Microglossia in three littermate puppies

Three of five two-day-old Miniature Schnauzer puppies were diagnosed as having 'bird-tongue,' a microglossia that prevents normal nursing. With intensive nursing care, the puppies survived to seven weeks of age, then deteriorated and were euthanized. From clinical and pathological examinations, a multi-system defect is suspected, though no primary neuromuscular abnormality could be determined.