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how serious is canine open fontanelle in a 7 week 0ld ...

Sent to Pet Experts April 28 2006 at 6:15 PM
   

how serious is canine open fontanelle in a 7 week 0ld chihuahua.? it is small will it close/

 

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Age: <1; Female; Breed: Chihuahua

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April 28 2006 at 6:17 PM (2 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
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An open fontanel is the soft spot on the top of a puppies head.

Congenital open fontanels are often found in toy breeds.

The fontanel is the area at the top of the skull where the bone plates merge. This will usually close when the puppy is 4-6 weeks of age, but sometimes they never completely fuse, leaving a hole in the top of the skull. If it has not closed by 12 weeks of age, it probably won't.

Extra care should be taken with a puppy with an open fontanel. The dog should be spayed or neutered as soon as it's old enough so that the genetic trait won't be passed down the line.

Some dogs with this condition suffer from hydrocephalus. He might also suffer from seizures, vision problems and uncoordination. He also might not ever have problems and live a long and happy life.

You need to see your vet to have him examined as soon as you can.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Good luck!

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April 28 2006 at 6:27 PM (9 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: Is there a percentage figure for the dogs to lead a normal life?
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April 28 2006 at 6:29 PM (2 minutes and 45 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

At this age, there is a really good chance that it's still going to close. You can help the situation a little by adding some canned goat's milk (which you can get in the canned milk aisle) to his diet. The added calcium is helpful.

In many dogs, the open fontanel will close on its own.

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