Floating Rib?

Monica · 08-31-2007, 07:28 PM

I have been googling this for the last 20 minutes or so and I am coming up with some very strange links, so I thought I would ask here. Our 3 mo old dobergirl was sitting down eating the other day and I noticed that it looked like she had a rib out of place- it was just sticking out. The online articles I have found just say it's "floating rib" and something to do with a 13th rib?

Does anyone know anything more on this? She does not whimper or squeal when we touch it and she does not act like she is uncomfortable.

I also have another question, Kadence's nose is dry at the very top. The tip of her nose is perfect black and moist, but closer to her muzzle it gets lighter and is dry.

We've had her at the vet and her distemper shots are utd. She is due for another set this week and is scheduled for that appt.

Anyone have any insight on the nose issue?

Thank you for any help you can provide!

**greenkouki** · 08-31-2007, 08:16 PM

There was a similar topic not to long ago created about this, apparently it is nothing to really worry about and often fixes itself. As far as the nose issue, she could have some sort of upper respiratory infection or cold, or maybe it is just really dry in your home. How is the rest of her coat and skin? Rub some antibiotic ointment on her nose to keep it from getting crusty in the mean time.

**Retta** · 08-31-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monica

I have been googling this for the last 20 minutes or so and I am coming up with some very strange links, so I thought I would ask here. Our 3 mo old dobergirl was sitting down eating the other day and I noticed that it looked like she had a rib out of place- it was just sticking out. The online articles I have found just say it's "floating rib" and something to do with a 13th rib?

Does anyone know anything more on this? She does not whimper or squeal when we touch it and she does not act like she is uncomfortable.

I also have another question, Kadence's nose is dry at the very top. The tip of her nose is perfect black and moist, but closer to her muzzle it gets lighter and is dry.

We've had her at the vet and her distemper shots are utd. She is due for another set this week and is scheduled for that appt.

Anyone have any insight on the nose issue?

Thank you for any help you can provide!

The bump or rib is very common in puppies, it is nothing to worry about. At that age it is very flexible and you can push on it and it will move. They are growing and are very flexible at that age. It will settle as the puppy grows. As far as the dry part of her nose, I think that could be just from being out in the sun, when she goes for her appt, ask the vet. They will probably take her temp etc. Keep us posted.

Monica · 08-31-2007, 08:54 PM

I will ask at the vet this week about the nose and put some antibiotic ointment on it this evening. It is very dry here, we live in the high desert part of Southern Cal. It is always over 100 degrees during the day with very little shade and no grass. It gets so bad that they don't even want to stay outside. They go out, potty, and come straight back in.

Her coat is beautiful/shiny and she looks wonderful. She's growing like a weed. Eats fine and we have one of those water bowls that automatically refills itself from a cooler.