GSP 11 weeks, malocclusion underbite Health

Discussion in 'German Shorthaired Pointer' started by Drew333, Apr 28, 2020.

  1. Drew333

    Drew333 New Member

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    GSP 11 weeks, malocclusion underbite

    Hi everyone, new to this forum. We are first time GSP owners and brought her home at 8 weeks. After her first vet checkup,11 weeks, we were told that she has an underbite malocclusion. The vet is recommending that we have the front baby teeth extracted to hopefully allow for this to correct itself. If it doesn’t we would have to go back once the adult teeth are in. My wife and I are wondering if anybody has had any experience and/or advice. Thanks,
    Drew and Anna
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  3. CaroleC

    CaroleC Member

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    GsdSlave likes this.
    Generally, an undershot jaw will not correct itself as the lower jaw continues to grow for longer than the upper one. Occasionally the dog may finish with a level bite, rather than a scissor closure. For a pet dog this fault rarely causes any problem, but it would be heavily penalised in the show ring, and the dog would not be suitable for breeding as it is hereditary.
    Which teeth is your vet suggesting that she removes? I have never heard of removing baby inscisors, so I am assuming that she means the two lower canine teeth. If the jaw is only slightly longer, I might be tempted to try doing this, - but without a great deal of hope for an improvement. I guess it would depend on just how those teeth were aligning, and my first port of call would be to let an experienced GSP breeder have a look at your puppy's mouth, or a good close-up photo of it.
    I used to breed Cavalier KCS, - a brachycephalic breed that does have a significant number of undershot puppies. I have no experience of a vet trying this method, we just let nature take its course, and the undershot puppies grew up without having any dental health problem. Just another disappointment for a breeder with an otherwise quality show prospect!
  4. GsdSlave

    GsdSlave Member

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    I would contact the breeder as they should have been aware, unless you wanted to show it shouldn’t cause any problems,just keep an eye on her mouth to check that no teeth are digging in.
    If you’re really unsure best to get a second opinion or ask to see a specialist,

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