Open fontanel in papillon puppy

Rachellee4 · 10-07-2009, 04:03 PM

Hi. My vet has recently found an open fontanel or unclosed area of skull in my twelve week old papillon. It was discovered while she was undergoing treatment for a bang to the head which may or may not be related to the fontanel, they're not sure. It's about 5mm x 10mm - quite small but I'm really concerned about what this will mean for her and wondered if anyone else had come across anything similar. The vet doesn't seem to know if it will close or not. I've read a lot on the internet about it and it seems to be linked to all sorts of problems including epilepsy and hydrocephalus but I've not come across anything specifically for papillons. I have read that it is very common in chihuahuas and not linked to anything sinister.
A lot of what I have read advises you to take the puppy back to the breeder and get your money back but this is not an option for us - we love her far too much and I signed something to say I would have her checked by a vet within four days of purchase and could take her back if the vet found anything. Unfortunately the vet who did this early check did not check her head for this condition which is very annoying as I have since read that it can be a problem with papillons.
Anyway, I'm really hoping that someone may be able to offer advice.

Cracker · 10-07-2009, 04:19 PM

I don't have any medical advice for you. She IS still young so it may grow in (like a baby's "soft spot") but I really don't know.
I can only recommend that you let the breeder know...if this is something genetic/hereditary rather than just a flukey birth defect the breeder (if they are decent and responsible) will rethink breeding the parents of your pup again.
Hope it all works out.

Rachellee4 · 10-07-2009, 04:34 PM

Hi Maggi,
Thanks for replying so quickly. I did let the breeder know but it's complicated as the dogs aren't actually her's - they're her daughter's who has just lost her husband while trying to look after two boys with another on the way... so her Mum had the dogs and she didn't seem to know anything about it or seem particularly interested. It's very annoying as she is still advertising Star's brother as a potential stud dog.

Rachel x

Michiyo-Fir · 10-07-2009, 05:06 PM

I've never heard about that in a Papillon either. I know lots of chihuahuas have it and they seem to live perfectly fine. Perhaps she will live perfectly fine with it. Also there is a chance that it may close in so I wouldn't be too worried about it.

What did your vet advise? Also did he say what it could lead to like epilepsy or such? I think he may have a better idea what kinds of issues could come with the open fontanel.