Oral Conditions > Misaligned Teeth > Cleft Palate

Cleft Palate

Cleft palate is an abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth and can be a life-threatening condition in puppies and kittens.

What you need to know…
  • Commonly diagnosed at 1-2 days of age.
  • Your pet must be tube- or bottle-fed for 8-12 weeks before treatment.
  • If not treated, your pet may have difficulty eating and develop nasal infections (which may lead to pneumonia).

How a Cleft Palate may look:

cleft palate Sheltie
Cleft palate as seen in a 10-week old Sheltie


Possible Therapy / Treatment:

Surgery is necessary to seal or separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.


treatment of cleft palate
Immediate post-op


Healing after cleft palate treatment
Good healing at 2 weeks after treatment

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