My new baby has an open fontanel - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Homie · 01-15-2006, 01:59 PM

Our 13 week old, 1.7 lb male yorkie has an open fontanel. He is otherwise energetic, healthy and intelligent. The breeder says she would exchange him for another puppy but our family is already attached to him. There is a chance the fontanel will close in time, though. Should we exchange him now to avoid future health problems and futher attachment or should we wait and see?

vviccles · 01-15-2006, 03:08 PM

ava has the same problem. my vet said it is only the size of a dime and by 4 months it usually clears up. i am a nervous nelly whenever someone wants to pet her!

Homie · 01-15-2006, 09:31 PM

Thanks for your reply. Are persistant open fontanel's associated with any other health problems or birth defects?

reneernc · 01-15-2006, 09:36 PM

I am not an expert by far, but I believe when I was researching it there were quite a few that had cleft pallette also. My initial vet said there is no way to tell if the pup with an open fontanel would end up displaying symptoms which would be r/t increased intracranial pressure.
Hope all goes well with you and your baby.

txshopper73 · 01-15-2006, 09:38 PM

Did your vet say anything about water on the brain with this condition? How large is the opening?

The breeder should not have let this pup go with this condition. Didn't she get the pup checked out before the sale?

The opening can close in time but sometimes, it doesn't. You'll have to take great care that the head doesn't get hit or damaged in anyway or death will likely occur.

I think, even though you are attached, that you should return and exchange this pup. JMO

feminvstr · 01-15-2006, 09:57 PM

if the opening is a tiny one then it should close up. I would worry being the size of a dime. Please avoid any rough play with your little one and by all means don't let him jump or fall the slightest injury could be death until it closes. There is nothing that can be done to help him/her except time and protecting the area, often the larger ones will never close.

Hard decision to return him, if you work out of the home, have children or other animals I would suggest returning him, its the best for the both.

hope this helps

Homie · 01-15-2006, 10:09 PM

The opening is approximately 1cm in diameter, though the opening is irregularly shaped. He doesn't have a cleft pallete. His eating, learning and growth seems to be normal. What happens if the hole doesn't close? Can he still lead a normal life?

feminvstr · 01-15-2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homie

The opening is approximately 1cm in diameter, though the opening is irregularly shaped. He doesn't have a cleft pallete. His eating, learning and growth seems to be normal. What happens if the hole doesn't close? Can he still lead a normal life?

A very protected normal life, he would need to be watched forever very closely and no playing with other animals or children or rough adults, no fetching no chasing no jumping...I dont know of any health problems that could arise or that could be related, I would talk to your breeder.

alpayton · 01-15-2006, 11:06 PM

Although this site talks about Chihuahuas, it'll tell you what you need to know.

http://blueboychihuahuas.com/articles/openfontanel.html

Diego · 01-16-2006, 05:24 AM

Zsa Zsa had an open fontanel . She was 14 years old when she died . I watched her when she was playing .

Homie · 01-21-2006, 12:14 PM

Thanks for everyone's reply. This is the first time I've posted on a chat forum. The reponses have been very helpful.

kara · 01-22-2006, 08:29 PM

My breeder said the same thing that she had this before and they usually closed by 9-12 months of age. Well on wednesday Matise turned 17 months old and his hasn't changed one bit in size it is also about 1 cm in diam. I am constantly paranoid he will hit it just right and have a serious complication or even death as a result. My vet said it will never close and that I should be very careful, and that he was 99% sure he would live a normal life(all other illnesses aside) and shouldn't suffer from any complications from it but I should be wary of anything on his head or him hitting his head or if he plays with other dogs or shows any neuralogical signs later in life-ie: result of water on the brain I think it is called hydrocelphalitus(sp) he doesn't show signs now and probably never will but.... So yes it is a big responsibility. But with vigilant supervision you should be fine. It is a big deal and you should definetly consider the responsibilities and risks associated with this condition. Good Luck with your new little one!

SoCalyorkiLvr · 01-22-2006, 08:58 PM

Hi and welcome to Yorkie Talk!! Glad you found us!

I found a website about open fontenelles or moleras in toy breed dogs and the author stated the following:

The presence of a molera DOES NOT make the dog any more or less susceptible to brain injury, seizures or hydrocephalus.

Two other vets were quoted as follows:

Drs. Walters and Rivers, Veterinarians at the University of Minnesota, concluded that there did not appear to be any relationship between the presence or size of a fontanelle and the condition of hydrocephalus.

* Dr. Alexander de Lahunta of Cornell University in New York, one of the top neurologist in this country, stated that it would be wrong to conclude that any opening is abnormal.

Here is the link to the entire article:
http://www.prouxchihuahuas.com/id15.html

I would defintiely not return the dog, this is very common and nothing to be overly concerned about, yes, take precautions to prevent injury but he should live a long and happy and healthy life.

reneernc · 01-22-2006, 09:07 PM

Reallly a tough decision, I read all those articles too and there is alot of conflicting information out there. Bottom line is if it doesn't close it is due to increased intracranial pressure, the degree of pressure-amount of fluid buildup is what determines symptoms that may appear r/t brain damage. In my research I found several sites that stated regardless of what anyone is told this is an abnormal condition. It may or may not end up problematic, there is no treatment other than to treat symptoms. They also stated that while it is common in Chihuahuas, it should not be considered normal and breeders should not breed from this line. Those with open fontanels should never be bred as this can also increase the pressure.

ON the other hand...my pup had a very small opening, one that I never was able to really feel and it closed, thank goodness! My vet had recommended I return her also and I was going too but I guess I kept her 1 day too long then it was too late! We are fortunate to have a good outcome.

Its hard to decide what to do! Thoughts are with you.

Homie · 12-12-2007, 01:08 PM

Homie is now 2 years and 2 months and the fontanel has completed closed up and calcified. He's happy and healthy.

01-15-2006, 01:59 PM	#1
Homie YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sf Posts: 9	My new baby has an open fontanel Our 13 week old, 1.7 lb male yorkie has an open fontanel. He is otherwise energetic, healthy and intelligent. The breeder says she would exchange him for another puppy but our family is already attached to him. There is a chance the fontanel will close in time, though. Should we exchange him now to avoid future health problems and futher attachment or should we wait and see?

01-15-2006, 09:38 PM	#5
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	Did your vet say anything about water on the brain with this condition? How large is the opening? The breeder should not have let this pup go with this condition. Didn't she get the pup checked out before the sale? The opening can close in time but sometimes, it doesn't. You'll have to take great care that the head doesn't get hit or damaged in anyway or death will likely occur. I think, even though you are attached, that you should return and exchange this pup. JMO __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

01-15-2006, 09:57 PM	#6
feminvstr Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 4,405	if the opening is a tiny one then it should close up. I would worry being the size of a dime. Please avoid any rough play with your little one and by all means don't let him jump or fall the slightest injury could be death until it closes. There is nothing that can be done to help him/her except time and protecting the area, often the larger ones will never close. Hard decision to return him, if you work out of the home, have children or other animals I would suggest returning him, its the best for the both. hope this helps __________________ Kimberly

01-15-2006, 11:06 PM	#9
alpayton Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bowling Green KY Posts: 425	Although this site talks about Chihuahuas, it'll tell you what you need to know. http://blueboychihuahuas.com/articles/openfontanel.html __________________ ~Amanda * Biewers: Armani & Titan

01-22-2006, 08:29 PM	#12
kara YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Miramar, FL(Origianally a Southern Indiana Girl!) Posts: 302	Matise's never closed. My breeder said the same thing that she had this before and they usually closed by 9-12 months of age. Well on wednesday Matise turned 17 months old and his hasn't changed one bit in size it is also about 1 cm in diam. I am constantly paranoid he will hit it just right and have a serious complication or even death as a result. My vet said it will never close and that I should be very careful, and that he was 99% sure he would live a normal life(all other illnesses aside) and shouldn't suffer from any complications from it but I should be wary of anything on his head or him hitting his head or if he plays with other dogs or shows any neuralogical signs later in life-ie: result of water on the brain I think it is called hydrocelphalitus(sp) he doesn't show signs now and probably never will but.... So yes it is a big responsibility. But with vigilant supervision you should be fine. It is a big deal and you should definetly consider the responsibilities and risks associated with this condition. Good Luck with your new little one! __________________ Kara & Matise Let's be pup pals! Click here to educate yourself on Liver Shunts. Last edited by kara; 01-22-2006 at 08:34 PM.

01-15-2006, 03:08 PM	#2
vviccles BANNED! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: beverly,MA Posts: 148	ava has the same problem. my vet said it is only the size of a dime and by 4 months it usually clears up. i am a nervous nelly whenever someone wants to pet her!

01-15-2006, 09:31 PM	#3
Homie YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sf Posts: 9	Thanks for your reply. Are persistant open fontanel's associated with any other health problems or birth defects?

01-15-2006, 09:36 PM	#4
reneernc Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: alabama Posts: 807	I am not an expert by far, but I believe when I was researching it there were quite a few that had cleft pallette also. My initial vet said there is no way to tell if the pup with an open fontanel would end up displaying symptoms which would be r/t increased intracranial pressure. Hope all goes well with you and your baby.

01-15-2006, 10:09 PM	#7
Homie YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sf Posts: 9	The opening is approximately 1cm in diameter, though the opening is irregularly shaped. He doesn't have a cleft pallete. His eating, learning and growth seems to be normal. What happens if the hole doesn't close? Can he still lead a normal life?

01-16-2006, 05:24 AM	#10
Diego Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 3,617	Zsa Zsa had an open fontanel . She was 14 years old when she died . I watched her when she was playing .

01-21-2006, 12:14 PM	#11
Homie YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sf Posts: 9	Thanks for everyone's reply. This is the first time I've posted on a chat forum. The reponses have been very helpful.

01-22-2006, 08:58 PM	#13
SoCalyorkiLvr BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 8,246	Hi and welcome to Yorkie Talk!! Glad you found us! I found a website about open fontenelles or moleras in toy breed dogs and the author stated the following: The presence of a molera DOES NOT make the dog any more or less susceptible to brain injury, seizures or hydrocephalus. Two other vets were quoted as follows: Drs. Walters and Rivers, Veterinarians at the University of Minnesota, concluded that there did not appear to be any relationship between the presence or size of a fontanelle and the condition of hydrocephalus. * Dr. Alexander de Lahunta of Cornell University in New York, one of the top neurologist in this country, stated that it would be wrong to conclude that any opening is abnormal. Here is the link to the entire article: http://www.prouxchihuahuas.com/id15.html I would defintiely not return the dog, this is very common and nothing to be overly concerned about, yes, take precautions to prevent injury but he should live a long and happy and healthy life.

01-22-2006, 09:07 PM	#14
reneernc Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: alabama Posts: 807	Reallly a tough decision, I read all those articles too and there is alot of conflicting information out there. Bottom line is if it doesn't close it is due to increased intracranial pressure, the degree of pressure-amount of fluid buildup is what determines symptoms that may appear r/t brain damage. In my research I found several sites that stated regardless of what anyone is told this is an abnormal condition. It may or may not end up problematic, there is no treatment other than to treat symptoms. They also stated that while it is common in Chihuahuas, it should not be considered normal and breeders should not breed from this line. Those with open fontanels should never be bred as this can also increase the pressure. ON the other hand...my pup had a very small opening, one that I never was able to really feel and it closed, thank goodness! My vet had recommended I return her also and I was going too but I guess I kept her 1 day too long then it was too late! We are fortunate to have a good outcome. Its hard to decide what to do! Thoughts are with you.

12-12-2007, 01:08 PM	#15
Homie YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: sf Posts: 9	Fontanel has closed! Homie is now 2 years and 2 months and the fontanel has completed closed up and calcified. He's happy and healthy.