Hi all,
I posted about a year ago saying I was looking at a little year old male, but he was not the right dog for me. I have been looking for a chi since then, and finally found a perfect little fit! He was a rescue, a walking skeleton (I will get pictures soon). He is 3.9 lbs and 7 1/2 months old.

anyway, he went to the vet today to be vetted and the vet gave him shots, did heartworm test, scheduled his neuter and gave him a one over. While looking him over she discovered he had an open fontanel. Has anyone had experience with this? I am worried about it. She said to be very careful with him while is is closing and to watch him because it might close and then there might not be enough room for his brain and he will become aggressive to the point of having to be put down. any experience with that situation?????

I am very worried about my boy, I have only had him for 2 days, but I am very attached to him. I have a doberman in the house that is very careful with him but I don't want an accident to happen. should I keep them apart?

thanks guys, I will get pics asap.

Congrats on your new addition! It is very common for adult Chi's to have an open fontanel (molera) - as a matter of fact I believe it states it in the breed standard in the US! Four of my Chi's have a small molera & are perfectly healthy. I guess it depends on the size of the molera as well...all of mine are relatively small. (smaller than a dime)

I can't wait to see pics of your baby. Kudos to you for rescuing him!

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Two of my adult chis have open fontanels. It may never close. Bryco has about an inch long "stitch" that's 1/4" wide, it may or may not close. Oakley's got an open one the size of a dime that will not close. Its really not a big deal at all and used to be part of the standard!

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Thank you Jan & Chico!!

Personally, I would find another vet. His information is wrong and outdated. An open fontanel certainly does not cause aggression. This would seriously erode my trust in him. He obviously does not know Chihuahuha's or just basic dog anatomy. An open molera is not a concern with a Chi. I would be concerned that he doesn't have any experience with small dogs. It sounds like your little guy will need some TLC and that should include a knowledgeable and up to date vet! Look around for someone more qualified. There's no excuse for his baseless and off the wall comments.

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.... The little dog laughed to see such sport ....

I found this for you or anyone who is looking. Best thing to do is read up on Chihuahuas...

Dealing with Your Chihuahua's Health Issues - For Dummies

go down where it says Molera that is the soft spot you said you are worry about all chihuahuas have that and some may never close but will get smaller with age..

good luck

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Jessica

My 11 month old Chi has one as well. The vet's have told me it's large even for a Chi.

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Striving to be the kind of person Quigley thinks I am.

4 of my chis have an open fontanel. My girl pixie is nearly 9 months and hers is still huge, almost as wide as her head and about half an inch long.

I would def find a more experienced vet. Try not to worry, just supervise any rough play. It shouldnt be anything to worry about x

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~Rachel~




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I agree with Tracy, you need to find another vet, I have never heard of that and I have worked for a Vet for 20+ years. Zoey is my little 5 year old Chihuahua and she has an open Fontanel (Molera) which is pretty much 'normal' in chihuahuas, some close but a good majority of them do not. Zoey's is about the size of a quarter. She also has hydrocephalus (Which is NOT related to the open fontanel) her open fontanel actually is saving her life because she has excess pressure, so it relieves it, Zoey doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body...except if the cats sit on her and even then she just warns. I would look for another vet who is better versed in up to date things and has a lot of experience with chihuahuas.

Here is some information on it: http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/molera.htm

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