What happens when a puppy has a cleft palate?
Having a newborn litter of puppies is a very emotional event. It is exciting and worrying, joyful, and stressful. If any of the puppies are born with a cleft palate, there will be added stress. You may not realize that the pup has a cleft palate until you see that the dog is not feeding correctly or is not gaining weight.
How often should you feed a puppy with a cleft palate?
Store bought, or homemade formula is used to feed the puppy every two to four hours around the clock for three to four months. This method uses a tiny and long tube that is gently swallowed by the puppy.
Who is the best veterinary surgeon for cleft palate repair?
Refer pets with secondary cleft palates to an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon for repair. The greatest success rates are seen when the procedure is performed initially by an experienced veterinary surgeon. This Animal Health Topic was written by and reviewed by Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
When does a cleft palate occur in a baby?
A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth that occurs when the two sides of the palate (roof of the mouth) do not come together and fuse during embryonic development. This results in an opening between the nasal passages and the mouth.
How many dogs are born with cleft palates?
Up to 25% of all puppies are born with cleft palates. However, the risk can increase up to 30% for dog breeds with shorter snouts, such as the American Bulldog. Similarly, Siamese cats and other certain purebred cat breeds are also at higher risk to develop this genetic issue.
When to stop feeding a dog with a cleft palate?
Feed soft, blenderized foods by mouth or through a feeding tube for 2–4 weeks after surgery. Do not give hard food or toys for at least a month. Prognosis is excellent for pets with small clefts. When more than half of the hard palate is affected, surgery is much more difficult and more complications are expected.
Refer pets with secondary cleft palates to an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon for repair. The greatest success rates are seen when the procedure is performed initially by an experienced veterinary surgeon. This Animal Health Topic was written by and reviewed by Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
What do you need to know about secondary cleft palates?
Secondary cleft palates require surgical treatment to prevent long-term nasal and lung infections and to help your pet receive proper nutrition. (Figures 7, 8)
