Hole in the top of the head???

[Saleswman]

When a puppy has a hole in the top of the head, like where the scull has not come together......what is that? Does it go away? Is it hereditary? What causes it.....a breeding issue?

Weird question....just wondering.

Thanks

[Lacy's Mom]

it's an open fontanel - just like a baby has a soft spot that closes with age a puppy's fontanel should also close, but with Yorkies being bred so small sometimes they don't close properly and they are at a greater risk for injury.

[chachi]

That is called an open fontelle. If it is a small one it usually closes. If it is larger it may not close and they will have it all their life. I almost got a puppy with one of those. She died while we were waiting for her. You have to be real careful if you have a pup with one that they don t hit their head or they could die from it.

[Lacy's Mom]

if i remember right from your earlier post, you are thinking about purchasing a puppy. if one you are looking at has an open fontanel i would continue looking and at the very least i would have a very thorough vet exam - a lot of times it is a sign of hydrocephalus. A hydrocephalus pup's eyes show a lot of white and appear to be looking down.

[Lorraine]

I am not real sure if it is hereditary or not. But if there is an open fontanel, especially a large one, you would also want to have it checked out for hydrocephalus or water on the brain. Sometimes it can go hand in hand but not always.
Some pups are born with no open fontanel. Some are born with a small one that closes within a week. Sometimes it closes in months sometimes up to a year and some never close. Some will still live a normal lifespan, some have other problems and don't.

[Saleswman]

Originally Posted by Lacy's Mom

if i remember right from your earlier post, you are thinking about purchasing a puppy. if one you are looking at has an open fontanel i would continue looking and at the very least i would have a very thorough vet exam - a lot of times it is a sign of hydrocephalus. A hydrocephalus pup's eyes show a lot of white and appear to be looking down.

No, not me....a friend was looking at one...and I said I would ask what my friends thought....

thanks

[Saleswman]

Originally Posted by Lorraine

I am not real sure if it is hereditary or not. But if there is an open fontanel, especially a large one, you would also want to have it checked out for hydrocephalus or water on the brain. Sometimes it can go hand in hand but not always.
Some pups are born with no open fontanel. Some are born with a small one that closes within a week. Sometimes it closes in months sometimes up to a year and some never close. Some will still live a normal lifespan, some have other problems and don't.

Is that what the judges are looking at when they feel the head?

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by Saleswman

Is that what the judges are looking at when they feel the head?

I don't think so. They are usually checking the stop and also looking for tied ears and to see if there is a natural topknot or swatches stuck in the topknot to look fuller.