How Amazingly Well Our Bulldogs Adapt

[Alice Kable]

Mack is almost eight and 1/2 years old. Five years ago we discovered his bottom 2 vertabra were fused and the 3rd one was in the process. Now his spine is a fused mess. About a year ago Mack started having trouble jumping up on the couch--sometimes he wouldn't make it and fall backwards. He didn't want us to lift him or assist him in any way. I put a Rubbermaid stool by the couch for him and he actually used it for a while. Lately I've seen him crouch way down, get a push off his front legs and a little off his back legs and make it up on the couch and/or recliner with no problem. I am very pleased that he has figured out how to use the power in his front legs to compensate for the lack of strength in his hindquarters.

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[BruceP]

What an adorabull pic of him. He looks like a real cuddle bug . We tried steps for HRH to get on our bed and she didn't want anything to do with them.

 

[cali baker]

Oh, yay for Mack. I think it's a combination of that bulldog determination and natural intelligence! I Mack. Good job!!

 

[cowsmom]

Yes that bully determination. What an adorable picture and a wonderful story. Thanks for Sharing

 

[Davidh]

Good job Mack, like the pic to, he's a handsome boy.

 

[2BullyMama]

What a sweet face..... they are stubborn little buggers -- good for him!

I believe we are heading that way with Banks -- she has three fused vertebra at this time she gets a 35 minute laser treatment once a week to help 'warm' the cells and lessen the swelling. It really does help as we see a difference in what she will and will not do when we are off the treatments.

 

[TessaAndSamson]

Amazing indeed! That picture is SOOOO cute!!! He looks much younger than 8.5 yrs old!

 

[Fontanafox]

What a brave and beautiful boy. That picture is a keeper and yes he doesn't look his age at all. Sending hugs and kisses to Mack.

 

[LariP]

What a great picture! It is amazing sometimes what they will figure out.

 

[Vicaroo1000]

[MENTION=1612]Alice Kable[/MENTION] and [MENTION=2894]2BullyMama[/MENTION] - how does this fused spine thing happen? Poor babies.
I am delighted that Mack has adapted. It's amazing to me what they will do to get/go to/chase something they WANT to....but when it's a request.....um...not so much. LOL

 

[Alice Kable]

[MENTION=2614]Vicaroo1000[/MENTION], it is genetic. Mack has always sat "sidesaddle"; at about age 2 he started lifting up a hind leg when he sat. [MENTION=2894]2BullyMama[/MENTION] I have not heard of laser treatments on the spine but will ask my vet. I can see where that would help Mack.

 

[cali~jenn]

Oh my gosh that pic is ADORABLE!!!!! I agree he doesnt look like an 8 yr old at all.

 

[2BullyMama]

@Vicaroo1000 , it is genetic. Mack has always sat "sidesaddle"; at about age 2 he started lifting up a hind leg when he sat. @2BullyMama I have not heard of laser treatments on the spine but will ask my vet. I can see where that would help Mack.

Yes - it is genetic... we've known about Banks having the issues since she was 1 or 2 years old. The laser treatments are so worth it....one thng we notice when her back is bothering her, she does not do he 'big morning stretch'.. after her treatment she does that and the bully back scratch along the rug.

 

[KMARINO]

8.5 I would have never guessed! He looks fantastic. Ok, given a bully a choice...either lay on the living room floor, OR get up on the furniture...I think they would learn to do a cart-wheel to get up on the furniture if they could!!!

 

[Luvin My Bullie]

Mack is very handsome!! They are amazing creatures...nuff said