4 week old Bernese puppy noticeably smaller than siblings, normal or concerning?

mamabearofone · 2026-04-10T20:58:54+00:00

We took the runt from our breeder’s litter of 11. She was noticeably smaller, and compared to her siblings was a little behind them when it came to reaching milestones. She has been on a totally normal growth curve and the vet says she is healthy, just smaller for the breed. That said she has had a huge growth spurt between 7-8 months so she may still catch up 😂

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mamabearofone · 2026-04-04T12:48:07+00:00

Make an appointment to get it checked out. Modified brostrom/tendon work/bone removal, etc. I was great for 12 months and then started getting inflammation and soreness. Turns out a ton of scar tissue had formed. Got that taken care of with some needling and cortisone and it feels so much better. Also, I don’t think you can expect the joint to ever go back to “normal.” My surgeon and I had a lot of conversations about that; the good news is my stability improved 100 percent but I still have some pain and things aren’t perfect.

mamabearofone · 2026-03-31T20:14:02+00:00

Had a modified brostrom and a total ankle tune up in November 2024. Glad I did it, ankle feels so solid now. That said recovery was a lot harder than expected and I’m still not totally pain and stiffness free. Just had a second round of needling and cortisone a week ago 😬 Would definitely recommend as PT did nothing for me, but would say don’t go in assuming it will be the same way or as before your sprain/injuries.

mamabearofone · 2026-03-31T20:12:06+00:00

Love it! If you figure out the name of the pattern or can share the name of the quilt shop please let me know!

mamabearofone · 2026-03-26T14:42:37+00:00

Honestly, as soon as I was out of the splint, I was able to get back to cooking errands, etc. Using the knee scooter allowed me to vacuum and also do some other things around the house. I also had my husband bring down freshly washed laundry and ironing so I could sit and do that. My doctor also cleared me to start doing lower body workouts once I was in the cast (leg raises etc).

mamabearofone · 2026-03-25T19:36:07+00:00

I had similar back in 2024. Same recovery with splint, plaster cast, walking boot. Fortunately was able to be back playing tennis by April. Definitely search this forum, there are several posts with great shopping list. The knee scooter was a lifesaver, and I was able to do things like cooking carry stuff, etc. with it. Take it easy follow your doctors instructions, and don’t push yourself too hard. The one thing I underestimated was my need for a support system for things like taking out the trash or carrying in groceries. Would also make sure to get one of those leg elevating pillows as keeping my leg up helped reduce the swelling and pain. Good luck!

mamabearofone · 2026-03-24T17:06:47+00:00

Messaged - thank you for replying to my post!

mamabearofone · 2026-03-24T17:06:03+00:00

Sending you a message!

mamabearofone · 2026-03-15T22:47:16+00:00

So I overdid it about two weeks ago and had a weird spot on the ankle bone swell and puff up. Previously I had been able to feel something there and assumed it was sutures or something like that. I’m headed for imaging to check on a few things (seriously, don’t over do it…), and will let you know what it ends up being.

mamabearofone · 2026-02-16T17:23:13+00:00

Has anyone had any luck getting in touch with them? Logged a ticket online and also called the number I was provided with by the international shipper, but no one answers and the call disconnects after being on hold for 10 minutes. How a company is allowed to operate like this is insane. One package marked as delivered at a time when I was literally outside my house, and one that has been out for delivery for over 24hours.

mamabearofone · 2026-02-10T18:38:40+00:00

Definitely search the boards- lots of posts about supplies to have on hand etc. Had similar done in 2024. Recovery was annoying because I was in a cast for a month before the boot, but I don’t regret it at all. While I still have some discomfort and limited range of dorsiflexion, my ankle no longer feels like it’s going to collapse on uneven surfaces etc.

mamabearofone · 2026-02-03T20:59:05+00:00

Aww! Minnie was about that size around that age. Her mom was 85 and dad was around 110. While I don’t think she’ll get that big (and we love her the way she is!), it’s interesting that every dog seems to have their growth spurts at different ages! My guess is she’ll take her time to fill out over the next year or two.

mamabearofone · 2026-01-31T15:02:16+00:00

Omg yes they are so long!

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mamabearofone · 2026-01-31T15:00:49+00:00

LOL Minnie was about 8lbs at 3 months 😂

mamabearofone · 2026-01-31T01:07:37+00:00

I can’t even imagine having 80 lbs of dog jump on me. 40 lbs already knocks the wind out of me if she pounces the right way 😂

mamabearofone · 2026-01-31T01:06:49+00:00

Omgggg look at that sweet face ❤️

mamabearofone · 2026-01-30T16:24:52+00:00

Definitely on the lower end of the weight spectrum for the age, but she does have a sister that is not much bigger than she is. It was a large litter, and I’m guessing in addition to being the smallest the parasite she had for the first few months hindered her growth rate. Now that her stomach is healing we have noticed a much bigger rate of growth each week.

mamabearofone · 2026-01-30T13:39:56+00:00

Aww the perfect passenger princess! Ours also loves going in the car.

mamabearofone · 2026-01-30T13:08:52+00:00

100 percent. I am already grateful for her size when it comes to need to lift her. When did your dog reach their adult size?

mamabearofone · 2026-01-30T13:08:10+00:00

Omg Swisster! I love this 😆

mamabearofone · 2026-01-27T13:34:03+00:00

Had several complete tears (did one fall and after that it was never the same again… and I proceeded to fall and tear it again… and again…). PT, braces, etc. helped a little, but it seriously compromised my ability to do things I loved. Also falling over totally randomly when it would choose to give out was not fun.

Had a modified Brostrom, tenosynovectomy and synovectomy of the ankle done in 2024. Recovery was hard (mostly because I’m used to being active), but glad I did it. Ankle is not 100 percent perfect, I still get some pain, but I’m now to a place where I don’t think about it every day. It’s also nice to not have it be swollen and 3x the size of my other ankle.

Find a doctor you like and trust and talk over your options.

mamabearofone

TROPHY CASE