Stunted growth happens due to several factors.
Space to grow when young. Food amount and quality. Water quality (including temp). Lighting (believe it or not, lighting places a huge role in proper digestion).
And this is just the surface of it. Depending on damage done, some can recover, some will not. Problems that arise are also very broad. Spinal chord/nerve damage is a major problem. Liver issues are another thing that you'll see. A lot of times you won't see any real sign (other than a small animal) prior to it's early death. That is why it's so important to know about the animals you are caring for, and how to provide the what they need. A lot of the time what they need and what you can provide are two different things... so just saying "It's better than it was" or "It's the best I can do" isn't a good reply.
