THE OPEN MOLERA {FONTEL}
Why does my puppy have a soft spot and is it safe?
Historically, the Chihuahua developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a “soft spot” on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel. is known as the MOLERA; and is the same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed, and it is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over.
It is important to note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without the molera, there are probably just as many born with one and its presence is nothing to become alarmed over.
As shown in the illustration below, the molera in the Chihuahua will occur on the top of the head and may vary in
shape and size when present.
Unfortunately, many lay people and some veterinarians not familiar with the Chihuahua have tried to link the mere presence of a molera with the condition known as hydrocephalus. This has caused many new-comers to the breed serious concern and worry. The truth is that a domed head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to this condition. Along with the observations of devoted breeders over the years, there is adequate medical evidence to support this statement.
• In “Diseases of the Brain” 1989, Green & Brand stated that many clinically normal toy breeds may have open fontanels without associated hydrocephalus.
• Dr's. Walker 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 fontanel 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.
While it would be impossible to list all the medical documentation here on this page, these few included here are perfectly clear; the presence of a molera does not mean the Chihuahua has a medical problem.
The Chihuahua is a little dog! They belong in the house, at their owner’s side, receiving all the love they deserve to receive. With or without a molera, the healthy Chihuahua that is loved and given proper veterinary care will live well into its teens as an irresistible member of the family.
*Reprinted with expressed permission by the Chihuahua Club of America*
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/molera.htm
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/reprint_permission.htm
Historically, the Chihuahua developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a “soft spot” on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel. is known as the MOLERA; and is the same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed, and it is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over.
It is important to note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without the molera, there are probably just as many born with one and its presence is nothing to become alarmed over.
As shown in the illustration below, the molera in the Chihuahua will occur on the top of the head and may vary in
shape and size when present.
Unfortunately, many lay people and some veterinarians not familiar with the Chihuahua have tried to link the mere presence of a molera with the condition known as hydrocephalus. This has caused many new-comers to the breed serious concern and worry. The truth is that a domed head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to this condition. Along with the observations of devoted breeders over the years, there is adequate medical evidence to support this statement.
• In “Diseases of the Brain” 1989, Green & Brand stated that many clinically normal toy breeds may have open fontanels without associated hydrocephalus.
• Dr's. Walker 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 fontanel 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.
While it would be impossible to list all the medical documentation here on this page, these few included here are perfectly clear; the presence of a molera does not mean the Chihuahua has a medical problem.
The Chihuahua is a little dog! They belong in the house, at their owner’s side, receiving all the love they deserve to receive. With or without a molera, the healthy Chihuahua that is loved and given proper veterinary care will live well into its teens as an irresistible member of the family.
*Reprinted with expressed permission by the Chihuahua Club of America*
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/molera.htm
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/reprint_permission.htm
AKC CHIHUAHUAS ~ HEALTH:
If you are considering adding one of these charming
creatures to your family, be forewarned of all breed
related health issues.
The Chihuahua is considered to be one of the
hardiest breeds in the world and are not prone to
many health issues.
The Chihuahua can live up to 20 years old. This is a dog that you must have many years to dedicate to.
Warning: CHIHUAHUA'S ARE ADDICTIVE!!
*Reprinted with expressed permission by the Chihuahua Club of America*
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/molera.htm
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/reprint_permission.htm
creatures to your family, be forewarned of all breed
related health issues.
The Chihuahua is considered to be one of the
hardiest breeds in the world and are not prone to
many health issues.
The Chihuahua can live up to 20 years old. This is a dog that you must have many years to dedicate to.
Warning: CHIHUAHUA'S ARE ADDICTIVE!!
*Reprinted with expressed permission by the Chihuahua Club of America*
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/molera.htm
http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/reprint_permission.htm
HYPOGLYCEMIA {LOW BLOOD SUGAR} !!!!
This condition can be seen in Toy breed puppies most commonly between five and sixteen weeks of age. Often it is precipitated by stress and/or missing a meal.
Sometimes becoming chilled or too much activity from simply play can bring on an attack. Those puppies that are particularly small or high-strung are at greater risk since they have less energy reserves than average.
It is important that young pups are kept on a high quality diet and have regular offerings of food. In early signs of hypoglycemia the puppy is noticeably confused and disoriented. He becomes drowsy at unusual times, shivers or staggers about and can't stand.
He can actually collapse or have a seizure and become unconscious if left untreated. This situation requires immediate attention. If left untreated the puppy will die. If this condition continues over an extended time, permanent brain damage may result.
If you find that your pup may be experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, feed him a mixture of honey and water. If the pup will not lick the honey, mix it with a little water and try feeding him with a syringe.
It is imperative that you get sugar into him immediately! You should see improvement in thirty minutes or less.
If the pup is unconscious or does not improve, a veterinarian should be contacted at once. He can give the pup an intravenous solution of Dextrose.
It is important that any small pup be kept from over activity and unduly stressful situations. It is critical that they do not miss a meal. Anyone with a Toy breed puppy would be wise to keep honey on hand for emergencies.
To prevent low blood sugar, small Chihuahuas should have small frequent meals and plenty of time to rest. Another preventative for this is to feed your dog Nutri-cal or nutristat, available from your local pet store.
Sometimes becoming chilled or too much activity from simply play can bring on an attack. Those puppies that are particularly small or high-strung are at greater risk since they have less energy reserves than average.
It is important that young pups are kept on a high quality diet and have regular offerings of food. In early signs of hypoglycemia the puppy is noticeably confused and disoriented. He becomes drowsy at unusual times, shivers or staggers about and can't stand.
He can actually collapse or have a seizure and become unconscious if left untreated. This situation requires immediate attention. If left untreated the puppy will die. If this condition continues over an extended time, permanent brain damage may result.
If you find that your pup may be experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, feed him a mixture of honey and water. If the pup will not lick the honey, mix it with a little water and try feeding him with a syringe.
It is imperative that you get sugar into him immediately! You should see improvement in thirty minutes or less.
If the pup is unconscious or does not improve, a veterinarian should be contacted at once. He can give the pup an intravenous solution of Dextrose.
It is important that any small pup be kept from over activity and unduly stressful situations. It is critical that they do not miss a meal. Anyone with a Toy breed puppy would be wise to keep honey on hand for emergencies.
To prevent low blood sugar, small Chihuahuas should have small frequent meals and plenty of time to rest. Another preventative for this is to feed your dog Nutri-cal or nutristat, available from your local pet store.
THE MOLERA & HYDROCEPHALUS:
Hydrocephalus and the molera are not one in the same and should not be confused as so. Chihuahuas have a domed "apple shaped" head. The presence of a molera is a perfectly normal trait.
A soft spot on the top of your Chihuahua's head is similar to that of a new born human and is normal. This trait is unique to the Chihuahua breed.
Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and is not at all normal, nor is it curable. It is also known as 'water on the brain.' When fluid accumulates on the brain, it compresses the brain against the skull. A Chihuahua puppy can be born with this disorder, or it can be caused by a brain infection.
Check the molera, making certain it is no larger than the tip of your little finger and that there is no swelling, bulging or throbbing, although, dog's with a normal molera can still be hydrochloric. Check carefully on the sides of the head for bone as well.
Make sure there is no more then one molera, as this is not normal. Other signs include wide-set eyeballs, blindness, abnormal behavior, waling in circles, slowness (mental and physical), seizures, & slow growing puppies. These signs may come and go or become worse over time. Concerns should only be answered by a licensed veterinarian.
Diagnosis is based on the signs in conjunction with techniques to image the brain. In dogs with a fontanel (molera), ultrasound can be performed by scanning through the fontanel to detect the excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus.
Mild cases can be treated with steroids to reduce pressure or with a shunt to divert fluid from the brain to the abdomen. Severe cases in puppies usually cause death before 4 months of age. For more information contact your Veterinarian.
A soft spot on the top of your Chihuahua's head is similar to that of a new born human and is normal. This trait is unique to the Chihuahua breed.
Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and is not at all normal, nor is it curable. It is also known as 'water on the brain.' When fluid accumulates on the brain, it compresses the brain against the skull. A Chihuahua puppy can be born with this disorder, or it can be caused by a brain infection.
Check the molera, making certain it is no larger than the tip of your little finger and that there is no swelling, bulging or throbbing, although, dog's with a normal molera can still be hydrochloric. Check carefully on the sides of the head for bone as well.
Make sure there is no more then one molera, as this is not normal. Other signs include wide-set eyeballs, blindness, abnormal behavior, waling in circles, slowness (mental and physical), seizures, & slow growing puppies. These signs may come and go or become worse over time. Concerns should only be answered by a licensed veterinarian.
Diagnosis is based on the signs in conjunction with techniques to image the brain. In dogs with a fontanel (molera), ultrasound can be performed by scanning through the fontanel to detect the excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hydrocephalus.
Mild cases can be treated with steroids to reduce pressure or with a shunt to divert fluid from the brain to the abdomen. Severe cases in puppies usually cause death before 4 months of age. For more information contact your Veterinarian.
HEART MURMUR:
Heart Murmur are relatively uncommon in Chihuahuas and even those that have one usually have the functional type. As in people, that means they can be as active and athletic as they want and live long, normal lives.
Shivering;
This is a trait of Chihuahuas. They may be scared or they may just be cold. Young dogs often shiver after they have been fed (even if the meal is warm).
Shivering is generally caused by the fact the Chihuahua is so small that its body temperature changes very quickly. Shivering is a way for their body to compensate for this difference.
Make sure that in the winter months your Chihuahua is warm and cozy. It doesn't take much for your little dog to catch a chill.
You will notice that Chihuahua's love to bury themselves under blankets or when it's warm weather they bask in the sun even if the spot is small.
Shivering;
This is a trait of Chihuahuas. They may be scared or they may just be cold. Young dogs often shiver after they have been fed (even if the meal is warm).
Shivering is generally caused by the fact the Chihuahua is so small that its body temperature changes very quickly. Shivering is a way for their body to compensate for this difference.
Make sure that in the winter months your Chihuahua is warm and cozy. It doesn't take much for your little dog to catch a chill.
You will notice that Chihuahua's love to bury themselves under blankets or when it's warm weather they bask in the sun even if the spot is small.
COCCIDIA:
This is an "opportunist protozoa" that lives in the bowels of all dogs. ALL DOGS carry coccidia.To be more precise, coccidia comes from fecal-contaminated ground. They are swallowed when a pet grooms/licks the dirt off itself. Coccidia infection is especially common in young animals housed in groups.
This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry. Something has got to weaken the immune system of an animal for the protozoa to have an opportunity to take hold and start multiplying.
That "something " is usually stress of one kind or another. Coccidia is usually accompanied by a loose, stinky stool that can even have streaks of bloody mucus in it. Some Vets will explain coccidia to their clients by saying the animal is loaded with parasites.
This is sometimes interpreted by that client that the animal has worms. So long as good bacteria exists in an ample supply in the gut, coccidia can not grow. Coccidia is shed in the stool like a virus.
If the animal is not shedding it when a stool sample is taken, the animal can be misdiagnosed as being free of the protozoa. If your puppy is put on antibiotics of any sort, feed yogurt to replenish the good bacteria that is killed off by the antibiotic.
It will in no way affect the antibiotic from completing it's job but may save your animal from secondary infections caused by an imbalance of good bacteria.
When coccidia does exist in the G.I. tract of your puppy, it can easily spread up through the system and into the lungs and if unchecked, it can cause pneumonia and eventually death.
The first signs of coccidia is usually a lack of eating properly accompanied by a loose stinky stool and sometimes escalating into bouts of hypoglycemia. Coccidia can be transmitted to humans if hands are not washed and contaminated utensils are handled improperly. Coccidia should never be allowed to progress to a point that the puppy's life is threatened.
If your puppy shows signs of this disease, immediately seek professional advice and treatment.
This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry. Something has got to weaken the immune system of an animal for the protozoa to have an opportunity to take hold and start multiplying.
That "something " is usually stress of one kind or another. Coccidia is usually accompanied by a loose, stinky stool that can even have streaks of bloody mucus in it. Some Vets will explain coccidia to their clients by saying the animal is loaded with parasites.
This is sometimes interpreted by that client that the animal has worms. So long as good bacteria exists in an ample supply in the gut, coccidia can not grow. Coccidia is shed in the stool like a virus.
If the animal is not shedding it when a stool sample is taken, the animal can be misdiagnosed as being free of the protozoa. If your puppy is put on antibiotics of any sort, feed yogurt to replenish the good bacteria that is killed off by the antibiotic.
It will in no way affect the antibiotic from completing it's job but may save your animal from secondary infections caused by an imbalance of good bacteria.
When coccidia does exist in the G.I. tract of your puppy, it can easily spread up through the system and into the lungs and if unchecked, it can cause pneumonia and eventually death.
The first signs of coccidia is usually a lack of eating properly accompanied by a loose stinky stool and sometimes escalating into bouts of hypoglycemia. Coccidia can be transmitted to humans if hands are not washed and contaminated utensils are handled improperly. Coccidia should never be allowed to progress to a point that the puppy's life is threatened.
If your puppy shows signs of this disease, immediately seek professional advice and treatment.
PATELLA LUXURIATION:
Patella luxuriation is probably the most common defect in the Chihuahua breed. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) lists the Chihuahua as having a 10% affected rate, however, this may very well be quite underestimated as people who have a dog with Patella luxuriation might not even submit the paperwork to OFA.
Although patella luxuriation is fairly easy to diagnose, some breeders are unaware that they do have a problem (they think that if their dogs are walking around fine, they don't have any problems), or are not checking their dogs properly. A skilled veterinarian can easily determine if a Chihuahua has any looseness in the patella joint, or if the patella itself luxates.
A breeder can also become skilled, if properly taught, to determine if a dog has patella luxuriation or not. Patella luxuriation can either have genetic causes, or environmental causes (i.e. injury).
If patella luxuriation shows up at an early age (under 7 months or so), it is probably due to genetic causes; however, injury might also cause patella luxuriation to show up in the first seven months.
Sources of injury could include being overweight, too much jumping (i.e. jumping off furniture), or too much stress on the patella and surrounding ligaments (ie. a dog dancing on its rear legs).
These causes are especially dangerous when a Chihuahua is in the developmental stages...from a young puppy to 1 or 2 years of age.
Chihuahuas might also damage their kneecap by hitting it, and even an unskilled veterinarian might cause permanent looseness if he is forcibly trying to see if the patella is loose.
As a Chihuahua ages, slight looseness might be seen, especially in dogs that are very overweight and have continued pressure on the ligaments/patella.
Visual signs of grade 2 (and higher) patella luxuriation includes skipping, holding the rear leg up for a short time as the dog walks/runs or rear-leg weakness.
Grade 1 patella luxuriation does not usually have any visual signs (which is why some breeders might be unaware they have a problem)
except the patella can manually be pushed out of place quite easily by hand. Patella luxuriation can cause permanent lameness later on, as well as arthritis, especially in the more serious cases (grade 3 and higher).
If your dog does have this painful problem, your veterinarian might be able to give you some options to help alleviate the symptoms, depending on the seriousness of the problem.
This might include keeping the dog lean (ie. not letting the dog get fat), the use of joint supplements such as glucosamine/choroditin, pain killers, or surgery.
Although patella luxuriation is fairly easy to diagnose, some breeders are unaware that they do have a problem (they think that if their dogs are walking around fine, they don't have any problems), or are not checking their dogs properly. A skilled veterinarian can easily determine if a Chihuahua has any looseness in the patella joint, or if the patella itself luxates.
A breeder can also become skilled, if properly taught, to determine if a dog has patella luxuriation or not. Patella luxuriation can either have genetic causes, or environmental causes (i.e. injury).
If patella luxuriation shows up at an early age (under 7 months or so), it is probably due to genetic causes; however, injury might also cause patella luxuriation to show up in the first seven months.
Sources of injury could include being overweight, too much jumping (i.e. jumping off furniture), or too much stress on the patella and surrounding ligaments (ie. a dog dancing on its rear legs).
These causes are especially dangerous when a Chihuahua is in the developmental stages...from a young puppy to 1 or 2 years of age.
Chihuahuas might also damage their kneecap by hitting it, and even an unskilled veterinarian might cause permanent looseness if he is forcibly trying to see if the patella is loose.
As a Chihuahua ages, slight looseness might be seen, especially in dogs that are very overweight and have continued pressure on the ligaments/patella.
Visual signs of grade 2 (and higher) patella luxuriation includes skipping, holding the rear leg up for a short time as the dog walks/runs or rear-leg weakness.
Grade 1 patella luxuriation does not usually have any visual signs (which is why some breeders might be unaware they have a problem)
except the patella can manually be pushed out of place quite easily by hand. Patella luxuriation can cause permanent lameness later on, as well as arthritis, especially in the more serious cases (grade 3 and higher).
If your dog does have this painful problem, your veterinarian might be able to give you some options to help alleviate the symptoms, depending on the seriousness of the problem.
This might include keeping the dog lean (ie. not letting the dog get fat), the use of joint supplements such as glucosamine/choroditin, pain killers, or surgery.
REVERSE SNEEZE:
This is fairly common in toy breeds, it is thought to be caused by an elongated soft palate that becomes temporarily misaligned.
Though the short bouts of sneezing, snorting, honking sounds can seem a little scary, it is nothing to be concerned about and will last only a short time and stop on it's own.
You can help stop the episode by getting the dog to breath through his mouth or swallowing. Usually this is brought on by getting overly excited or drinking too fast.
Is caused by an irritation of the nasal sinuses towards the back of the throat. It sound more like a snort than a sneeze. This condition is often seen during the spring months when there is a lot of pollen around.
In most cases reverse sneeze. If it occurs infrequently, only once a week or so, there is no need to be overly concerned.
If It occurs more frequently, say a number of times a day, it is best to have your pet checked by a Veterinarian.
Medication can be prescribed if the condition is due to an irritation such as pollens. Some people say that reverse sneezing may be controlled by massaging the upper neck region (throat) a briefly closing the dog's nostrils.
This is not to be confused with another condition called collapsed trachea.
Though the short bouts of sneezing, snorting, honking sounds can seem a little scary, it is nothing to be concerned about and will last only a short time and stop on it's own.
You can help stop the episode by getting the dog to breath through his mouth or swallowing. Usually this is brought on by getting overly excited or drinking too fast.
Is caused by an irritation of the nasal sinuses towards the back of the throat. It sound more like a snort than a sneeze. This condition is often seen during the spring months when there is a lot of pollen around.
In most cases reverse sneeze. If it occurs infrequently, only once a week or so, there is no need to be overly concerned.
If It occurs more frequently, say a number of times a day, it is best to have your pet checked by a Veterinarian.
Medication can be prescribed if the condition is due to an irritation such as pollens. Some people say that reverse sneezing may be controlled by massaging the upper neck region (throat) a briefly closing the dog's nostrils.
This is not to be confused with another condition called collapsed trachea.
Collapsed Trachea:
Trachea” is the scientific name for “windpipe,” the tube that connects the nose, mouth, and throat to the lungs. The trachea is meant to be a fairly rigid tube.
It consists of muscle connecting a group of cartilage rings. The rings are actually not complete circles; they form a “C” with the open end of the “C” facing towards the animal’s back.
This muscle covering the open end of the “C” is called the “tracheal membrane.”
When the diaphragm (the flat muscle separating the abdomen from the chest cavity) flattens and the intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs) move, air is sucked into the lung.
The muscles move the opposite direction and air is pushed out of the lung. The trachea serves as a pipeline bringing air into the chest.
Part of the trachea is in the throat but it extends into the chest as well so that we can look at the trachea as having an “intrathoracic” portion and an “extra thoracic” portion.
Trachea” is the scientific name for “windpipe,” the tube that connects the nose, mouth, and throat to the lungs. The trachea is meant to be a fairly rigid tube.
It consists of muscle connecting a group of cartilage rings. The rings are actually not complete circles; they form a “C” with the open end of the “C” facing towards the animal’s back.
This muscle covering the open end of the “C” is called the “tracheal membrane.”
When the diaphragm (the flat muscle separating the abdomen from the chest cavity) flattens and the intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs) move, air is sucked into the lung.
The muscles move the opposite direction and air is pushed out of the lung. The trachea serves as a pipeline bringing air into the chest.
Part of the trachea is in the throat but it extends into the chest as well so that we can look at the trachea as having an “intrathoracic” portion and an “extra thoracic” portion.
WHY WOULD A TRACHEA COLLAPSE?
Trachea's collapse due to a flattening of the “C” cartilage due to weak cartilage. When the “C” loses its curvature, the tracheal across the gets loose and floppy.
Instead of being a tight muscle covering, the membrane moves as air passes through the trachea.
When air rushes into the chest, the membrane of the intrathoracic trachea balloons outward and when air rushes out, the membrane of the intrathoracic trachea droops down into the “C” cartilage causing an occlusion.
The tickling sensation of the membrane touching the tracheal lining generates coughing and if the obstruction interrupts breathing, the patient may become distressed.
If the collapse is in the extrathoracic (also called the “cervical”) trachea, the opposite occurs; the collapse occurs during inhalation and the ballooning during exhalation
Panting or rapid breathing for any reason makes the collapse and anxiety worse which unfortunately tends to generate more rapid breathing and a vicious cycle of distress.
Making things worse still, is the inflammation generated in the trachea. The collapse creates increased secretion and inflammation thus promoting yet more coughing which creates yet more inflammation.
Ultimately the tissue of the trachea changes and loses its normal characteristics and the condition gets worse and worse.
The trachea may be collapsed along its entire length, only in the intrathoracic section, or only in the extrathoracic section. Most commonly the collapse is at its worse right where the trachea enters the chest.
Trachea's collapse due to a flattening of the “C” cartilage due to weak cartilage. When the “C” loses its curvature, the tracheal across the gets loose and floppy.
Instead of being a tight muscle covering, the membrane moves as air passes through the trachea.
When air rushes into the chest, the membrane of the intrathoracic trachea balloons outward and when air rushes out, the membrane of the intrathoracic trachea droops down into the “C” cartilage causing an occlusion.
The tickling sensation of the membrane touching the tracheal lining generates coughing and if the obstruction interrupts breathing, the patient may become distressed.
If the collapse is in the extrathoracic (also called the “cervical”) trachea, the opposite occurs; the collapse occurs during inhalation and the ballooning during exhalation
Panting or rapid breathing for any reason makes the collapse and anxiety worse which unfortunately tends to generate more rapid breathing and a vicious cycle of distress.
Making things worse still, is the inflammation generated in the trachea. The collapse creates increased secretion and inflammation thus promoting yet more coughing which creates yet more inflammation.
Ultimately the tissue of the trachea changes and loses its normal characteristics and the condition gets worse and worse.
The trachea may be collapsed along its entire length, only in the intrathoracic section, or only in the extrathoracic section. Most commonly the collapse is at its worse right where the trachea enters the chest.