 anencephaly
Anencephaly is the development of a fetus with no brain. I'm no breeder, but know about human reproduction pretty good.
It is a neural tube defect, kind of like spina bifida. Only this is in the most extreme form. The fetus looks very strange, at least in humans, and is not viable. Usually they are stillborn. The "skull" is actually there, it just forms over the face. Sometimes there will be brainstem formation and the fetus/baby will live for a very limited time. Without the brainstem, there is no message sent from the brain to breath or for cardiac function.
Also, there is no pain...no feeling, because there is no brain to process such.
I'm so sorry that one of the babies had this horrible congenital anomaly. In humans, again, it is NOT genetically linked and shouldn't be a consideration in future litters. You may need to check me on this with a vet as a dog maybe different, but I don't think so.
You've heard of the umbilical hernia, the cleft palate and other such anomalies that are like that. There again, no genetic link. I know that in humans there have been studies that suggest folic acid supplements prevent neural tube defects like anencephaly. You might ask your vet about folic acid supplements for future litters. The supplement would have to be started BEFORE breeding because the defect occurs VERY early in development.
Good luck with your new babies. Can't wait to see pics! |