Saved Just in Time: Cricket the Puppy Finds Hope Despite Being ‘Different’
Puppies are usually the first ones to get adopted at a shelter because they are cute, playful, and filled with boundless energy. But sadly, this wasn’t the case for Cricket, an adorable puppy whose fate took a different turn. Despite his charm, Cricket was placed on the shelter’s euthanasia list instead of finding a loving forever home. (watch the TikTok below)
The reason for people’s disinterest in Cricket is because he is a little different from others. He has a mobility issue known as cerebellar hypoplasia. Due to this, he struggles with coordination and balancing himself causing him to move differently from other dogs.
From Euthanasia Deadline To Rescue
Cricket was about to be euthanized at such a young age just because he was differently-abled. Fortunately, he was given another chance when Forgotten, Now Family Rescue saved him before his euthanasia deadline.
@chrissyrescuer Meet cricket🦗. He was at a shelter facing euthanasia because of his disability. Cricket has whats called cerebellar hypoplasia. Its where the cerebellum is small or under developed. Its painless but dows cause wobbly mobility and reduced fine motor skills. Cricket will always dance and I think he’s perfect the way he is. Now I will start training him on a cart / wheel chair so he will cruise around. Cricket is the best boy and I can’t wait to take you guys on his journey. Please help me welcome cricket to the fam! #rescue #puppy #happy #cerebellarhypoplasia #differentnotless #loveyou #hop ♬ Happy – Pharrell Williams
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the rescue took Cricket out of the shelter and welcomed him into their organization. They describe him as one of the happiest puppies you’ll ever meet. Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka remarks, “Cricket’s a little puppy, he needs comfort and love. It breaks my heart to see him without a forever home.”
Cricket’s Journey Continues
When the rescue shared Cricket’s story on social media, Instagrammers fawned over the adorable pup in the comments section. Nina Storey, wrote, “Oh my heart. What a precious baby! May he find a loving forever home asap. ❤️” Another user, Norma Gordillo, commented, “She’s beautiful, and thank you for saving his life. He doesn’t deserve to die because he has special needs!!!”
Chrissy Elder, Founder of Forgotten, Now Family Rescue, informed me that Cricket is not yet available for adoption. “He’s having some mobility challenges we are working to help him on before sending out to the world,” Edler explained, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring Cricket’s needs are fully met before he finds his forever home.
If you’re interested in potentially adopting Cricket, you can follow his story on the rescue’s Instagram. To know more about Cricket’s condition, cerebellar hypoplasia, continue reading.
What is Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Dogs?
Cerebellar hypoplasia in cats and dogs is usually a congenital disease. Dr. Patty Khuly, a veterinarian, states it is a condition “that denotes an inadequate development of the cerebellum, a section of the brainstem largely responsible for modulating motor impulses. Affected dogs and cats therefore fail to move normally, especially when it comes to maintaining normal balance, posture, and coordination.”
The disease can also be acquired in utero due to maternal exposure or vaccination against specific diseases, such as panleukopenia, affecting puppies and kittens.
As per Dr. Jo Myers, Cerebellar hypoplasia, a rare condition in dogs, has varying severity based on cerebellar development. There’s no cure, but mild cases allow for a long life with minimal symptoms, while severe cases require emergency care.
Symptoms of Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Dogs
A puppy with cerebellar hypoplasia may only show clinical signs when attempting to stand or walk for the first time. These are the most common symptoms visible in pets with cerebellar hypoplasia given by Dr. Myers:
- Muscle tremors or intention tremors (tremors that occur or worsen when a dog attempts to perform a deliberate action)
- Unsteady gait, with swaying or staggering
- Frequent falling
- Hypermetria (an exaggerated, “goose-stepping” gait)
- Uncoordinated movements and abnormal balance
- Difficulty transitioning between sitting, standing, and lying down
- Ataxia (impaired walking, including stumbling or loss of balance)
Causes of Canine Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Cerebellar hypoplasia is a congenital birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped cerebellum, which can result from various disruptions during fetal development. Dr. Myers says these disruptions may include injury, oxygen deprivation, viral infections such as parvovirus, or exposure to harmful toxins or infections known as teratogens. In some cases, genetic factors or unknown/idiopathic causes may also contribute to this condition.
This disease in dogs predominantly affects certain breeds, including Chow Chows, Airedales, Irish Setters, Bull Terriers, and Boston Terriers. Due to their genetic predisposition, these breeds are more susceptible to this neurological condition, which impacts coordination, balance, and overall brain function.
Diagnosing Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Dogs
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), cerebellar hypoplasia symptoms can mimic those of severe diseases, making a thorough diagnosis crucial. To determine the underlying cause, your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive medical history, perform a physical examination, and assess your dog’s neurological function.
Initial diagnostic steps include collecting blood and urine samples to exclude infectious, traumatic, inflammatory, or cancerous conditions. These tests help identify potential underlying causes and guide further diagnostic decisions.
If necessary, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. However, an MRI scan typically occurs after initial test results suggest it’s necessary to rule out other potential causes. Your veterinarian will discuss the best diagnostic approach for your dog based on their specific symptoms and test results.
How To Care For A Dog With Cerebellar Hypoplasia?
Cerebellar hypoplasia currently has no established treatment. However, many affected puppies learn to compensate and adapt to their neurological limitations as they grow and mature.
A Reddit user, u/gargravarr2112, talks about cerebellar hypoplasia in a dog, claiming, “It’s not all that sad, it’s known as “wobbly dog/cat syndrome”. Basically affects their balance and they will randomly fall over but then bounce right back up. Many learn to adapt or just roll with it. No need to feel sad for them, they still live happily. Doesn’t affect their intelligence or life expectancy on its own.”
The severity of cerebellar hypoplasia varies, and adapting your home and lifestyle can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and safety. To ensure your dog’s well-being:
- Block access to stairs to prevent falls
- Use dog ramps for easy access to beds, sofas, and vehicles
- Place non-slip mats on slippery floors
- Utilize dog carts or supportive transportation for longer walks
- Consider dog wheelchairs and supportive harnesses for mobility assistance
For dogs with severe cerebellar hypoplasia, extra care may be necessary. This may include hand-feeding to help them eat and drink comfortably despite head bobbing, providing assistance during toilet breaks and short walks, and utilizing customized supportive equipment recommended by your veterinarian.
Dogs with minor symptoms, such as slight tremors and balance issues, may require minimal adjustments. Consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance on supporting your dog’s specific needs and ensuring their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What dog breeds get cerebellar hypoplasia?
Cerebellar hypoplasia in dogs primarily affects dog breeds such as Irish Setters, Boston Terriers, Chow Chows, Airedales, and Bull Terriers.
Is cerebellar hypoplasia curable?
No, there is no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia. A dog with cerebellar hypoplasia generally tends to adapt to their lack of coordination. Moderate to severe cases can require additional support like a dog wheelchair and hand-feeding.
How do you prevent cerebellar hypoplasia?
To minimize the risk of cerebellar hypoplasia, Dr. Khuly recommends that breeders should carefully select candidates if the disease is present in the breeding line. Additionally, according to Dr. Myers, vaccinating the dog against parvovirus prior to breeding can effectively prevent cerebellar hypoplasia.
Does cerebellar hypoplasia get better with age?
According to Cerebellar Hypoplasia is a non-progressive disease, which means that it will not worsen over time. The symptoms can get better if the dog learns to adapt and they are provided extra supportive care.
