Cleft palate

Cleft palate in dogs

Overview

Occasionally a puppy can be born with a congenital defect called a cleft palate. This abnormality of the mouth occurs when the bone and tissue in the roof of the mouth do not fuse together during development in the womb. The result is an opening which could vary in size and could involve either the hard palate, soft palate, or both.

Puppies with cleft palates usually have trouble eating and are prone to developing pneumonia since food may end up in the airway and in the lungs.

Cleft palate in dogs

Overview

Occasionally a puppy can be born with a congenital defect called a cleft palate. This abnormality of the mouth occurs when the bone and tissue in the roof of the mouth do not fuse together during development in the womb. The result is an opening which could vary in size and could involve either the hard palate, soft palate, or both.

Puppies with cleft palates usually have trouble eating and are prone to developing pneumonia since food may end up in the airway and in the lungs.