Cleft Palate (CP) is a slotted opening in the hard palate, which is the roof of the pet's mouth, in the center of the palate running front-to-back. It is a congenital malformation (i.e. present at birth) and is responsible for an abnormal communication between the oral cavity and nasal cavity, such that, for example: food may access the nasal cavity directly through this hole.

What causes this condition?

Several factors appear to be responsible for the formation of cleft palate during the embryonic development of an affected fetus:

The most common cause is genetic, meaning it is an inherited defect.

It may occur too after the embryo is exposed to some potentially toxic substance while in the uterus, which interferes with its development. This could be a drug administered to the mother, for example, or in a mistake by a physician/veterinarian ('iatrogenic').

Metabolic disorders during pregnancy, such as diabetes mellitus can be responsible.

Finally, an excess of vitamin A or a deficiency of Folic Acid during pregnancy has been noted to cause it.

Are specific breeds predisposed to CP?

Any dog with this defect, whether it has been corrected by surgery or not, should not be bred, because of the high risk that it could be hereditary. Some brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to cleft palate (30% higher risk than other breeds) including:

  • Boston terrier,
  • French Bulldog,
  • Boxer,
  • English Bulldog,
  • Pekingese.

This malformation is also encountered in:

  • Pyrenean Shepherd,
  • Cavalier King Charles,
  • Chihuahua,
  • Cocker Spaniel,
  • Collie,
  • Brittany Spaniel,
  • Labrador,
  • Schnauzer,
  • West Highland White Terrier

What are the signs are associated with the existence of a cleft palate?

Clinical signs are clearly visible in a newborn puppy; when the puppy is suckling its mother, milk flow from the nostrils can be noted. There will also be difficulty swallowing, possibly regurgitation, and potentially also a cough.

As the puppy cannot ingest food properly, it quickly becomes stunted compared to its litter-mates, and sometimes complications such as bronchopneumonia will occur.

The degree of the symptoms will depend on the size of the cleft palate.

How will my veterinarian diagnose and treat cleft palate?

The diagnosis is made quickly and easily by opening the mouth of the puppy and inspecting the hard palate. Occasionally the same defect may cause a visible split in the lips also.

Surgical correction of the defect is performed usually between the ages of 7-12 weeks. Depending on the size of the defect, the prognosis can be favorable. Many surgical techniques are possible, although sometimes several surgeries are necessary to satisfactorily correct such defects.

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