Runt or Dwarf? What's the difference? - Page 3

Rollinginit,  so sorry for your sad news.  I don't think hydrocephalic is proven to be inherited, but I will see if I can find anything on it for you (I like to research and I teach a Genetics unit in my high school Biology class so I'm interested in finding out).  I'll post again after I do some research.

"Causes:

Hydrocephalus in dogs can be the result of a congenital condition which is birth defect or a genetic defect; or it could be the result of some type trauma. It could also be a caused by an underlying condition such as perinatal infections or a central nervous system tumor that over time may correct a lot of the symptoms if diagnosed properly.

There is also some speculation that it may also be caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A and the mineral copper. Hydrocephalus is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, referred to as CSF in the brain and it is found both in and around the brain tissues

"Dogs at Risk:

Although this condition can and does affect any breed of dog, it is much more common and thus believed to be a genetic defect in toy and short faced breeds. The breeds most affected will be Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, as well as the English, Pug, and French bulldog's breeds.

Source:  http://ezinearticles.com/?Hydrocephalus-in-Dogs&id=2512656


All of the sources below say that it may be inherited in specific breeds, but it is unknown:

http://ic.upei.ca/cidd/disorder/hydrocephalus

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_hydrocephalus

http://www.vetinfo.com/inherited-canine-disorders.html#b

http://www.vetinfo.com/hydrocephalus-in-dogs.html#b

yes Jen, we or I know what congenital means (existing at birth.) Genetics is one factor that can cause congenital issues.  I think all our initial responses were to ask the vet about the genetic risks involved

Sunsilver, point taken about the spay/neuter of the littermates of a dysplasic dog. I still would not give full registration to all the homes of the litters. Especially since there is an increased risk of passing harmful recessive genes or re-producing dogs with those faults.

You might try contacting some breeders of the dogs typically afflicted; they may be able to provide some anecdotal experience as to what they have experienced in the past, ie, you might gain a sense of what the future may hold though stories of cases they've had.

That's a good idea, Jenni78. I wonder if I can find any GSD owners that have been through this? I can't find anything on the Internet about GSD getting this. That is what's so confusing. From all the info I've read, it seems to be a toy breeds condition. huh

ggturner...thanks for the links.

You know what's strange? A woman I know...her daughter had a serious 4-wheeler wreck a couple of weeks ago. Her daughter is 12. She's in a coma with major head trauma. A couple of brain surgeries. Her daughter was diagnosed with this same condition last night.

Oh yeah....a family pulled out last night. Oh well.

Now I just have to come up with the best name ever for tiny one. She's can't be tiny one forever. LOL It has to be soon b/c my oldest daughter has started calling her "Buffy" (she said after the fiesty, tiny, somewhat ditzy vampire slayer)


 

It's more of a toy breed condition because it is often caused by trauma, and many toy or flat faced or apple-head dogs have a much harder time whelping. For this reason, I would not be so quick to spay and neuter everyone related to the little one. Congenital can be genetically influenced, or it can be "shit happens" in nature, and there are a million things it could've been related to. Until you know more, I'd not make any hasty decisions on anything.

Sorry someone backed out; there are lots of people backing out of lots of commitments these days and people trying to sell puppies can attest to this. Did they say that's why they backed out? I would've told everyone also, but only so if they found out somehow that they didn't think I was hiding it because something could happen to their pup. I really think you need to find a toy dog forum or something and ask about it. See what "normal" protocol is, and if you find show people, you can pretty much guarantee that someone has bred a dog out of a litter like yours, or repeated the breeding, etc. Who better to tell you what could happen than someone who's been there?

That demographic often tries to save every single pup, regardless of quality of life, too, so  they may also be a good resource for what kind of life she may lead.

Good luck.

That's a good suggestion. I just asked on a toy breed forum.

The family is my husband's friend. They just said they didn't want to take the chance. I tried to get them to call my vet...but they didn't want to. Oh well.

I like the tiny one....but I'm definitely not wanting to go bankrupt trying to fix something that can't be fixed. I know that sounds cold-hearted but if the testing shows that her quality of life will suck..my decison won't be hard at that point.

Well anyway....thanks everybody for all the great advice, links, and support.

sorry.... started post in the wrong place and can't figure out how to delete a post.

Nice to see such concern and helpful input about a pup with hydrocephalus. The pictures pull at the heartstrings for sure. Good luck with your decision.

Hello everybody! Thought I would give an update.

Tiny one has a new home now. A family fell in love with her. They talked to my vet.  After thinking about it for about 4 days, they called and wanted her. We felt like we made the right decision for her. She will be spayed.

Her little body did eventually catch up in size. It was as if she hit the 10-11 week age...and grew fast.

My female (tiny one's MOM) is getting spayed tomorrow. My hubby and I decided that was the best coarse of action. Geez, I only wish the vet wasn't charging a freaking arm and leg for the surgery.

Anyway, I wanted to thank everybody on here for all the help. The links everybody provided helped me explain everything to everybody that asked about this condition.

Thank you.