I was having trouble sleeping a couple days ago and was skimming through puppyfind for stolen pics (our pics were stolen a couple years ago so I am always checking) and found an ad that was very disturbing to me. The puppy was a very tiny yorkie that was for sale here in Ohio. The pictures clearly show that the puppy has the classic signs of hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is when the brain fluid can not naturally drain away and builds up in two ventrilcles of the brain. This build up causes pressure on the skull and the brain and can inhibit brain development and function. This can be a very severe and deadly disorder, medical treatment is required.
I did e-mail the breeder through puppyfind to alert her to this problem in the hopes that she was just uneducated on the subject and could now do the right thing but she has not replied and the ad remains,
and the puppy's sale is even pending. Someone is going to get their heart broken, she has another male for sale too that I suspect may also have the condition. This condition is usually congenital (born with) or sometimes acquired (trauma or injury)...but in a puppy this young it is presumed congenital.
A tell tale sign that a puppy has severe hydrocephalus is the "sun setting" appearance that the puppy's have. They also have a dome shaped head and usually have an open fontanel. This does not mean that every puppy with an open fontanel has hydrocephalus, just that puppies with hydrocephalus have them.
The eyes look like a setting sun against a white sky...this is not normal and if you ever see this in a puppy do not buy it. If it happens in your own puppy then you will know what it is and can seek medical treatment. I have seen it first hand in the clinic I worked at...it is so sad especially when it is severe.
Here is some more information on the problem...
HYDROCEPHALUS IN DOGS - Chinaroad Lowchens of Australia -
Here are some pictures of a Chihuahua with hydrocephalus and his story. His eyes are more pushed out from the corners than the top.
Nico Enrico
here is a hand drawing of where you can see the whites of the eyes...
http://www.marvistavet.com/assets/im...g_sun_sign.gif
I am very frustrated that this breeder still has this puppy listed for sale. A responsible breeder would not be selling this dog but more concerned with finding it medical treatment.
Just a reminder...when you go to look at a puppy...always
* Check their bites
* Check their bellies for hernias
* Check male puppies for 2 descended testicles
* Check their skin condition, check for fleas
* Check the top of their heads for an open fontanel (gently rub your finger over their head)
* and I would check their knees just by bending the leg, if the puppy has severe LP you will feel it pop.
and check those eyes, you will see the whites of your puppy's eyes are times but not when they look at your directly.
These are just a few steps you can physically take to ensure you are getting a healthy puppy.