Several breeders who have produced MLS puppies, have also reported finding an unusual band or cartilage in the ear leather as early as 3 weeks.  Some seem to be more affected than others--but most have had some type of abnormal "band" in the ear.   The ears may not be affected the same on each side.  In one case of a female who produced an affected puppy, she too had a very, almost unnoticeable, abnormal ear leather.  This was not really targeted, until the affected puppy was identified.   Another puppy from a previous litter was then identified as, also, having a mild abnormal ear leather.  The possibility exisits the dam was affected to a minor degree.   Here are examples of the unusual ear cartilage.

	Ears which stuck out at an odd angle at birth were noted in two litters. The ear stands out and does not fold down beside the head, as a normal puppy would. At two to three weeks of age they fell into a more natural position. In all cases, (with one exception) these puppies were carriers or affected.