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.
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide... Read More
Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
Picture this. You're late for work one day. You look... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
Dogs should be living to age 20 or more. That's... Read More
Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More
Before you decide to give your dog canine arthritis medicine... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
Pet |