Rescue Dog Struggling To Walk Beats The Odds With Help From BFF Great Pyrenees
About half of all dogs afflicted with canine distemper don't survive the virus, and that number rises to 80% for puppies. Vinny is one pooch who beat the odds and lived after contracting distemper as a puppy, but the virus left him with myoclonus (involuntary twitching) and a severely damaged front left leg. The staff at Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home in Tucson, Arizona, weren't sure how best to help the plucky pup.
@oldsoulsanimalres Our rescue dog Vinny started life with the odds stacked against him. He was abandoned in a park with distemper, a disease most pups don't survive, and somehow made it. But surviving left him with lifelong challenges: myoclonus and a wonky front left leg. Naturally, we thought a brace might help. Shockingly, the vet said no. Instead, they recommended letting him go brace-free to build strength on his own. With the help of our great pyr and livestock guardian, Eneko, Vinny has spent the last months doing lots of running, herding, wrestling, and causing chaos. As you can see in the video, his front left leg has gotten stronger and he's a lot steadier! This rescue dog's journey proves that sometimes the best medicine is freedom, play, and a little chaos. We're a 100% volunteer-run sanctuary for senior and special needs rescue animals, and every like, share, comment, and donation helps us give animals like Vinny a second chance. Push all of the buttons for us, and if you can, donate through the link in our bio. Thank you for your support! ❤️ #rescuedog #rescuedogs #animalrescue #rescueanimals #rescuedogsrock
"We thought a brace might help, but the vet had a different idea: let him run wild, brace-free — first, to let out all that puppy and heeler energy, and second, to help build strength in that leg and support long-term joint health," a staff member explained in a TikTok video about the rescue dog. "Lucky for us, we had the perfect guy to help Vinny, our great Pyr and livestock guardian, Eneko, who wasted no time in implementing a rehab program that consisted of running, wrestling, causing chaos, and even helping protect our rescued farm animals from desert predators." After a few months of frolicking with his great Pyrenees BFF, Vinny started moving around better and using his damaged leg more. The new friends' bond proved to be both heartwarming and healing.
Viewers of the video immediately fell in love with Vinny and his indomitable spirit. "Vinny is so amazing and precious," one wrote. Another commented, "Oh my goodness I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. He's such a cute lil fighter! Good job buddy!!"
What is distemper?
Distemper is a serious and highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of an animal. It has no cure. Canine distemper is a common stray dog disease, while feline distemper (also called feline panleukopenia, or FPV) can afflict cats. Distemper can also be contracted by ferrets, foxes, wolves, raccoons, skunks, and other mammals; carnivores in particular. Initial symptoms of distemper include coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and discharge from the eyes or nose. More advanced symptoms range from muscle twitches, head tilting, lack of coordination, and walking in circles to convulsions, seizures, and paralysis. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, consult a vet immediately.
The best way to protect your pet is through vaccination. Although vaccines are never 100% guaranteed not to cause an adverse reaction, the seriousness of distemper should convince every responsible pet owner that possible distemper shot side effects — including fatigue, fever, and swelling — are worth the risk. Vinny is a living example of the health issues that can result when a puppy is left unprotected against the virus.
If Vinny looks vaguely familiar to you, it may be because you've seen footage of him in a fashion show with another of his doggy pals, Gibbs, a nervous two-legged dachshund and fellow resident of Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home. Seeing both Gibbs and Vinny carry on despite all the strikes against them is sure to warm even the coldest heart.
Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.