone injectionsThe Specialist-led team prescribed regular progesterone injections, which stimulated the production of growth hormone from Pixie’s mammary glands instead of her pituitary gland.Within a few months, Pixie had attained a healthy weight and body condition and was able to regulate her glucose levels so only required two meals a day. Her adult teeth had erupted, her body condition score was normal and she had typical energy levels for a dog her age. Pixie will require progesterone injections for the rest of her life and will also be small for her breed, however vets are confident that she will continue to have a great quality of life. Pixie is a wonderful patient; watching her grow and thrive has been a real pleasure. It is so rewarding to see the positive difference we can make for our patients and their owners. Dr Alisdair Boag, RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Medicine About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags Small Animals Vet School Publication date 25 Nov, 2024
