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Jo`s Chihuahua Puppies
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THE MOLERA
OR (SOFT SPOT)
IN THE CHIHUAHUA
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 a MOLERA; 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.
The molera in a Chihuahua will occur on the top of the head
and may vary in shape and size when present.Some very small and some can be on the large size.
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 people not familiar to the breed serious concern and undue 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 & Braund
stated that many clinically normal toy breeds may have open fontanels without associated hydrocephalus.
- Drs. 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 neurologists 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
Enter subhead content here
CANINE LIVER SHUNT
WHAT IS A LIVER SHUNT?
Liver shunts are
a congenital problem in a certain percentage of canines/dogs.
WHAT CREATES A SHUNT?
During gestation the placenta
delivers blood with food and oxygen from the mother through
the umbilical vein. This means that in
the fetus,circulation is the reverse of circulation after birth,because the fetus' veins have the oxygenated blood and arteries return non-oxygenated blood to the heart. In order to make this work, there is a shunt from the liver
venous circulation to the arterial Circulation. At
birth, the pressure within the circulatory system changes as respiration occurs and this shuts the shunt, which eventually disappears.If this reverse in circulation doesn't happen for
some reason,
the liver is deprived
of a blood supply and doesn't develop properly after birth.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE
PUPPY?
Many puppies can live with
the small functioning portion of the liver for some time but eventually have problems and usually die if the situation is not corrected.
HOW IS A LIVER SHUNT
DIAGNOSED?
A Bile Acid test is performed
by taking a blood sample, giving a meal, then
taking another blood sample 2 hours after the meal.
Comparing the pre-meal
and post-meal blood results gives us valuable information.
The bile acids test is
an accurate measure of liver function.
CAN MY PUPPY BE SAVED?
It is possible in some
cases to surgically close the shunt.Some dogs
can live a long time (up to about 4-5 years) with this problem before it is detected.
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We use NEOPAR PARVO Vaccine.
The ONLY Vaccine for PARVO
that overrides maternal antibodies.
Do NOT use Lepto, in Toy Breeds.
Kennel Cough: we use use INTRA TRAC III NASAL, &
Galaxy DA2PPV
Give RABIES according to State law.
Vaccination Reaction
It is true that some animals have a
systemic reaction, including a low-grade fever
or muscle aches and pain. This reaction is more common in young and toy breed
dogs and causes them to eat less and
sleep more for 24-48 hours.
Rarely, dogs will have a
more severe reaction, characterized by hives, swelling
of the face, or even vomiting.
This reaction is easily prevented.
I reccomend giving 1/2 cc
liquid Benadryl 1 hr before giving the shots.(antihistamine).
In some rare cases
dogs will have a more severe reaction leading to death.
Leptospirosis, the component
most likely to produce such strong reactions, can
be left out of some vaccines.
(Therefore I do not reccomend
any puppy to have a Lepto shot).
If your dog has had a
vaccine reaction in the past,
don't skip future vaccinations
but do warn the veterinarian so he can take steps
to prevent a recurrence.
Puppy will need revaccinated
at 3-4 week interval`s,
until they have had a
set of 4..
Wormings should be done
at the same time..
If pups are kept warm
and fed and seen by a Vet regularly
they will live a
long life..
Heart murmur
Heart murmurs 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.
Hydrocephalus
The presence of a molera in a Chihuahua DOES NOT make the dog any
more or less susceptible to brain injury, seizures or hydrocephalus.
The molera should not usually be any larger than
the size of your thumb print, and there should be no swelling, bulging or throbbing. Check carefully on the sides of the head
for normal bone there as well; make sure there is no more then one molera, on the top of the head only, as more than a single
molera is not normal.
Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and is not normal
for any breed, nor is it curable. Hydrocephalus is also known as "water on the brain" or "hydro". When fluid accumulates in
the brain, it compresses the brain against the skull. A puppy can be born with this disorder, or it can be caused by a brain
infection or head injury later in life. Chihuahuas born with "hydro" do not generally live more than a few months, and they
do not grow normally, often staying extremely tiny.
Signs of hydro include wide-set or protruding eyeballs (often
with a lot of "white" showing at the corners), blindness, abnormal behavior, walking in circles, slowness (mental and physical),
seizures, abnormally slow growth and lack of coordination.
Concerns about Chihuahua moleras and/or hydro should be
addressed to a licensed veterinarian. Be aware, however, that many veterinarians not familiar with Chihuahuas have WRONGLY
told owners that their puppy is unhealthy and/or hydrocephalic just because of the presence of a normal molera. Diagnosis
is based on the signs in conjunction with techniques to image the brain. In dogs with a molera, ultrasound can be performed
by scanning through the molera to detect the excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain.
Unfortunately, there
is no cure for hydrocephalus. Mild cases can be treated with steroids and diuretics to reduce pressure, or with a surgically
inserted shunt to divert fluid from the brain to the abdomen.
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Luxateing Patellas
A dog from one of the smaller breeds runs across the yard chasing a tossed ball. In mid-stride, it yelps
in pain and pulls its left hind leg off of the ground. After a second, he continues limping on in three-legged fashion. After
ten minutes, the rear leg drops back down to the ground and he uses it normally. This episode occurs maybe once a week. It
never really seems to bother him that much – a yip of pain, a short period of lameness, and in a few minutes he is back
to his old self. Typically, he is a small or toy breed such as a Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Poodle, or Boston Bull.
A luxating patella may affect some animals much more severely, They may hold the leg up for several days and show
considerable discomfort. Dogs who have a luxating patella on both hind legs may change their entire posture, dropping their
hindquarters and holding the rear legs farther out from the body as they walk. Those most severely affected may not even use
their rear legs, walking by balancing themselves on their front legs like a circus act, holding their hindquarters completely
off the ground.
Normal knee anatomy
The patella is the bone we know as the knee cap. A groove in the end of the
femur allows the patella to glide up and down when the knee joint is bent back and forth. In so doing the patella guides the
action of the quadriceps muscle in the lower leg. The patella also protects the knee joint.
Looking at the lower front
portion of the femur (the thigh bone) in a normal dog, you will notice two bony ridges that form a fairly deep groove in which
the patella is supposed to slide up and down. These structures limit the patella’s movement to one restricted place
and, in so doing, control the activity of the quadriceps muscle.
The entire system is constantly lubricated by joint fluid.
It works so that there is total freedom of motion between the structures.
What occurs when the patella is luxated?
In some dogs, because of malformation or trauma, the ridges forming the patellar
groove are not prominent, and a too-shallow groove is created. In a dog with shallow grooves, the patella will luxate (jump
out of the groove) sideways, especially toward the inside. This causes the leg to 'lock up' with the foot held off the ground.
When the patella luxates from the groove of the femur, it usually cannot return to its normal position until the quadriceps
muscle relaxes and increases in length. This explains why the affected dog may be forced to hold its leg up for a few minutes
or so after the initial incident. While the muscles are contracted and the patella is luxated from its correct position, the
joint is held in the flexed or bent position. The yip is from the pain caused by the knee cap sliding across the bony ridges
of the femur. Once out of position, the animal feels no discomfort and continues its activity.
Which dogs are at risk
of having a luxated patella?
Smaller breeds of dogs, especially Miniature and Toy Poodles, have the highest incidence
of patella luxation. Genetics can play a role.
In certain breeds that have extremely short legs such as the Basset or
Dachshund, patellar luxation is thought to be secondary to the abnormal shape of the femur and tibia. The curvatures of the
bones in these breeds work in conjunction with the forces of the quadriceps muscles to displace the patella to the inside.
Please do not misunderstand – not all members of these breeds are affected with patellar luxation, only a small portion.
What are the symptoms?
Most dogs are middle-aged, with a history of intermittent (on-again-off-again) lameness
in the affected rear leg(s). An affected dog commonly stops and cries out in pain as he is running. The affected leg will
be extended rearward, and for a while the dog is unable to flex it back into the normal position.
What are the risks?
Uncorrected, the patellar ridges will wear, the groove will become even shallower and the dog will become progressively
more lame. Arthritis will prematurely affect the joint, causing a permanently swollen knee with poor mobility. Therefore,
a good evaluation needs to be done by your veterinarian early in the condition to prevent long-term arthritic crippling.
Treatment
for Luxating Patellas
As would be expected, medical therapy has little corrective ability in this disorder and surgery
is therefore required and is the treatment of choice. A surgical treatment is not necessary in every individual with this
condition.
Surgery can alter both the affected structures and the movement of the patella. The groove at the base of the
femur may be surgically deepened to better contain the knee cap. The knee cap itself may be "tied down" laterally (on the
outside) to prevent it from deviating medially (toward the inside). The bony protuberance at the site of the attachment of
the quadriceps tendon on the tibia may be cut off and then re-attached in a more lateral position. All of these procedures
work well and the type performed depends on the individual case and the clinician. The animal should respond quickly after
surgery and is usually completely recovered within thirty days, using its legs in normal fashion.
Breeding Considerations
Because of the strong genetic relationships, we really feel that animals with this disorder should not be used for breeding.
They can still be excellent pets - and those that do require surgery will usually lead perfectly normal lives without any
restrictions on activity.
Written permission to reprint from Pet Education
DrsFosterSmiths&PetWarehouse
Owned & Operated by Practicing Veterinarians
© 2001 Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
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Canine Diseases
Many Canine diseases can be prevented through vaccination. Listed below are the most important diseases for which vaccines
are available.
Canine Distemper is often fatal, affecting the nervous system, skin, eyes, intestinal and respiratory
tract.
Canine Adenovirus 1 & 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively.
Canine Parvovirus is a widespread disease that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, especially in
puppies.
Rabies is a fatal disease spread through saliva. Rabies vaccinations are given by a veterinarian.
Canine Bordetella (Bordetella bronchiseptica) is one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis,
previously known as "kennel cough".
Canine Parainfluenza is another cause of infectious tracheobronchitis.
Lyme Disease is caused by Borrelia burgorferi. It is spread by ticks, and causes arthritic-type
signs.
EXTERNAL PARASITE PREVENTION:
We use Revolution
It kills fleas,ticks,roundworms,earmites
and helps prevent Heartworms.
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KENNEL COUGH
Kennel cough is a fairly common ailment in dogs. People tend to associate it with dogs
who either are being or recently have been boarded (or "kenneled"). But your dog need not be boarded to catch kennel cough.
Kennel cough is caused by an airborne virus, which is highly contageous. Any time your dog is in the vicinity of an infected
dog, the potential exists for infection. The incubation period is about 8-10 days, meaning your dog will not display symptoms
of illness for about 8-10 days following exposure to the virus. Having a strong immune system is best way to avoid coming
down with symptoms if/when your dog is exposed to the virus. This is why not every dog in the kennel (or house) will get it
if there is an outbreak.
Although there is a vaccine (Bordatella) for Kennel Cough, it is often not effective
in preventing infection. The most likely explanation for this is that there are many strains and mutations of the virus out
there. Therefore, it is hit or miss whether the vaccine used on your dog will be the right one for the strain with which your
dog comes into contact. This is similar to the "flu shot" for people; each year a vaccine is developed based on which strain(s)
are suspected to be most prevalent. Be aware that your dog can still catch Kennel Cough even if s/he has had a shot to prevent
it.
The usual symptoms of Kennel Cough include a dry, "non-productive" cough. The dog sounds
as if there is something stuck or caught in the throat and the coughing is an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the object.
Sometimes the coughing/gagging seems very violent. The episodes of coughing may go on for minutes at a time and then be repeated
at intervals. Of course you will want to check your dog and make certain that there isn’t anything actually stuck in
the throat! One way you can "test" for Kennel Cough is to press the throat gently, right in the collar area. If the dog has
Kennel Cough, this will probably trigger some coughing.
If your dog does develop Kennel Cough symptoms, don’t panic! The way this illness
operates is analagous to the common cold that we humans sometimes catch; simply put: it must run its course. There is no magic
pill or cure, but there are many ways to treat and ease the symptoms. The goal is to support the body (immune system) while
it is healing itself. Antibiotics are NOT indicated (although they are routinely prescribed and used) because this is
a virus, not a bacteria. Antibiotic use is actually thought to slow the healing process. Kennel cough generally will
be gone in two weeks time or less, with or without antibiotics (but probably faster without).
Here are some ideas for natural treatments you may use to treat your dog’s Kennel
Cough symptoms. None of these will harm your dog in any way, even if s/he does not even have Kennel Cough, but you may want
to check with your own vet before giving them to your dog.
For boosting the immune system and fighting off infection:
Vitamins:
- 500 mg Vitamin C 3x/day (250 mg for tiny dogs) (If you already supplement with vitamin
C, great! But this is in addition to the regular daily dose, and is spaced out during the day.)
Herbal tinctures:
- Echinacea (give a few drops, 3x/day, either directly into the mouth or on food)
- Goldenseal (same instructions as Echinacea)
Other:
- Colloidal Silver (Give just a drop or two, 3x/day. May be mixed with food or put into
drinking water.)
For directly combatting the Kennel Cough virus:
Homeopathic Remedies:
- Bryonia (give 1-2 pellets/tablets 3x/day, allow no food for ten minutes before and after
the dose. Most health food stores sell homeopathic remedies in the 6X or 6C potency, which is fine to use. If
you have a choice of potencies, ask for 30C, which is a bit stronger. Homeopathy works when the correct remedy is matched
to the correct symptoms, regardless of the potency of the remedy.)
- Drosera (same instructions)
For soothing throat irritation:
- Honey (about a teaspoon for a small-med dog, a tablespoon for a larger dog, 3x/day)
- Eliminate exposure to second hand smoke.
- Maintain humidity in the environment.
If you have more than one dog in your household, and one of them develops Kennel Cough,
you can try to keep that one isolated, to minimize exposure to your other dog(s). However, by the time your dog is symptomatic,
the virus has probably already been "shared" with your other pets or any other dogs with which yours has had contact recently.
You may wish to treat all of your dogs, as a preventive measure for those that are asymptomatic, to ensure their immune systems
are strong enough to ward off infection from the virus. Also, it would be good pet ownership to refrain from taking your ill
dog to obedience class, dog shows, or any other dog-related event until s/he has recovered.
Collapsing trachea is a problem for Toy dogs of many breeds. The symptoms include coughing, shortness
of breath, and exhaustion. Although it appears more often in dogs older than 5 years, an occasional puppy has it from birth.
To understand the condition, think of the trachea as a straw made of cartilage that carries air from the neck to the chest.
When the cartilage collapses, breathing becomes difficult, kind of like sipping soda through a flattened straw.
Your vet can treat the condition with medication, but if you smoke, your Chi's prognosis may be poor.
Secondhand smoke is a proven contributing factor to the problem . . . and smoke tends to settle low, where a little dog's
nose is
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