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There are not many dogs in the world like Cooper.

The American foxhound was born on a puppy farm “without a neck,” and was never expected to thrive. Several of his vertebrae were compressed and fused together while he was in the womb.

Now two years old, Cooper’s rare condition isn’t holding him back, even if it means he has to turn his entire body to look behind himself.

Cooper was rescued in 2017 when animal control officers in Halifax, Virginia, found him near a puppy mill. Just two months old at the time, he was taken to Minnetonka-based Secondhand Hounds.

The officers that rescued Cooper think he might have been abandoned because of his rare condition. He struggles to walk around for extended periods of time, and with his bottom end located a distance up his back, it’s difficult for him to defecate. When SecondhandHounds picked Cooper up, they knew their work was cut out for them.

Cooper was treated for ear mites, worms and a hernia. He also needed surgery so he could poop properly. Making matters worse, the first home Cooper was placed in did not work out. As difficult as it may have been for the dog, he couldn’t keep from chasing the family’s cats.

Thankfully, his next option worked out.

Elly and Andy Keegan, parents to dogs Skylar, 13, Tuva, 4, and Waylon, 3, turned out to be a perfect fit for Cooper.

“I am lucky to have the support of Secondhand Hounds and the right environment for a special needs dog,” Elly said. “That’s not to say we don’t have incidences. A few months after he came he had a fall and fractured his neck in five places.”

Cooper’s spine has been kept free of infection with a regular course of antibiotics. He can go to the bathroom by himself, and is enjoying as much of his freedom as he can. He’s also a small celebrity on social media, even though he may not realize it.

“It’s hard because he can’t go for long walks and can’t spend a lot of time on hard surfaces,” Elly said. “He has to be on soft ground like grass or carpet.

‘But he’s still the happiest dog.”

Cooper’s condition may have been caused by inbreeding, and when he was deemed unfit for sale, abandoned. He is nothing less than perfect to his new family, however, and to many others who have heard his story.

“Cooper is an example that dogs with disabilities have a lot of love to give and make great pets,” said Teri Woolard, owner surrender coordinator at Secondhand Hounds. “We’re so happy to have been a part of his journey.”

Like Cooper, this Great Dane also beat the odds.

Cooper is a very special dog, and he’s very protective of his forever family. See just how incredible this “short-on-spine, big-on-love” pup truly is in the video below!

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.