My 9-week Chihuahua puppy has a soft spot and stumbles. Is it serious?

This is likely just a soft spot, aka an open fontanelle. As long as there isn't like open flesh wound there then I would just let her be a normal puppy and just be careful that she doesn't get dropped or fall off of anything. These will eventually close on their on but I would definitely have the vet take a look at it when she goes in for her first vet visit. If there is an open wound or flesh there, then I would have your vet take a look at it as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

This may be normal for the puppy, or could indicate that it has hydrocephalus, which is common in Chihuahuas. I would recommend that you have Lil Boy checked out by a vet, who may be able to tell you if his head is normal or not, as well as check for other congenital abnormalities. Here is some more information on hydrocephalus: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2324

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Timmy is adorable! I think he will be just fine! He is an adult dog and all of his bones are mature and less fragile than a puppy Chihuahua. The breed does has a soft spot on their head but bumping him with your leg shouldn't hurt him. Just watch him and make sure he is eating and active! Don't be so hard on yourself, accidents happen. Have a good day!

If your puppy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus by a veterinarian (at this age it would be congenital)The following treatments are common practice: Treatment is directed towards reducing CSF production and inflammation by using corticosteroids such as cortisone or prednisone in the early or acutee phases of the condition. If your dog shows more severe signs such as seizures, anti-seizure medications will be needed and diuretics may be indicated. Some teaching hospitals or specialty hospitals can perform surgery to place a tube in the pace that collects fluid in the brain to the abdomen (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) with high success rates if placed early, however there are considerable risks involved which should be discussed on a case by case base. Congenital hydrocephalus cannot be cured and its course can often be life-threatening. Treatments may afford your dog a decent quality of life. Puppies with congenital hydrocephalus may do well following shunt placement if severe brain damage has not occurred. You should discuss your puppy, its quality of life, medication and prognosis with your vet.

If she is remaining sleepy, has poor balance or vomiting I would be concerned about a possible head injury and recommend she be assessed by a vet as soon as possible. Otherwise continue to monitor for food and fluid intake and ensure no rough play for the next 48 hours

Very young puppies can be a little uncoordinated when they are moving, but I would worry that Happy might also be showing signs of hypoglycemia which is common in toy breed puppies. I would recommend having him examined by an emergency veterinarian just in case - hypoglycemia can be life threatening if untreated. You could try offering him some food before you head to the vet. I also think 6 weeks is too young to be separated from mom - ideally puppies should stay with their dam until they are 7-8 weeks of age for proper development and nutrition.

One of the most common causes of these harder swellings, particularly in rambunctious puppies, is a subperiosteal hematoma (aka "coffee table bump"). The vet will likely recommend skull x-rays for Nala to assure that there is no damage to the bones of the skull. If a subperiosteal hematoma is diagnosed, these fortunately tend to improve over time without any significant intervention. In the future, avoid using aspirin in Nala because it can cause bleeding issues and stomach ulcers in dogs. If Nala needs pain medications, her vet will be able to prescribe safer alternatives. I hope that all goes well!