When a puppy is born with a cleft palate, it faces a lot of difficulty in drinking and eating. This is because cleft palate condition occurs at the roof of the mouth and would impede on the puppy's daily feeding routine. As you read on, you will learn more about cleft palate in dogs, its causes, and possibly surgical procedures.
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Content:
- What Is a Cleft Palate in Dogs
- What Causes Cleft Palate in Puppies
- Cleft Palate Dog Surgery
- Conclusion
What Is a Cleft Palate in Dogs
Cleft palate is a condition that results from failure of the hard and soft palate to fuse during foetal development. This leads to an unhinged passage of food or water into the lungs. Puppies born with this condition have a very low chance of survival because of its accompanying complications.
Puppies could have a better chance of survival if this condition is noticed on time. With a Petcube camera placed at a strategic location like where the puppies suckle, dog parents could easily notice puppies having difficulty in feeding and report to the vet.
“Puppies with cleft palates can survive but would need lifetime support and monitoring of accompanying medical conditions”, - Dr. Lauren Jones
At first they find it difficult to suckle without milk getting into the lungs. If they don’t feed, they won’t grow and may die or remain stunted. An evaluation revealed that dogs with a cleft palate often show symptoms of sneezing amongst other symptoms that may include; nasal discharge, aspiration pneumonia, choking, coughing, and a weak immune system.
“Dogs with cleft palate are at risk of aspirating and developing pneumonia”, - Reddit User
What Causes Cleft Palate in Puppies
For puppies, cleft palate is mainly caused by genetic anomaly from birth, which is heightened by some other contributing factors, such as:
Medications
Several medications, like steroids or anti-seizure medications, have the tendency to cause cleft palate anomalies in puppies. These medications should be given to pregnant dogs only under a guided prescription by a veterinarian if necessary.
Nutritional deficiency
It has been reported in a study that pregnant dogs supplemented with folic acids have a reduced chance of having puppies with cleft palates. When a pregnant dog has a low level of folic acid and excessive vitamin A, there is a high risk of giving birth to puppies with cleft palates. Thus, folic acid supplementation comes in handy and helps reduce this risk significantly.
Infections/Viruses
Certain infections or viruses have been attributed to contributing to the development of cleft palates in puppies. Pregnant dogs should be taken to the vet for a routine checkup throughout gestation to prevent unforeseen outcomes during birth.
Trauma
Puppies could acquire a cleft palate after birth if they sustain an injury that disrupts the connection between the hard and soft palate. A friend of mine had a puppy who fell on an object that got its palate pierced, which resulted in a cleft palate and aspirations afterwards. This was resolved with a surgery, and the puppy was soon back on its feet.
Periodontal diseases
Severe diseases of the mouth and gum like periodontal disease could predispose puppies to a cleft palate condition if not taken care of.
Genetics
Genes are the primary and most prominent causes of cleft palate in puppies. Puppies whose parents have a family history of cleft palate condition are highly prone. Brachycephalic breeds have been highlighted to be prone to cleft palate, probably due to their flat faces or short muzzles. These may include boxers, bulldogs, and terriers.
Cleft Palate Dog Surgery
To resolve a cleft palate defect, surgery is highly recommended. This is, in fact, the most effective way of closing the gap in the palate. The absence of a connection between the soft and hard palate warrants a surgery that would provide artificial fusing of these parts and help prevent the passage of food or water into the lungs through the mouth.
This procedure would attract a lot of vet fees, which can be reduced significantly if you utilize the Petcube Emergency Fund. If you sign up now, you will enjoy a 27% discount and up to $3000 coverage of vet fees. Only cases reported timely to the vet would have a better chance at recovering.
Conclusion
Cleft palate is a condition of the palate, which usually results from a congenital anomaly during fetal development. It can also be acquired through accidental trauma. Puppies with this condition find it difficult to eat or drink due to the opening in the palate. This condition can only be resolved through surgery, a lifetime support program, and consistent medical attention.