When puppies arrive in the family we must not overlook a correct general check-up and in particular of the facial region, since it can present different malformations that put their lives at risk. Cleft palate in dogs, also called palatoschisis, is a congenital defect that can affect puppies. This malformation generates an abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities.
In this article on our site we are going to learn a little more about this congenital malformation, keep reading and discover what is cleft palate in dogs, the causes and surgerynecessary to correct this malformation.
What is cleft palate in dogs?
The palate is the anatomical structure that divides the nasal cavity from the oral cavity and involves different structures. When we speak of a cleft palate we refer to an abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities, as well as with the maxillary sinus.
According to the affected structures, we will talk about two types of cleft palate:
- Primary cleft palate: is formed by incomplete closure of the lip and premaxilla, causing cleft lip, which can be unilateral or bilateral. It is important to highlight that the cleft lip does not impair the dog's quality of life or the normal functioning of the affected structures, so the correction is considered purely aesthetic.
- Secondary cleft palate: affects both the soft and hard palates and causes abnormal communication between these cavities and can be primary, in which the cleft lip or primary cleft is generated. Thus, secondary cleft palate can lead to cleft lip in dogs
Causes of cleft palate in dogs
The causes of craniofacial malformations are multifactorial In some In some cases, its genetic basis is clear, so dogs that suffer from it must be ruled out in order to use it as breeders. However, it can also be acquired.
It should be noted that brachycephalic dog breeds, mostly female, have a special predisposition to cleft palate, such as:
- Pug
- English bulldog
- French Bulldog
- Boxer
On the other hand, it is also known that numerous teratogenic agents (agents that produce congenital malformations) to which the pregnant female is exposed can cause a cleft palate.
Some examples of teratogenic agents are:
- Toxic
- Drugs
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Infectious and parasitic agents
- Mechanical causes
- X-rays
Clinical sign of cleft palate in dogs
Cleft palate in dogs is obvious to the naked eye if it is First degree cleft palate. In them what we will see will be:
- View of the maxillary gums
- View of teeth
- Poor nostril configuration
If we talk about secondary cleft palate, which can lead to a cleft lip in dogs, we can find the following clinical signs:
- Respiratory problems.
- Constant sneezing: due to different items getting into your nose.
- Cough and nausea.
- Runny nose: can be constant or spontaneous after eating.
Now that you know what a cleft palate is in dogs, let's learn more about cleft palate surgery.
Cleft palate in puppies
Now then, what about puppies with a cleft palate or cleft lip? Puppies affected by this malformation, whether it is only cleft palate or cleft lip in dogs, have respiratory difficulties and are unable to vacuum the oral cavity, so they are unable to carry out the suction in the act of suckling.
By compromising the dog's feeding, cleft palate produces:
- Dehydration
- Stunted growth
- Difficulty eating and drinking
Aspiration pneumonia and rhinitis are common due to the passage of food content into the respiratory tract. Many of the dogs die a few days after birth as it is a pathology that compromises their lives.
Diagnosis of cleft palate in dogs
Just as the clinical signs of cleft palate in dogs are evident with the naked eye, we will need to diagnose our dog to ensure the characteristics of the malformation. Therefore, we can choose:
- An oral examination: in this diagnosis of cleft palate in dogs, what is performed is an examination of the soft palate and for this the dog is anesthetized.
- An x-ray: to check that there are no signs of other pathologies such as pneumonia.
Cleft palate treatment and surgery in dogs
The treatment to be followed requires careful feeding using a semi-liquid diet (but avoiding the bottle or the breast as the newborn cannot suck) and even by orogastric tube until the puppy reaches the appropriate age to undergo surgery, this being the definitive treatment.
This is a Complicated surgery and there are various techniques described by surgeons. The anesthetic protocol to follow will be adapted to the puppy's age (approximately three months).
What to feed a dog with a cleft palate? After surgery, the veterinarian's instructions must be followed, including controlled rest, the Elizabethan collar, prescribed pharmacological and dietary treatment and their corresponding check-ups. In some cases, the puppy will continue to be fed through an esophageal tube or soft food.
It is important to check the area regularly after surgery to be able to quickly detect the opening of stitches or incomplete healing. In the case of detecting the last problem, the most convenient thing will be to intervene on the animal again, but always waiting a reasonable time to do it, between 1 and 3 months approximately.
