Congenital abnormalities in immature dogs from a pet store: 253 cases (1987-1988)
Ruble, R.P.; Hird, D.W.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 202(4): 633-636
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8095494 Document Number: 405588
In a pet store, 6- to 18-week-old dogs were examined for congenital abnormalities. Of those puppies offered for sale over a 2-year period (1987 and 1988), 15%(253/1679) had at least 1 congenital defect, and 1.5% (26 1679) had multiple congenital abnormalities. Defects observed and their respective rates were patellar luxation, 7.2% (121/1679); cardiac abnormalities characterized by murmurs, 0.7% (11/1679); palpebral abnormalities, 3.0% (50/1679); inguinal hernia, 1.3% (22/1679); umbilical hernia, 0.6% (10/1679); faciodental malformations, 1.3% (21/1679); and cryptorchidism, 2.6% (44/1679). Rates of congenital abnormalities in pups from this study were higher than published rates in adult dogs.