Surgery

Our 8 month-old Maltese has an open fontanel and now we found out she might need surgery for her knees. Does anyone know how surgery will affect a dog with an open fontanel? is an open fontanel common in this breed? Does anyone have a simular situation? She's so little & precious, we don't want to jeopardize her health, but we're very concerned. thanks for any advise.
LJB

• The open fontanel, depending on its current size in your 8 mo. old Maltese, may never close completely and this, in and of itself, is not a condition that is unhealthy or life-threating - the dog must only be handled carefully (as they all should be) to avoid hitting it on the top of the head or allowing it to fall or be dropped on its head. Some people believe that an open fontanel is an indication of an impending or existing hydrocephalus condition. We don't believe this to be true. The surgury, of itself, should not be expected to be complicated by an open fontanel. More likely, your dog's own size and overall health and emotional stability and the skill of the surgeon would be my primary concerns. Is this surgury necessary because of "slipping stiffles" ? She is very young to already be having this problem. Would be happy to discuss all this with you further, if you'd like.
  Larry Stanberry - Divine Maltese

• My puppy Sassie has an open fontanel. It is not real common in Maltese. However, open fontanel is more common and not as much of a concern in toy breeds. It is very common in Chihuahuas.I did a lot of research about open fontanel. I talked with 5 local vets and to two Vets at large Vet. Schools. (Auburn and UGA) The open fontanel is genetic in most cases. It was recommend to me that since my puppy had the open fontanel, that she be spayed so that she could not pass the trait along. There were no concerns from any of the vets I talked to with putting the dog to sleep for surgery. Several of the vets were concerned about most flea products as most are absorbed by the skin. If you have any other questions about the open fontanel you can e-mail me at ChrisL1275@AOL.com Good luck.
  ChrisL

• Thank you Chris & Larry for your responses. I make an appointment with a surgeon the vet recommended on Monday, April 7th. I hope to have more info to be able to share with ya'll. Thanks again,
  LJB