In Pituitary dwarfism / hyposomatotrophism a deficiency in pituitary
stimulation of growth hormone production leads to dwarfism. This occurs
most commonly in German shepherds but has been reported in several other
breeds. It is an inherited disease in German shepherds (autosomal recessive
trait). This disorder must be distinguished from other conditions leading
to stunted growth, including malnutrition, congenital hypothyroidism and
other congenital defects leading to poor growth. Dogs with this condition
do not grow like their litter mates. Their hair retains its "puppy" appearance,
feeling soft to the touch. Hairloss along the sides that is symmetrical
often occurs. Abnormalities in bone growth lead to a deformed appearance
to the legs. As other puppies in the litter appear to mature, affected
dogs continue to have a puppy-like appearance and bark. Dogs with this
condition may be deficient in other hormones in which the pituitary gland
controls part of the process of stimulating the hormone's production. It
is a good idea to check for hypothyroidism and hypoadrenocorticism in dogs
with hyposomatotrophism. Human growth hormone will work to treat affected
dogs but it is expensive and may be hard for the average veterinary practitioner
to obtain.