Open Fontanelle

Jenna Twiner · May 10, 2016

Hi, I took my puppy, Jax, to the vet yesterday and his fontanelle is still open. This is so scary to me. The vet said that I can return him if that's what I want to do. Well, I have had him since Saturday and I am very attached to him already. How do you return a puppy? I am way too attached to give him back. Opinions are greatly appreciated.

2bullymama · May 10, 2016

@davdh [MENTION=1]bullmama[/MENTION]

Welcome to FBN.... Returning a puppy to your breeder usually is just a phone call explaining the issue and then they offer a new pup or your money back

Gook luck with everything, i hope your baby is doing well
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Jakeyjake · May 10, 2016

If you do not want to return the pup, I would still bring it to the attention of the breeder. There is a chance that the open fontanelle may close some and there is a chance it may not.
When I took Stella to the vet as a puppy, she too had an open fontanelle. It is closed now. My vet also suspected that she had hydrocephalus due to her dome shaped head. A MRI confirmed that she did in fact have mild/moderate hydrocephalus when she was 11 weeks old. I could not give her back even though the breeder was willing to. At two, she is living a relatively normal, happy life and we feel she is meant to be with us.

Schimpfy · May 10, 2016

If cost is not an issue then keep the pup prepared for some medical bills or ask to return and they may help both of you or offer another pup if they are reputable breeders - you will fall in love with another. That sounds cruel but you are just as important and deserve what is best for you as well.

bullmama · May 10, 2016

I would contact the breeder and find out what your options are. Each breeder can differ from the next and telling them what is going on is important, regardless if you decide to return the puppy or not.

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hannah · May 11, 2016

Hmm. I agree with [MENTION=722]Schimpfy[/MENTION] this is a dog you will have for a long time... you have to make sure it's right for you. Maybe get it checked out and If it's something that will heal over time then it's fine but if it's connected with hydrocephalus or any other more serious issue than I would consider returning unless you are prepared to be extremely careful to avoid brain damage and the possibilities of all other issues and possibly high vet costs. I don't know much about it but if I were you I would do extensive research to be sure I knew if was prepared to handle the worst case scenario

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Squishy Walnuts · May 11, 2016

I didn't even know what fontanelle was until I researched online. I clearly have no real experience but I wanted to wish you and your pup the best of luck! Lots of good advice in this thread.

davidh · May 12, 2016

Sometimes it takes a little longer for them to close up. How big is it? If it isn't that big, I wouldn't worry about it. We had a pup, I can't remember who it was, might have been Katie, but it took a month or so longer to close up. Our vet said it was no big deal.

Jenna Twiner · May 12, 2016

He is 8 weeks old.

When I took him to the vet the only thing that he said was that he had an open fontanelle. Nothing was said about him having hydrocephalus. The vet did tell me that if it didn't close and he got hit in the head, there could be some serious issues.

davidh · May 12, 2016

[MENTION=1912]Jenna Twiner[/MENTION], it must still be quite large. Usually they are small and will fill in. Did you vet say how large it was, and have you fell it, so you can gauge in a few weels to see if it is getting smaller?

Jenna Twiner · May 12, 2016

It's smaller than a dime and yes I can feel it.

Jenna Twiner · Jun 9, 2016

I would like to update everyone on Jax.....his head is completely grown together and there doesn't seem to be any side affects from it being open!!! We are so happy!!!

MunasG · Jun 9, 2016

That's great news! good choice in keeping him

Squishy Walnuts · Jun 10, 2016

Jenna Twiner said:
I would like to update everyone on Jax.....his head is completely grown together and there doesn't seem to be any side affects from it being open!!! We are so happy!!!

Excellent news!!!

2bullymama · Jun 10, 2016

Jenna Twiner said:
I would like to update everyone on Jax.....his head is completely grown together and there doesn't seem to be any side affects from it being open!!! We are so happy!!!

Great news!!