What this means
Changes in head shape are noticed when you look at the dog from the front, the side and above. The head may look too big for the body, dome-shaped, there may be a soft spot on top of the head, or the muzzle may be narrower and more pointed than is usual for puppies of that age. Photos from several sides taken every few weeks help to show whether the shape is changing.
Head shape is often inherited or linked to growth, so some changes are present from birth. Sometimes they are only a difference in appearance, and sometimes they go with other problems. Only a vet who examines the dog can tell one from the other, so there is no need to guess at a breed or an outcome. What matters is to show the puppy to a professional so the cause can be found early.
Note down when you noticed the change, whether it is growing, and how the puppy grows, eats and plays compared with its littermates. Notice whether the eyes look turned out of position, whether it walks unsteadily, walks in circles or has had seizures, and whether other puppies in the litter look similar. Do not press or rub the soft spot.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Fluid building up in the head
When too much fluid collects inside the head, it can become large and dome-shaped. The puppy may grow slowly, be sleepy or behave unusually.
About the condition: Hydrocephalus -
A soft spot in the skull that has not closed
When the skull bones on top of the head do not join, a soft spot can be felt and the head may look dome-shaped. It is mostly seen in young puppies.
About the condition: Open fontanelle -
A blood cell disorder linked to growth
Some inherited blood cell disorders show up as slow growth and a changed face shape, such as a narrow, pointed muzzle. The puppy is often weak and falls ill more often.
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An inherited difference in head structure
Sometimes an unusual head shape is simply inherited and does not harm health. It is still worth assessing so it is clear there are no other changes.
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A growth and development disorder
When a puppy grows unevenly, the proportions of the head can change too. Slower weight gain is often noticed as well.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When you noticed the change and whether it is growing
- Whether a soft spot can be felt on top of the head
- Whether the eyes look turned down or sideways
- Whether the puppy grows and gains weight like its littermates
- Whether it often falls ill, is weak or tires quickly
- Whether it walks unsteadily, walks in circles or bumps into things
When to book a routine visit
An unusual head or muzzle shape is worth showing to a vet, especially if you see it in a puppy. Bring photos and describe how the puppy is growing.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Hydrocephalus Nerves and muscles Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in and around the brain and presses on the brain tissue. It can be present from birth and show up in puppies, or develop later when inflammation, an injury or a tumour blocks the fluid from draining. The pressure on the brain can affect a dog's behaviour, movement, sight and ability to learn.
- Open fontanelle Bones and joints An open fontanelle is a gap between the skull bones on top of the head that has not closed after birth as it should. It is seen in some small puppies: in some it closes over time, in others it stays for life. At this spot the brain is not covered by bone, so the fontanelle should be assessed by a vet.
- Trapped neutrophil syndrome Blood and immunity This is an inherited immune disorder in which the bone marrow produces neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight infection, but they cannot get out into the bloodstream. As a result the puppy is left nearly defenceless against bacteria, and infections keep coming one after another. A genetic test exists for the disease, so breeders can screen their breeding dogs.
Body systems: Nerves and muscles Bones and joints Blood and immunity