[gemy]

There are a multiplicity of spinal conditions it could be. I have not seen where the OP has stated exactly what it was. A C curve of the spine could occur for many reasons, and one obvious one, being the pup was borne with a C curve.


From Merrick Manual
Spinal Cord Disorders

Spinal cord disorders do not affect coordination of head movement but cause a loss of motor function and coordination in the legs or sense of position.


Congenital vertebral malformations involve the bones of the spinal column, called vertebrae. These malformations can cause damage to the spinal cord. They include hemivertebrae (shortened or misshapen vertebrae), block vertebrae (fused together), and butterfly vertebrae (cleft vertebrae). Hemivertebrae are most common in screw-tailed dog breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. Specialized imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scanning may be necessary to determine whether a spinal defect can be corrected by surgery.


In caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, also called wobbler syndrome, the spine in the neck area is deformed. The most commonly affected breeds include Borzois, Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes. The condition may be inherited, and signs begin to show at a variety of different ages. Signs range from mild difficulty in walking to paralysis of all 4 legs. Affected dogs often keep their neck flexed awkwardly, and the neck may be painful. Surgery can relieve pressure on the spinal cord.


Atlantoaxial subluxation is most common in young toy or miniature breeds of dogs and is seen occasionally in large breed dogs as well. Signs usually develop within the first few years of life and consist of sudden or progressively worsening neck pain or difficulty moving. Signs can be mild or progress to paralysis of all 4 legs. Surgery is necessary to stabilize the dog's condition, and the outlook for recovery is uncertain.


Degenerative Diseases

Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis is a disorder of the vertebrae in the lower back that causes compression of the nerve roots. It is most common in large breeds of dogs, especially German Shepherds. The cause is unknown. Signs typically begin at 3 to 7 years of age and may include difficulty using the hind legs, tail weakness, and incontinence. Dogs often experience pain when the lower back is touched or moved. Other signs include a loss of paw position sense, muscle wasting, or weakened reflexes in the hind legs. X-rays may show signs of degeneration, but diagnosis requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Dogs in which mild pain is the only sign may improve with 4 to 6 weeks of rest. Specific treatment requires surgery. The outlook for recovery after surgery is good, although urinary incontinence may continue.


Intervertebral disk disease is a degenerative disease of the spinal column that results in compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves. It is a common cause of spinal cord disorders in dogs, especially of small breeds, particularly the Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Pekingese. In these breeds, spinal disks can begin degenerating in the first few months of life. A herniated or “slipped” disk causing severe signs can occur suddenly, as early as 1 to 2 years of age. In contrast, disk degeneration in large breeds of dogs typically occurs after the age of 5 years, and signs continue to worsen. Herniated disks are most common in the neck and the middle of the back. A herniated disk in the neck leads to neck pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. There may be muscle weakness or other signs, ranging from mild partial paralysis in the legs to total paralysis of all legs. A herniated disk in the middle of the back leads to back pain, and possibly curvature in the spine and a reluctance to move. Neurologic signs range from a loss of motor control in the hind legs to paralysis and incontinence. In paralyzed animals, it is important to determine whether pain sensation is present by pinching the toe or tail and watching whether the dog makes a behavioral response, such as a bark or turn of the head.


Diagnosis of herniated disks requires x‑rays, myelography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dogs with minimal to moderate signs that can still feel pain often recover with a few weeks of rest. Anti-inflammatory or pain medication can be used, but generally only if the dog can be cage-rested. If the dog increases its activity, the disk(s) may extrude further and worsen the spinal cord compression. Unfortunately, signs recur in 30 to 40% of cases. In dogs with severe neurologic signs, surgery must be performed promptly to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord. Surgery is also needed if drug therapy is unsuccessful and signs return. The outlook for recovery after surgery is good if the dog can still feel pain. If surgery is delayed for more than 48 hours after pain perception is lost, the chances of recovery decrease.




The OP also stated that at 4months old the curvative was obvious to her eyes, but her vet told her this was just the *way* her dog stands.....


An obvious curvature of the spine in any 4month old is not normal. Yeah there can be dips n hollows of the spine but it is not normal to have a C curve or for that matter an S curve to the spine of a young dog or for that matter human....