If your dog shows unusual physical traits or behaviors, you might wonder if something more is going on – maybe even a condition like Down syndrome. While dogs can experience genetic disorders that resemble it, true Down syndrome is unique to humans. In this article, we’ll explore what Down syndrome is, why dogs can’t technically have it, and what conditions might be causing similar symptoms in your furry friend.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that means the person has one extra chromosome. They have 47 instead of 46. The extra chromosome is a copy of chromosome 21, which changes the way a person’s brain and body develops.
Dogs and Down Syndrome: Does Down Syndrome Exist in Dogs?
In short, no. According to PetMD, Down syndrome is a condition that is particular to humans. Dogs don’t have chromosome 21, which makes having Down syndrome impossible.
However, if you suspect that you have a dog with Down syndrome, it is worth having them evaluated by a veterinarian. Their symptoms are likely due to another condition.
Genetic Disorders in Dogs That Resemble Down Syndrome
Congenital Defects and Chromosomal Abnormalities
While having a “Down syndrome dog” isn’t a thing, having a dog with a congenital defect is. It’s also possible to have a dog who has a chromosomal abnormality, both of which can lead to your dog having similarities to a human with Down syndrome.
Pituitary Dwarfism
Like its name suggests, pituitary dwarfism is when a dog’s pituitary gland is smaller than it should be or fails to produce growth hormones properly. When this happens, the affected dog is left with stunted growth and may never reach their full adult size.
Hydrocephalus
Commonly known as “water on the brain,” hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the brain. The added pressure of the extra fluid can cause brain damage. Hydrocephalus can develop later on in life or be present right from birth.
In cases where a dog is born with hydrocephalus, it’s usually due to a blockage in the pathway that cerebrospinal fluid flows through. Developed hydrocephalus, on the other hand, can happen as a result of brain tumors, trauma, or infections.
Signs of Genetic Disorders in Dogs
Facial and Physical Differences
Dogs with genetic disorders often have distinct facial features that set them apart from their healthy counterparts. Exaggerated facial features are incredibly common among dogs with genetic abnormalities. For example, a dog might have eyes that are too far apart, a flat face, or eyes that bulge.
In addition, they could present with an elongated soft palate (which leads to snoring), a protruding tongue, and limbs that are disproportionately short compared to the rest of their body.
Delayed Growth and Small Stature
As with humans who suffer from genetic disorders, dogs who have them can also have their growth affected. A dog with a genetic condition might grow much more slowly than normal or even stop growing before reaching adult size.
Cognitive and Behavioral Challenges
Cognitive delays and behavioral challenges are common in dogs with genetic disorders. Hydrocephalus is one disorder that can cause Down syndrome-like behavior and impairments, but others include wobbler syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, and DM.
These conditions can present in a wide variety of ways, including sleep disturbances, disorientation, changes in social behavior, and difficulty catching on to house training.
Health Complications
Unfortunately, the list of complications related to genetic disorders just keeps on growing!
Not only do dogs with these disorders suffer from cognitive issues, but they are also more likely to develop health complications. They are known to have problems with their vision, hearing, and even their heart.
Poor vision and/or hearing may result in increased anxiety and stress levels, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of their disorder.
Diagnosing Developmental Disorders in Dogs
Veterinary Evaluation
For a dog who displays signs of having a developmental disorder, your veterinarian will want to conduct a thorough evaluation. The evaluation will include a physical exam, observation, and diagnostic testing.
If the idea of your best friend being tested makes you nervous, don’t worry! The testing is usually just to rule out other conditions and focuses on identifying abnormal behaviors and missed or delayed developmental milestones. These tests are not invasive and won’t cause your dog any harm.
Genetic Testing for Dogs
For dogs with Down syndrome symptoms, genetic testing can be a great way for veterinarians to come to a diagnosis. Genetic tests screen for inherited diseases, and when positive, can help owners properly prepare to care for their pet’s unique needs.
There are breed-specific tests and general tests. The breed-specific variety checks high-risk breeds for genetic abnormalities that their breeds are known to have or develop. General tests, such as Breed + Health Dog DNA Test, screen for common abnormalities that affect the general dog population.
Genetic tests for dogs in general are getting better and better. For example, experts have developed a test to predict a serious digestive disorder in German Shepherds. These advances help vets and owners catch health problems early and take better care of their dogs.
Caring for a Dog With Special Needs
Providing a Supportive Environment
Being a supportive pet owner isn’t just about giving your dog all the cuddles and ear scratches they want. It also means that it's your responsibility to ensure that their surroundings are supportive to their health and wellbeing, and for dogs with special needs, this can come with minor challenges.
For example, if your dog has poor eyesight, you’ll want to avoid rearranging the house too often or moving their food and water bowls. You might also need to use a baby gate or other barrier for the tops/bottoms of staircases. All of these things help ensure that your pet is kept safe.
Nutritional Considerations
Because food is the body’s fuel, your veterinarian will likely recommend a tailored diet if your dog has a genetic disorder. Depending on which disorder or condition your dog has, they may be put on a low fat diet, a high protein diet, or a diet that is grain-free. In addition, your veterinarian will always recommend plenty of fresh water.
Training and Socialization
Teaching a dog with learning disabilities new tricks, manners, and to socialize with others can be done. It can also be challenging. You can make the process easier by understanding your pup’s diagnosis and following the advice of your veterinarian. You could also consult a dog trainer who has experience with your dog’s specific needs.
In many cases, your dog will require extra patience and time to learn new things.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Because your dog has special needs, it’s important that you have a primary veterinarian and take them to regular checkups. These checkups will help ensure that your pet’s care needs are always being met. These visits help you stay informed about any changes in their condition.
Final Thoughts: Living With a Special Needs Dog
A dog with special needs is just as worthy of love, time, and attention as every other dog. While their unique needs are often considered to be a disability, they are what make them who they are – and we love them for it!
With an adapted home environment, veterinarian support and tailored care, and love from their human companions, a special needs dog can thrive, bringing a bit of extra sweetness to their household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats have Down syndrome?
Cats only have 19 chromosomes. This means that they don’t have chromosome 21, which is responsible for Down syndrome.
Are Down syndrome animals contagious?
Animals can not have Down syndrome. Even if they could, however, Down syndrome is not contagious, nor are the symptoms.
Do animals get Down syndrome?
No, they don’t. They don't have the same chromosomes as humans.
How many chromosomes do dogs have?
Dogs have 78 chromosomes.
What is the correlation of Down syndrome with dog age?
Since dogs can’t have Down syndrome, there is no correlation between Down syndrome and a dog’s age. Down syndrome-like symptoms can develop as a dog ages – especially if they have a pre-existing neurological or genetic condition.
What is the treatment for dogs that have Down syndrome?
There is no treatment available to dogs for Down syndrome, as Down syndrome isn’t a condition that affects animals. The symptoms of genetic disorders that can cause symptoms similar to Down syndrome can be managed with good nutrition, medication, and with veterinary care.
