เพดานโหว่/ปากแหว่ง

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