answersLogoWhite

0

OPEN FONATELS

Some puppies are born with what is called, "open fontanels". The fontanel is the location on the skull where all of the skull plates join. It is the "soft spot" at the top-center of a baby's head. When babies (human and dog) are born the bony plates of the skull a somewhat soft and separated. As the puppy grows these bones will become more rigid and will gradually fuse together. It will take 2 to 3 months for the skull plates to fuse and the soft spot (fontanel) to close. In some pups the fontanel never closes. This means that the owner has to be particularly aware as to the sensitivity of this area. It should be noted that even though the fontanel never closes, the affected pup can still live a full, energetic and active life. The major difficulty with owning a dog with an open fontanel is for the owner - the constant concern that the spot will be damaged. The dog is unaware that there is a problem and will be as rambunctious as any "normal" dog.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?