2 New puppies - One Deaf & One open fontanel - Help!! Hello - I am new to this form. Here is our story....My family recently purchased a new yorkie puppy. We first decided to get Winston (male) from our neighbor who had puppies. I have 11 year old triplet girls and they really wanted a yorkie. Then it was discovered that Winston's sister, Coco is deaf - so we decided to take her as well - that way we would be able to keep them together and hopefully Winston would help Coco to learn and be happy. I also have a 12 year old son and a Bischon that is 5 years old. The puppies will be 15 weeks old tomorrow. Well, I took the puppies yesterday for their latest round of shots and the vet told me that Winston head has not closed. The vet said she would check it again in another month - she seemed concerned, but did not say too much about it. She mentioned surgery (very risky and expensive), but also said that we would "just see how it goes". I am totally freaked out. What do I do? The research I have found on this seems to say that they can live "normal" lives, but everyone just needs to be very careful of the head. We love these puppies and I am totally freaked out by this finding. Does anyone have any suggestions, experience, etc. I thought my biggest issues were going to be dealing with a deaf dog and training puppies - now these two issues seem to be on the back burner compared to this most recent finding. Can anyone help me out? Thank you in advance. |
welcome to YT...glad you found us although under such bad content...i have no experience in this but hopefully someone could help you...you could post this under the sick and injured section and maybe get more response...hehe |
It may close a little more in time, it may close all the way in time, or may not close. What that means is YES you have to be very careful with him b/c there is an opening (hole) without the protection of his skull, thus serious damage could happen if he get hit on his head... You need to tell you neighbor that both pups have genetic defects and they should NOT breed the parents again :( They both should be ok, but you have to give the extra protection as they both are vulnerable. |
My Chi, Cali, has an open fontanel and it's quite big ... about the size of a thumb print. She is 2 1/2 years old and so far we have not had any problems with it. I do have Cali checked out by my vet twice a year instead of once a year (but she usually goes more often than that because she is prone to getting colds very easily). Hubby and I are extremely careful with her and we do NOT allow anyone to hold her. So yes, your dog can live with an open fontanel but you and anyone who comes in contact with your dog must be very careful of it. I would definitely talk to your children about it and teach them how to properly hold the new puppy and explain why they must never press on the puppy's head. Also, be careful when putting on clothes and harnesses so that they don't put pressure on rub against the top of his head. By the way, hi and welcome to YT. :D |
I have heard an open fontanel dime size or smaller will most likely close. If it doesnt I have heard they can still live a healthy life, You just have to be careful they dont hit their head in that spot. Ive never heard of having surgery for it]. I would get another opinion on that |
Sorry to hear about your babies, one deaf and one with the open fontanel...very admirable of you, even with all you have already, to take them in and shower them with love & attention. I'm praying his fontanel closes in time or at least more than it is now and they both live happy, healthy long lives with you & your family. Also, Welcome to YT. I live in southern Maryland! Glad you found us! :) |
Zsa Zsa had an open fontanel and lived 14 marvelous years . |
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The breeder I purchased Ezekiel from told me up front he had an open fontanel, and that in most, not all, cases it will close. When I took him to the vet, he, of course, noticed:rolleyes: and said it may or may not close. By his second visit 1 month later, it had closed some. The vet said be careful and he'll do just fine. (be careful the vet says!! Ezekiel is a pistol!) |
One of mine has one and as she got older it got smaller. It is still there though and willnot close completely. I put her bow over the spoot to give her a little more protection. She fights and tussels with my others and has been fine. The vet has her file marked on the outside that she has this so anyone handling her will be aware. When she was spayed they made sure to be careful especially when removing her baby teeth. So hopefully your baby will be just fine. |
Thank you to all that responded. I spoke to the vet again last night and found out that the opening is smaller than a dime - so I feel better. We will just keep an eye on it and hope it closes. If not, then we will just continue to be aware and extra careful with his precious little head. |
I bet the biggest issue will be to have all the children keep in mind and then remember to be careful around the pups. I have 7 children and 3 Grandchildren so it is a job reminding everyone to be careful, help clean up after the pups etc. good luck and I bet all will work out. |
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