Disorder - Cleft Palate

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Palatoschisis
Palatum Fissum

Brief Description

A condition resulting in a deep furrow or split through the partition between the oral and nasal cavities.

Presenting Signs

A cleft palate is a condition that occurs to varying extents in the dog. It can be complete, with the slit existing in both the hard and soft palates in the roof of the mouth, or it can be incomplete with the defect being present in only one of the palates. Signs that indicate this disorder include problems in suckling, loss of weight and regurgitation of fluids through the nose. A cleft palate can be identified visually by looking inside the mouth.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Affenpinscher
American cocker spaniel
American Staffordshire terrier
Australian shepherd
Beagle
Bernese mountain dog
Boston terrier
Bouvier de Flandres
British bulldog
Brittany
Bullmastiff
Chihuahua
Chow chow
Dachshund (long, smooth and wire haired)
Dachshund (miniature - long, smooth and wire-haired)
English springer spaniel
French bulldog
German shepherd dog
King Charles spaniel
Shih Tzu


Treatment

Surgical

Related Disorders

Hare Lip
Cleft Lip

PubMed References
Cleft Palate

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
197


Contributor
Stephanie Connor