Congenital abnormalities in immature dogs from a pet store: 253 cases (1987-1988).

In a pet store, 6- to 18-week-old dogs were examined for congenital abnormalities. Of those pups offered for sale over a 2-year period (1987 and 1988), 15% (253/1,679) had at least 1 congenital defect, and 1.5% (26/1,679) had multiple congenital abnormalities. Defects observed and their respective rates were patellar luxation, 7.2% (121/1,679); cardiac abnormalities characterized by murmurs, 0.7% (11/1,679); palpebral abnormalities, 3.0% (50/1,679); inguinal hernia, 1.3% (22/1,679); umbilical hernia, 0.6% (10/1,679); faciodental malformations, 1.3% (21/1,679); and cryptorchidism, 2.6% (44/1,679). Rates of congenital abnormalities in pups from this study were higher than published rates in adult dogs.