Surgical closure of cleft palate defects in dogs using a modification of the traditional von Langenbeck technique: 12 cases (2015-2022)

To describe the author's surgical guidelines for the effective use of a modified von Langenbeck technique, utilizing bilateral bipedicle mucoperiosteal flaps in the dog.

12 client-owned dogs with cleft palate defects of the hard and soft palates.

12 dogs with cleft palate were presented to the Angell Animal Medical Center from May 20, 2015, to March 24, 2022. The patient's ages ranged from 5 months to 3 years. All 12 dogs had closure of the hard palate clefts by use of modifications of the original von Langenbeck technique in this prospective study.

Successful closure of the cleft (hard and soft) palate defects was achieved in all 12 dogs in a single surgical procedure. A small residual opening was noted at the level of the incisive papilla in each dog; this was of no clinical consequence in this report.

The von Langenbeck technique, using the simple closure modifications reported, was effective in closing both narrow and wide defects. Successful execution requires the complete elevation of each flap, which facilitates their tension-free advancement over the palatal cleft. Vertical mattress sutures evert the flap margins, allowing for direct collagen surface contact for proper healing. Placement of sutures in the rugal folds increases the tissue purchase to reduce the risk of suture cut-out. Fine interrupted sutures, placed between the vertical mattress sutures, maintains the proper alignment of the incisional margins. The author waits a minimum of 5 months before closing cleft palate defects, enabling the donor areas time to mature and improving their ability to retain sutures more effectively.