A cleft palate is a birth defect which results in an opening between the mouth and nose. It is most common in purebred cats and dogs, and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health issues.
Causes of Cleft Palate
Cleft palate is usually a congenital disorder that’s inherited at birth. It occurs when tissues in the mouth fuse improperly during embryonic development. Cleft palate can be primary or secondary. Primary cleft palate, also known as cleft lip, occurs on the lip of an animal. By comparison, secondary cleft palate affects the roof of the mouth (hard palate), the soft palate at the back of the mouth, or both.
Certain breeds of dogs and cats are predisposed to cleft palate. These include brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Persian cats and Boston terriers. Other purebred pets that are susceptible to the condition include Siamese cats, cocker spaniels, and dachshunds.
Although cleft palate is usually an inherited disorder, other factors have been linked with the condition. These include nutritional deficiencies and exposure of pregnant females to viruses and certain chemicals.
Symptoms of Cleft Palate
Symptoms of cleft palate will depend on the severity and type of the condition. Pets with primary cleft palate will display physical abnormalities that are easy to identify. Often, teeth or gums will be visible and the nostrils will be misshapen.
Secondary cleft palate can more difficult to recognize, but most pets will develop clinical signs of the condition. Please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet displays any of the following symptoms of cleft palate.
- Coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Respiratory problems
- Weight loss
- Exercise intolerance
- Difficulty nursing
Diagnosis of Cleft Palate
Your veterinarian will examine your pet physically to check for signs of cleft palate. A diagnosis of the condition will be made based on appearance, and anesthesia may be needed to examine the back of the palate. Your veterinarian may also perform chest X-rays to check for signs of pneumonia.
Treatment of Cleft Palate
Treatment of cleft palate will depend on several factors such as the age of your pet and the type and severity of the condition. In most cases, surgery to repair the palate will be recommended. However, this may not be necessary if your pet has a primary cleft palate. If surgery is required, the procedure is usually performed when a pet is at least 3-4 months old. Multiple surgeries may be needed in some cases.
Prevention of Cleft Palate
Since genetics plays a large role in many cases of cleft palate, the condition is usually unpreventable. However, it is important to provide proper nutrition for pregnant pets and avoid exposure to chemicals that may increase the risk of cleft palate. Please consult with your veterinarian for more information about breeding and nutrition.
