kira Yellow Labrador Retriever Choteau, MT

Kira has an adoption sponsor. They have donated $100.00 towards Kira's adoption..

Kira is full of life. She does need some work on her obedience.. Because of her special need we think her pervious owners felt sorry for her and let her get away with things Kira has a head tilt, and walks leaning to one side. Sometime she does fall over, but this doesn't slow her down. She loves to play ball and will bring it back. She can run and go for walks. At first we thought is was neurological, but the vet doesn't think, because she is smart and can focus and fetch the ball and sit. The vet believes she has a vertebral malformation. She think that there is no reason way she can not carry on a normal life. She just needs more structure and a routine. Kira is only a year old. She would make someone a wonderful dog if you are willing to take the time to work with her. From what we know Kira, has had this problem her whole life.
KIRA CAN NOT WALK DOWN MORE THAN 2 STAIRS. SHE CAN NOT KEEP HER BALANCE AND JUST FALLS DOWN THE STAIRS.
A one level home would be the best.

Below is the Notes from the Vet.

Physical Examination: Kira, extremely bright, happy. Very enthusiastic jumping, barking. Cranial nerves within normal limits. normal facial muscles. Normal proprioception. Unable to take reflexes, dog is too excited to lay still for reflexes. No nystagmus, no evidence of tremoring.

Neuro finding that are abnormal: head tilt to the right. Moderate leaning to the wall when walking on a leash. Can run straight, can walk straight. Able to see a ball fly out into the yard, run a straight line to it. Pick up ball in mouth and run straight back to owner. Does maintain head tilt while running. Mild circular angle to running.

Heart and Lungs auscultate normally. Pulses strong and synchronous.

Unable to examine ears, dog is too energetic to examine inner ears. Seems unlikely to be infectious since dog is so healthy otherwise and defect has reportedly been present since birth.

Suspect either vertebral malformation or Inner ear / vestibular disease that is stable. Do not see this problem negatively impacting quality of life or adoptability.