pup with no ears

[linnie]

I have the chance to get a baby girl chihuahua, she is a special needs baby as she has ear holes but no actual pointy little ear flaps.
do you think this would cause any problems???

[britishbandit]

I would think that the dog would be more prone to ear infections and damage that the flaps would prevent. But taking care to clean them regularly and being careful about what she is allowed to be around, I can't see why not. You already know she has special needs, so just don't take her if you don't think you can manage all that she requires. But I'm sure you can manage that!

[Shadowkins]

I would think that if you take her outside that you could maybe put a little hat on to protect her ears from wind, bugs , rain etc. I don't see a big problem, Linnie, I've seen many dogs with poorly croped ears that have barely any flaps at all and they seem to be doing fine.
Maybe check with a vet to see if he know of any difficulties that could arise with such a handicap. In any event, bless your heart for considering this little gem as a possible family member.
By the way , could you post some pics of the little darling?

[Novel]

Linnie, There may be a few issues that you need to be careful of, but, I'm sure she would be a great addition.

Does she have her full hearing? Is it just a malformation of the outer ear, or are there inner ear problems?

Since a dog's ear canal is curved, I would imagine (not an expert) that the dog would have a pretty normal life. No problems with things getting in the canal that don't belong, and very easy to keep clean, so lack of ear infections. The ears function mainly as a sound enhancer, funnelling the sound into the ear canal, but many cropped dogs obviously show no problems with the lack of ear, so....

Good Luck

[mrsgrubby]

Linnie, I too would be worried that she has more health issues than just missing ears. It is a strange deformity to be born without them, and I would worry that the issues won't end there.

Can you get her to a vet to totally check her out first? I'd do blood work, hearing test, ect just to be sure you aren't in for a lifetime of heartache and worry, you've already been through so much.

Also, is there a way to introduce her to your current girl just to make sure there are no issues there?

Keep us posted, hope it all works out.

[linnie]

She is from a reputable breeder who is going to make sure she passes all vet checks before allowing her to be rehomed.
What concerned me is why it would happen??? could it be inbreeding?? and if so am I getting myself a huge heartache, I need a baby that can live a long happy healthy life, I dont think my heart could take another break, Shadowkins I actually thought of a hat
The breeder hasnt said I can even have her but she is happy for me to have a pup, she has 2 litters due soon.
Its just that this little one needs a special home and as usual I think I am the only one that can give it to her lol.
Thanks for your imput everyone.
I did ask about her hearing too as I know that could be a problem especially with Bella as her sibling

[rmci]

Ah, how sweet of you to think about taking her in.
I'd think that she'd have fewer ear infections. Dogs with long ear flaps (bassett for example) are prone to them due to lack of air circulation and the ears flapping dirt into them. The even make little "hats" that hold the ears back to allow circulation.