#molera

[nutella-icecream]

Does anyone else remember the Molera Clubhouse?

I used to be a dues-paying member, but I haven't paid them in about 10 or 15 years since the Clubhouse for taken away. Who else remembers this majestic monument?

[futureveterinarian-blog-blog]

Chihuahua skull molera.

The (molera) fontanel, often referred to as the "Soft Spot" is the same, as you would find on a human baby's head. It can vary in shape and size. In the past, it was often used to identify the purity of a Chihuahua. The American Kennel Club still includes (mentions) the molera in the Breed Standard today.

It is important for New-Comers to the Breed to understand, that though not every Chihuahua will have an open fontanel, that indeed many of them will. Do not let this alarm you. I assure you that this is perfectly normal.  Unfortunately, some veterinarians are not familiar with or aware that the molera is common among the Chihuahua Breed.

Though a veterinarian may be highly educated and qualified in the (medical field) treatment of animals, this does not necessarily mean they are familiar with every aspect (characteristic) of the Chihuahua Breed or any other Breed for that matter. Why should they be? For most common procedures, the physical appearance of a dog does not necessarily determine how they should medically be treated. Unless you are lucky enough to find a veterinarian that is Chihuahua owners themselves, I honestly doubt if they will be able to tell you, what the maximum weight standard is for the breed or what degree (angle) their ears, should be held at when standing in an alert position. The same holds true for the presence of the molera.  Unfortunately, there are still some veterinarians today, which truely misdiagnose this breed. Through their concern over the (soft spot) opening in the head, they will often suggest to the new puppy owner that their puppy has a condition known as hydrocephalus (water on the brain). This has caused many (pet owners) new-comers to the breed a tremendous amount of unnecessary worries and tears. There is nothing like taking your new puppy to the vet for the first time. To be told, they have something wrong is devastating for the new puppy owner.  The concern over this issue is such that the Chihuahua Club of America has written an article to enlighten and educated the new Chihuahua owner. http://www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com/molera  They inform us that through the observations of many Top Notch Veterinarians and Devoted Breeders, there is adequate medical evidence to support that the size or presence of an open fontanel (molera) in the Chihuahua and/or other Toy Breeds, does not necessarily mean it should be associated with the condition known as hydrocephalus.  If your Chihuahua is bred according to the written "A.K.C. Standards", the head should take on the appearance of being "Apple Domed" (nice and round). A hydrocephalic puppy will generally have an enlarged dome (head). This is because of water that has built up. However, this does not justify connecting the head of a hydrocephalic puppy, to that of a normal Domed Head with a molera present.  Should your veterinarian suggest that your new puppy has a deformity simply because of an open fontanel, he is most likely doing so because of this well-known medical condition. This does not always mean your puppy has been accurately, diagnosed.  Hydrocephalus is a condition that the Owner of any Toy Breed should be familiar with. Often, a hydrocephalic puppy will not have the best coordination. This is because the pressure (water) on the brain can throw off their equilibrium. They may also loose their ability to hear.  When the day finally comes for you to take your new puppy home, look for the simple signs. When you speak or clap your hands, does your puppy respond? Remember a deaf ear can still feel vibrations so stand still and call for your puppy. Are they alert and playful? Is their appetite normal or non-existence? Keep in mind that whenever a puppy enters into a new environment, they will not always eat as well as they did in their old home. Once they get adjusted to their new surroundings, they should regain their normal eating habits.  Before you schedule an appointment with a veterinarian, make sure they are familiar with the Chihuahua Breed. Check to see if they are accustomed to seeing (treating) Chihuahua puppies on a regular basis, especially ones of very petite sizes. Be prepared to give your vet a full report on the behavior and actions of your new puppy.  For the first few days, try to spend as much quality time with your puppy as possible so they will gain a sense (feeling) of security and trust with you and with (in) their new home. If the (your) Breeder has only allowed you a mere 24 to 48 hours to have your puppy checked by a licensed veterinarian, then you may not have time to really get acquainted with them before their first visit to the vet. Remember to educate yourself on the Breed, as well as the Breeder you select.