AKC Yorkie Male- Blue and Gold- will be tiny.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mommadog1

I found this when doing a search on my chihuahua who has an open fontanel. She is almost 2 now and has never had any problems.
Karla
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Open Fontanel

Congenital open fontanel is seen in several toy dog breeds, but most often it's seen in Chihuahuas. The fontanel is the area at the top of the skull where the bone plates merge. When babies (human and dog) are born the bony plates of the skull are usually partly soft and separated. Usually this area closes to about the size of a dime by the time the puppy is about one year old, but sometimes the bony plates never completely fuse, leaving a hole in the top of the skull that has a soft mushy feel when you touch it. The affected pup can still live a long, full and active life.

The major difficulty with owning a Chihuahua with an open fontanel is the stress for the owner - the constant concern that the spot will be damaged. The Chihuahua with an open fontanel will be as active as any Chihuahua with a closed fontanel. As long as the owner takes a few precautions most Chihuahuas do just fine. Precautions the owner should take include protecting the Chihuahua from being hit on the head, preventing situations where the Chihuahua might fall and not allowing the Chihuahua to jump from furniture, beds, etc. It is not recommended that a Chihuahua with an open fontanel be added to a family with very young children.

There is no treatment for an open fontanel. Since open fontanels are either hereditary or genetic, once a good breeder determines which parent dog carries the gene the parent dog should be retired from the breeding program and spayed or neutered. Chihuahuas with open fontanels should not be bred.

Thanks for the educational post. Education is the best way to inform the unsuspecting public.

[Yorkieville200]

Originally Posted by mommadog1

I found this when doing a search on my chihuahua who has an open fontanel. She is almost 2 now and has never had any problems.
Karla
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Open Fontanel

Congenital open fontanel is seen in several toy dog breeds, but most often it's seen in Chihuahuas. The fontanel is the area at the top of the skull where the bone plates merge. When babies (human and dog) are born the bony plates of the skull are usually partly soft and separated. Usually this area closes to about the size of a dime by the time the puppy is about one year old, but sometimes the bony plates never completely fuse, leaving a hole in the top of the skull that has a soft mushy feel when you touch it. The affected pup can still live a long, full and active life.

The major difficulty with owning a Chihuahua with an open fontanel is the stress for the owner - the constant concern that the spot will be damaged. The Chihuahua with an open fontanel will be as active as any Chihuahua with a closed fontanel. As long as the owner takes a few precautions most Chihuahuas do just fine. Precautions the owner should take include protecting the Chihuahua from being hit on the head, preventing situations where the Chihuahua might fall and not allowing the Chihuahua to jump from furniture, beds, etc. It is not recommended that a Chihuahua with an open fontanel be added to a family with very young children.

There is no treatment for an open fontanel. Since open fontanels are either hereditary or genetic, once a good breeder determines which parent dog carries the gene the parent dog should be retired from the breeding program and spayed or neutered. Chihuahuas with open fontanels should not be bred.

Very educational post.

I came across this info in regards to tiny Yorkies:

if very small some come with health issues such as

hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and end up dying within a few weeks. Be very careful when purchasing a tiny yorkie

make sure that the puppies fontanel has knitted together an open fontanel is a good indication of possible hydrocephalus

[Roccosmommy]

I know nothing about breeding, except that it starts with the letter "b". HOWEVER, even prior to reading this very educational post I know that a 3.5 lb female should NEVER have been bred. Shame on the OP for insisting she's a responsible breeder when even I would have known better. I do hope this sweet baby is placed in a loving and responsible home.

[ArmaniMan]

How does one protect themselves from buying a yorkie like this? Is there a way to tell when a lay person examines the pup, or is it something only the vet would notice? Also would a vet notice this upon first exam, or would you need them to check for this condition?

Thanks!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

How does one protect themselves from buying a yorkie like this? Is there a way to tell when a lay person examines the pup, or is it something only the vet would notice? Also would a vet notice this upon first exam, or would you need them to check for this condition?

Thanks!

It's very easy. While this issue, on the average affects tinies. It can occur on those pups that are of normal size.

When you have a pup in your hands, gently run your thumb through every inch of a pups skull. If an open fontanel is there it is recognized by a soft indentation. It can be as small as a pin head, but you'll be able to feel it. Sometimes they are more evident than that, just as in a human babies soft spot.

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

It's very easy. While this issue, on the average affects tinies. It can occur on those pups that are of normal size.

When you have a pup in your hands, gently run your thumb through every inch of a pups skull. If an open fontanel is there it is recognized by a soft indentation. It can be as small as a pin head, but you'll be able to feel it. Sometimes they are more evident than that, just as in a human babies soft spot.

Thanks for the information!

[mommadog1]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Thanks for the educational post. Education is the best way to inform the unsuspecting public.

Yep, I agree... Educating is good for everyone. I had no idea about this until I got my long haired chihuahua. It just never closed all the way but she has lived a very normal life and plays with the other dogs.

I forget what I paid for her,I think it was 850.00 or 650.00 I can't remember. but I would not pay that much again for a puppy with ANY hereditary or genetic problems. However, I didn't know. If I had I would have probably bought her anyhow but I would have asked the breeder to lower the price considerably. I cannot imagine our life without Foxy.

Foxy ended up with a funky bite and her tongue hangs out on the right side.. She is too cute though..and she is 3.5 pounds with short little legs and she is the best little dog we have ever owned.

People must be informed about this issue with the pup. He can still live a normal life. and it still could close more, Foxy's did..Just not all the way.

So please, at least let people know the puppy has an open fontanel so they can do their own research about it and talk to the puppy's vet or their own so that they can make an informed decision when purchasing the puppy.

Karla

[mommadog1]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

It's very easy. While this issue, on the average affects tinies. It can occur on those pups that are of normal size.

When you have a pup in your hands, gently run your thumb through every inch of a pups skull. If an open fontanel is there it is recognized by a soft indentation. It can be as small as a pin head, but you'll be able to feel it. Sometimes they are more evident than that, just as in a human babies soft spot.

Foxy's is kind of diamond shaped. You cannot miss it when you feel. We didn't notice it on her until we were petting her head. It's not something I knew to look for. Hers is just above her brow line in the center.. "the third eye"..hehe

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mommadog1

Yep, I agree... Educating is good for everyone. I had no idea about this until I got my long haired chihuahua. It just never closed all the way but she has lived a very normal life and plays with the other dogs.

I forget what I paid for her,I think it was 850.00 or 650.00 I can't remember. but I would not pay that much again for a puppy with ANY hereditary or genetic problems. However, I didn't know. If I had I would have probably bought her anyhow but I would have asked the breeder to lower the price considerably. I cannot imagine our life without Foxy.

Foxy ended up with a funky bite and her tongue hangs out on the right side.. She is too cute though..and she is 3.5 pounds with short little legs and she is the best little dog we have ever owned.

People must be informed about this issue with the pup. He can still live a normal life. and it still could close more, Foxy's did..Just not all the way.

So please, at least let people know the puppy has an open fontanel so they can do their own research about it and talk to the puppy's vet or their own so that they can make an informed decision when purchasing the puppy.

Karla

Yes, they can lead normal lives, but an owner needs to be on the alert, just one mishap can end their lives.

I'm still of the opinion, any pup with a known health issue such as this should not be sold. What should be in the forefront of a breeders mind is the welfare of the pup. They should be seeking out a qualified home that has full knowledge of the issue and is aware of how to deal with it's medical issues. Again, placing the pup without a fee, is the only responsible thing to do.....

[chuey]

Just wanted to say what a great community this is for sharing such valuable information!! Thank you for this experience!

I lost my first yorkie, Chuey, to hydrocephalus, which I knew nothing about when I was buying such a "tiny" yorkie. Little did I know! But thanks to a lot of support from people here on YT I learned a lot from what I went through. Please be very cautious about any puppy you get, from anywhere!

We are all very blessed to have our lil furbabies & pray for their health! Thanks again everybody!

[RONLYNN]

I cannot imagine our life without Foxy.

Foxy ended up with a funky bite and her tongue hangs out on the right side.. She is too cute though..and she is 3.5 pounds with short little legs and she is the best little dog we have ever owned.

People must be informed about this issue with the pup. He can still live a normal life. and it still could close more, Foxy's did..Just not all the way.

Karla[/QUOTE]

OMG she is so so cute!!! I really want a long hair chi with that coloring. She is adorable!!! I love the little tongue too!!

[yorkie_mama22]

Since this pup has a genetic defect he should definitely be placed in a loving forever home who UNDERSTANDS the dangers of his condition. Whether the OP wants to admit it or not, he IS a special needs puppy because the new owner will need to give him SPECIAL care and treatment. What if someone didn't know and he hit his head and died?! My Goodness I was tricked by a lady that I purchased my first yorkie from. She claimed to be a breeder and didn't disclose any health problems to me about her. I spent hundreds of dollars at the vets but what can you do if you fall so deeply in love? 8 months she suffered until she finally passed away! The lady STILL wouldn't admit there was issues with her she was just after the money and dumping her problem off on someone else!




PS - Foxy is gorgeous and what a sweet little face she has, thank you for keeping her and providing her a loving home!!! your a very special person

[Reese1]

She is now listing him as having the fontanel:

Akc tiny toy yorkie pup - Great Mothers Day Gift! in Emmett, Michigan

It disturbs me to advertise that this is common. A buyer who wants a "tiny" and doesn't really no any different may just think it's no big deal.

[Woogie Man]

I'm not sure I agree that this is such a serious condition at this time. Many open fonts do close over time and, with no other health issues present, I would consider the dog healthy.

I do not agree with placing a pup with an open font. If the OP wishes to place him, I think he should be held until the plates have fused and then he should be vet checked for an overall health clearance. It is irresponsible to place a pup with a known health condition. If the font does not close over time, I agree that he should be placed in a qualified home for no fee.

I think some here know my feelings on breeding these small girls. The open font is just one of the more common issues with these tiny babies. It should also be said that breeding a very small sire, even to a dam of good size, can cause this condition to be expressed and I don't see this mentioned often enough.

[Justin]

yeah so I definitely need to do my hw before I get a second dog