defects in puppies jaws

Question
QUESTION: i have just been to the vets with my 7 beautiful puppies,(staffies)which are 7 weeks old, all are healthy apart from one which is healthy but seems to have a jaw defect, his lower jaw isnt in line with his top jaw, which the vet says is called bragnatism, ive searched for this on the net and cant find any of such word or meaning, could you find out what is the cause of this as the vet said it could of been line-bred but they is no history of line breeding on their 5 generation pedigree

ANSWER: Hi Sarah

Most people know bragnatism as it's more common name,  wry jaw.   This is the worst of the malocclusion problems.  The condition can be a handicap in chewing, grasping and the look of the dog.

The pup should not be used for breeding as it is a hereditary trait,  but there is no reason why it can't lead a productive life.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your help, im still quite shocked about the whole thing, so do you think its come from one of their parents or ancestors cause both parents are owned by myself and have no defeats of this kind, i there a possibility the bottom jaw could grow to the same as the top jaw?, will any one want a puppy with this defect? what would i say to explain this condition to a potencial buyer? thanks again sarah

ANSWER: It could be a hidden gene.   With wry jaw what you get, is what you get.  He could live a productive life without any issues. He just couldn't be shown in a show ring, and must never be used for breeding.  

I'm assuming there will be nothing wrong with his health or temperament but he is what is considered "pet stock".  Sell him already neutered or on a neuter contract.

It's is very important to be up front and honest with potential puppy owners.  Explaining and understanding that the defect is not life threatening, is key.

Good luck.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks again for ur help, as pups are now nearly 9 weeks their playing more and biting harder so we've given troy (pup with the jaw defect) a little holiday to my sisters, til i sell a few more pups and they are not all fighting for top-dag status, cause i saw he was play fighting back but he odviously cant protect his self as much as the others, he has started to get bites and scratches to his neck and head so think hope its for the best, he will come back to mom and dad shortly, do you think it will be ok to breed from the mom anf dad again? as i dont know where its been inherited from? and i may not happpen again?? could you tell me the chances of it happening again as i wouldnt want to put another pup through this again? thanks sarah

Answer
Well a 1 in 7 chance is slim. The chances of it recurring are the same. It's a toss up.   

As a responsible breeder, it would be prudent to advise new owners that any pups sold as breeders MAY carry the gene. Then it's up to the new owners to decide if and how to breed their pups.

Good luck