Open Fontanel in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Open Fontanel
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

Inherited anomaly of the skull in which bone junctions fail to fuse properly. Fontanels are soft bones of the skull found in puppies. They should harden and fuse over time to ensure strong protection for the brain. In this condition the hardening and fusion of the bones fails. That leaves a hole at the top of the head, exposing the brain to injury and predisposing the development of hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid around the brain). There is no available treatment for open fontanel, but the affected dogs still have the chance for a normal life. Of course, the exposed part of the skull should be protected to avoid injuries to the brain.

Breeds exposed to Open Fontanel – Research Reference
Boston Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Papillon Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Affenpinscher – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boston Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Papillon – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Open Fontanel or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.