Condition3 connections · 1 source
Cleft Palate
Cleft palate or lip is a birth defect where the roof of the mouth or lip does not close properly during fetal development. Affected puppies and kittens cannot latch properly and may fail to thrive.
Key Facts
- Congenital defect; can be inherited (genetic) or caused by medications, nutrition, or trauma during pregnancy
- Cleft lip: defect of lips, underlying bone, and/or hard palate
- Cleft palate: disconnection of tissues forming the roof of the mouth; can connect to nasal passages
- Affected neonates cannot nurse properly and may aspirate milk into lungs (pneumonia risk)
- Signs: nasal discharge during feeding, poor growth, coughing, failure to thrive
- Affected pets should NOT be bred (high genetic heritability)
- Surgery is needed for symptomatic cases; multiple procedures may be required
- Tube feeding may be needed until pet is strong enough for anesthesia
- Medications to avoid in pregnant pets: prednisone, aspirin, anti-seizure drugs, griseofulvin
- Species: dogs and cats