Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's almost alway's because they have a cleft palate. A cleft palate can be a complete division up the middle of the palate, or roof of the mouth, or it can just be a small hole in the palate.

Canine cleft palate is a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly during the embryonic stage of developement. It can just be the soft tissue, in which case it only presents as a cosmetic malformation, but if the hard palate is affected, it inevitably spells doom for the new born pup. A cleft pale in dogs can be either a genetic defect, or due to something occuring during the developement of the embryo. Surgical correction of cleft palate

All puppies should be examined for a cleft palate as early as possible, by opening the jaws and looking at the roof of the mouth. If the breed is very small, it may be necessary to get your Vet to check for you.

It is possible to correct a cleft palate surgically, however the pup must be old enough to undergo an anaesthetic, so in the early stages of it's life the puppy will need hand feeding with a stomach tube.

Cleft palate of the outer soft tissue, sometimes called canine hare lip, can repaired surgically at about six months of age. Small holes in the roof of the mouth can self correct as the pup grows older, but may also be corrected surgically if so desired.

Russell Savige has been a professional dog breeder for 18 years. He is the owner of Training Dog Breeds, a high content website of dog related articles, and also the home of a Directory of over 16,750 dog related websites of breeders, clubs, trainers, vendors, shelters and rescues.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Dog Training Book ? Why Buy One? When Everything is Free Online!

I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More

Two Tails Are Better Than One

Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More

Pet Memorial - In Remembrance of Our Special Pet Friends

Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More

Correcting a Dog Behavior Problem - Jumping

The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More

Pilling a Cat

Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More

Can Your Pet Stomach This?

Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More

An Introduction to Dog Beds

Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part Two

Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More

Horse Care & Training Tips

Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More

Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More

So You Want To Own A Ferret?

You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More

Are All Those Pet Vaccinations Really Necessary?

Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More

Rabbits As Pets

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More

Puppy Love - Wonderful Companions

Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More

The Dreaded Vet Visit: 5 Ways to Comfort Your Dog

Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More

Teach a Dog To Swim

You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More

Telepathic Communication With Animals

Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More

New Book Helps Worried Owners Of A Pregnant Cat

'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More

Filtration Methods For The Discus Tank

Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More

Terrorizing Your Cat with iRobot Vacuum System

Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More

Commercial Pet Food for Your Dog?

What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More

What Rabbit Noises Mean

a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More

A Guide to Bird Cage Covers

As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More

Materials for Snake and other Reptile Cages

What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More

Buy Dog Travel Supplies Online

Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More

Loyal Companions Promote Longevity

Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

Dog Breath-It Doesnt HAVE to Be SO Bad!

While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More

Flea Control

Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More

Canine Infectious Hepatitis

What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More

Dog Crate Buyers Guide - How to Choose the Right Crate and Accessories

Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More