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Successful management permitting delayed operative revision of cleft palate in a labrador retriever
Autumn P Davidson1, Clare Gregory2, Patricia Dedrick3
1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Small Animal Clinic, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, East Campus, 2425 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA.
Abstract:
Congenital palate defects (CP) occur in dogs. Secondary cleft palate (SCP) is a congenital oronasal fistula resulting in incomplete closure of the hard and soft palate. SCP occurs alone or in combination with primary cleft palate involving the lip and premaxilla. CP results from incomplete fusion of the palatine shelves, most critical at 25 to 28 days gestation. Methods to improve survival of puppies with CP are sought by clients. This case report illustrates a successful method to manage nutrition in affected dogs until adult size is attained, facilitating surgical correction.
