Cleft palate in dogs

Written by Audrey Pavia Reviewed by Kristin Westafer, DVM

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.

Diagnosis of a cleft palate is made by examining the roof of the puppy's mouth. A cleft palate may be seen in any breed as well as mixed breeds. It's a good idea to examine each newborn pup after the first nursing.

Symptoms

Milk coming out the nostrils
Difficulty nursing or eating
Difficulty gaining weight
Noisy breathing
Gagging
Coughing
Repeated sneezing
Pneumonia
Thick mucous discharge

Prevention

It is believed that most cases of cleft palate are caused by genetic problems. Puppies that are born with cleft palates and survived or have given birth to puppies with cleft palates should not be bred.

Another possible cause of cleft palates in puppies is an excess or deficiency of a particular vitamin in the mother's diet. Always consult your veterinarian before using any supplement of any kind when your dog is pregnant. Treatment of pregnant dogs with cortisone or corticosteroids is also believed to cause cleft palates in puppies. Be sure to notify your veterinarian that your dog is pregnant before he or she prescribes any medication for your pet.

Treatment

Occasionally, a cleft palate may close on its own; otherwise, the only treatment is surgery. When the puppy is old enough, a veterinarian can close the gap depending on the size either with suture or a graph. In cases of very severe cleft palates in newborn puppies, many veterinarians recommend euthanasia. Newborn puppies are not good surgical candidates because they are too young for anesthesia. If a newborn puppy has a cleft palate, they will require intensive nursing care and careful feedings to make sure they do not develop pneumonia.

After treatment

Once your puppy recovers from anesthesia, the after care should be minimal. The veterinarian may want you to feed soft food while the mouth heals but then pup can eat normally. Surgery in the mouth can be frustrating becuase the sutures have a tendency to lose their grip. Repeat surgery may be required if the sutures do not hold the skin together long enough for the cleft palate to heal over.