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Cleft Palate
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Cleft Palate
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
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Cleft palate is a skeletal disorder occasionally seen
in puppies of all breeds. A cleft palate results
when the bones forming the roof of the mouth do not grow normally.
This results in an opening
in the roof of the mouth that communicates with the nasal cavity.
What are the symptoms?
Puppies as young as one day old will often have milk come out their
noses as they nurse. They may
also inhale milk into their lungs, causing a difficulty in breathing
or even pneumonia. When the puppy's
mouth is examined, a slit will be seen in the roof of the mouth.
What are the risks?
The milk tends to enter the nasal passages and lungs. Most puppies
will die at an early age from
pneumonia and/or malnourishment.
What is the management?
Mild openings in the mouth roof can be surgically corrected. More
severe instances cannot.
Frequently, if the cleft palate cannot be surgically closed, euthanasia
is advised.
© 2004 Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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