Photo: BBC America

A GENETIC DISORDER: WHOSE FAULT IS THAT?

In a recent post, I shared the story of Ella, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel suffering from Syringomyelia. This extremely painful and common genetic disorder leaves a Cavalier’s skull too small for her brain.

As I wrote about Ella’s pain, I accepted that Syringomyelia is genetic with the same ease as I accept instances of hip dysplasia. With this ease of acceptance comes a question of hopelessness, “Aren’t dogs just victims to the cruelty of unpredictable biological fate?” This is not the case.

To believe that a dog’s genetic disorder is natural and unavoidable is to accept that Darwin was wrong. He wasn’t. When we open our eyes and embrace the fact that humans are undeniably responsible, only then can we change the outcome for the future of all Ellas.

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