Who says there’s no such thing as the perfect dog?
If you’re fortunate to have a dog, you know just how lucky you are. It’s the best feeling in the world to always have someone who will be there for you no matter what. While your cat may nonchalantly acknowledge your existence when you enter a room, your dog probably gets a bit more excited.
Aside from dogs being pretty much one of the best animals on the planet, they do require around-the-clock care. It isn’t common to hear people say that having a dog is a lot like having a child.
While there is a difference, we understand what they mean quite well.
Dogs need love too.
Just like with our human loved ones, we take our dogs to the vets to check in on their health. It can be a daunting trip for your furry pal and let’s face it, for us as well.
One couple with a Cocker Spaniel named Peter, understands the feelings of taking their pup to the vet all too well.
26-year-old Emma Clayton and 30-year-old Oliver Broomhead from Sheffield, UK, have been to the vet several times regarding Peter’s health. While he typically looks just like any other dog taking a stroll at the park, he has a tendency to faint.
What’s going on here?
Emma and Oliver dubbed Peter’s condition as “fainting goat syndrome” because like goats, Peter freezes and faints when he becomes overly excited.
“When he gets excited or scared, sometimes for no reason at all, he just freezes up and topples over,” Clayton says.
It often happens when he’s chasing birds or ducks, jumping from raised heights, when it rains, on the stairs, and crossing from one surface to another (such as from grass to gravel).
But the couple has been reassured repeatedly by vets that Peter isn’t in any pain. Though no one knew for certain why Peter reacted the way that he did. They guessed that it might be neurological, but couldn’t say for sure.
Still, Clayton and Broomhead are thankful that he isn’t in any pain.
“They’re happy for him kinda just living his normal life. There’s nothing to suggest that this is going to do him any damage. Obviously, until he’s diagnosed we don’t know for definite,” she shares.
Finally, some answers.
Recently, the couple discovered that Peter suffers from Paradoxical Pseudomyotonia, which is common in English Springers and Cocker Spaniels.
The condition is caused by “exercise-induced generalised myotonic-like muscle stiffness.”
However, research shows that eliminating triggers is the only solution to reduce or prevent episodes. Still, there is still much that is unknown about the condition, including the genetic variant responsible for the disorder.
It’s not what it looks like.
Despite his condition, Peter is a healthy dog. The couple adopted him from a family who was no longer able to take care of him.
Though the family disclosed the details about his fainting spells, Clayton admits that the first time she saw it, she panicked. Still, it never deterred her love for him.
“I fell in love with him straight away,” she admits.
Others understandably show concern when they first see it as well.
“Some people like are horrified that it’s happening. I understand. I think a lot of people think that he’s maybe having a seizure. That he’s in, like, imminent danger,” she shares.
But the panic settles once they see their reaction.
“A lot of people just laugh. I think because we do too. We’re so used to it now.”
Of course, once they explain everything, their concerns are put to rest.
Peter is as adorable as they come. If you want to see him running around at the park, you can watch the video below!
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