Myra... After reviewing the literature and searching the internet on this subject of overshot bites for you...I located the following online article. This article (this research originated in Belgium and was presented in Canada...so Dianne,,,this is not a crazy "yank" LOL) describes an non-invasive behavioral modification approach to encourage good canine tooth eruption patterns (the mandibular canine tooth relationship) and proper jaw positioning...it will not work for major jaw discrepancy (thus will not alter genetic growth plates such as "parrot mouths"). This is an interesting read...also there is an list of referenced articles that may be assistance to you and your vet. You can view them via PUBMED abstracts. The other approaches are invasive...
http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00047.htm Myra...Good luck with your pup and I hope this helps guide her mandibular canines into a better working position, so they do not tramuatize her palate...And she can have quality of life!!! This will not change her profile or anyone factors (such as the posterior mandibular incisors positioning) associated with being overshot. This method is only meant to reduce the chances of ulceration, infection, and fistulation by guiding the mandibular canines into a functional placement ...the end goal is to help with function and quality of life!!! As other breeders have noted...Thank God this type of bite appears to be a rare occurrence in CKCSs and as you know...should never be bred on...or this very recessive trait will turn up more often in this breed. We must selectively breed as you know for good functional bites (we have enough problems with undershot bites LOL)...not only to help create a future "show specimen" but this is critical to preserving the breed's health. I do feel all puppies and adult dogs could benefit (especially if they are not on a "BARF" diet) by chewing on soft, round shaped chewing toys which resemble "in shape" the raw round long bones (femurs) found in nature (probably a raw round bone would be superior to the man-made toy).....this type of naturally occurring shape encourages normal functional chewing patterns and could impact on maintaining their correct genetically programmed eruption patterns and overall oral health...BUT it will not impact on problematic genetics. Genetics (as seasoned breeders have reported) can be addressed by breeders completing key steps: studying the strengths and weaknesses of the dam and sire of the proposed breeding and their offspring produced in all breedings, a detailed study of the trial pedigree, and the final key step...true devine inspiration...remember we are not in this alone!!! And God has a sense of humor when egos are involved...LOL This keeps us all humble!!! Just Food for Thought... Take care, Kathy Yonkers Stuarthome CKCS USA ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
