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Chihuahua Club of America Statement The Chihuahua's Molera Historically,
the Chihuahua developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a
"soft spot" on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or
fontanel, is known as a MOLERA; and is the same as that found in human babies.
In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed, and it
is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over. It
is important to note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without the
molera, there are probably just as many born with one and its presence is
nothing to become alarmed over. As
shown in the illustration below, the molera in a Chihuahua will occur on the top
of the head and may vary in shape and size when present.
Unfortunately,
many lay people and some veterinarians not familiar with the Chihuahua have
tried to link the mere presence of a molera with the condition known as
hydrocephalus. This has caused many new-comers to the breed serious concern and
undue worry. The truth is that a domed
head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to this condition.
Along with the observations of devoted breeders over the years, there is
adequate medical evidence to support this statement. ·
In
"Diseases of the Brain" 1989, Green & Braund stated that many
clinically normal toy breeds may have open fontanels without associated
hydrocephalus. ·
Drs.
Walker and Rivers, Veterinarians at the University of Minnesota concluded that
there did not appear to be any relationship between the presence or size of a
fontanel and the condition of hydrocephalus. ·
Dr.
Alexander de Lahunta of Cornell University in New York, one of the top
neurologists in this country, stated that it would be wrong to conclude that any
opening is abnormal.
The
Chihuahua is a little dog!
They belong in the house, at their owner's side, receiving all the love they
deserve to receive. With or without a molera, the healthy Chihuahua that is
loved and given proper veterinary care will live well into its teens as an
irresistible member of the family. © Chihuahua Club of America. All Rights Reserved. All Text and Images. Reprinted
with permission from the Chihuahua
Club of America
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