MOLERA (FONTANEL)
Historically the Chihuahua as developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a soft spot on the top of its head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel, is know as the molera, and it is the same that is found in human babies. In past this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed and is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards all over the world. American Kennel Club lists it as an acceptable breed standard. 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 it's presence is nothing to becomes alarmed over. Unfortunately, many lay people and some Veterinarians not familiar with the Chihuahua, have tried to link the more presence of a molera with the condition known as hydrocephalus. This has caused many new comers to the breed serious concern and undo worry. The truth is that a domed head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to this condition.
HYDROCEPHALUS
The presence of a molera in chihuahua DOES NOT make the dog any more less susceptible to brain injury, seizures or hydrocephalus. 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 accumulation or head injury later in life. Signs of hydro include, blindness, abnormal behavior, walking in circles, slowness (mental and physical), seizures, abnormally show growth and lack of coordination. Concerns about chihuahua molera and/ or hydro should be addressed to a licensed veterinarian. However, that many of vets not familiar with chihuahua have WRONGLY told owners that their puppy is unhealthy and/ or hydrocephalic just because of the presence of 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 threated with steroids and diuretics to reduce pressure, or with a surgically inserted shunt to divert fluid from the brain to the abdomen.
REVERSE SNEEZE
Accasional bouts of sneezing, snorting, honking and wheezing are not unusual in Chihuahuas, and is sometimes called a reverse sneeze. This is usually caused by a elongated soft palate that is thought to become temporarily misaligned. It is a common trait in toy breeds. Pulling hand on a leash, drinking too fast or getting overly excited can lead to an episode of reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing should not be confused with a different condition call a collapsed trachea. Although reverse sneezing may be scary, it only lasts a short time and can be ended by massaging the dogs neck and throat and encouraging the dog to swallow or lick. Another way to slow the reverse sneeze is to clap your hands to distract the dog, or pinck closed the dogs nostrils with your fingers, forcing it to breathe through its mouth and to swallow.
LUXATION OF THE PATELLA
Luxation of the patella or dislocation of the kneecap is a common hereditary problem with the toy and the small breeds. Patella luxation can occur in varying degrees from minimal to debilitating. Very young dogs may be able to compensate for this deformity but the condition tends to worsen over time. Most of the time the Chihuahua is older before symptoms of patella luxation are obvious. The dislocation is most commonly found on the inner side of the patella. The attached ligaments become stretched over time until the patella is rarely where it is supposed to be, and may pop in and out of place very easily. Recent studies have shown that immediate treatment is recommended, rather then waiting until the dislocation has cripple the dog. The reasoning is the while the knee is dislocated the entire body of the dog is compensating for it causing deformations of many other skeletal areas.
NEUTER/SPAY YOUR DOGS
It is a fact that if you Spay your female before she has her first heat cycle, it will cut the odds of her getting certain types of cancer by 99%. Also if you neuter your male before he learns to life his leg to urinate, he may never learn to life his leg to urinate. Neutering your male also keeps the odds down for Certain types of cancer as well. The most of Vet recommend that neuter/spay when the puppy gets over 6 months of age. Please Neuter/Spay your pets.
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