(Continued from last week)
The physical examination
Look at and in the pup’s mouth. The teeth should meet in a correct bite. The correct bite for most breeds is a ‘scissors’ bite, in which the upper incisors (front teeth) just overlap the lower ones. If a match head can be inserted between the upper and lower incisors, the bite is overshot and probably will not correct itself as the dog grows.
In the reverse ‘scissors’ bite (also called an undershot bite), the lower incisors overlap the upper ones. (This is acceptable in some short-nosed breeds. If there is a doubt check the standard for the breed.)
The gums should be pink and healthy-looking. Pale gums indicate anaemia (possible stemming from a worm burden or a poor diet or both). Inspect the back of the throat. Enlarged tonsils can mean tonsillitis.
Feel on top of the pup’s head for a soft spot. If present, it means that the fontanelle is open. This is not desirable, definitely not at 6 weeks of age (when you are most likely going to purchase the pup). NB: The fontanel(le) is a membrane-covered space in the area of the skull where the union of the bones is incomplete. Guyanese call this fontanel(le) the ‘mole.’
The eyes should look straight ahead and not deviate to the side. If tear staining is present on the muzzle, look for eyelids which are rolled in or out, extra eyelashes, or conjunctivitis. Check if pus is coming out of the eyes.
White spots on the surface of the eye could be scars from prior injuries/infections. The pupils should be dark and have no visible lines or white spots. Cataracts or retained foetal membranes may interfere with vision.
The (haw), or third eyelid, may be visible. This should not be taken as a sign of disease unless it is swollen and inflamed. Yes, cats and dogs (and many other species) have a third eyelid.
The ears should stand correctly for the breed. The tip should be healthy and well-furred. Crusty tips with bare spots suggest sarcoptic mange or a susceptibility to fly bites.
The ear canal should be clean and sweet-smelling. A build-up of wax with a rancid odour may be caused by air mites or a fungus growth. Head shaking and tenderness about the ears could indicate an infection of the ear canals.
Feel the chest with the palm of your hands to see if the heart seems especially vibrant, or if the heartbeats are slow.
Puppies should breathe in and out effortlessly. A flat chest, especially when accompanied by a difficulty breathing in, indicates an airway obstruction. It is seen most commonly in short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Boston Terriers and Pekingese.
Pinch the windpipe gently. This should not elicit a coughing spasm. If it does, the puppy could be suffering from bronchitis.
The skin of the abdomen should be clean and have a light pink colour, healthy-looking. A bulge at the navel probably is due to an umbilical hernia, while one in the groin, could be an inguinal hernia. Remember, as I have advised in previous columns, hernias are often genetic defects due to inbreeding.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
