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This dog has little control over his excitement.

So much so that when he sees something like a flock of ducks he loses control over his body with something akin to fainting goat syndrome.

Peter’s owners say the cocker spaniel does not suffer any harm when he collapses from the condition known as Myotonia Congenita.

The condition is found in a domestic breed of goats whereby their muscles stiffen when they are frightened.


It is much more rare in dogs but humans can also suffer from the condition.

Peter’s owner shared a video of his reaction to some ducks that he wanted to chase in Sheffield.



The owner said: ‘Peter, our cocker spaniel, has a neurological condition which causes him to fall over at random moments, usually when he’s scared or excited.

Poor Peter faints when he gets excited (Picture: Viral Hog)

‘We call it “fainting goat syndrome”. Today the idea of ducks got him so worked up he froze.’

The condition sends signals from the brain to muscles throughout the body, causing a temporary paralysis.

It only lasts for a few seconds and is not believed to cause Peter any pain.

At just weeks of age the symptoms of the condition can be seen.

The symptoms Muscle stiffness

An abnormal walk (like a bunny hop)

Enlarged tongue which may make it difficult to swallow

Craniofacial structure anomalies

Groves appear on defined muscles when they are struck Source: wagwalking.com