CLEFT PALATE
If it is found that milk is dripping from the nostrils of a newborn
puppy when it is feeding, a Cleft Palate is probably the cause. In
some cases the lips, often known as a Hare Lip, can be affected as well.
A Cleft often occurs when the bones in the roof of the mouth do not
close completely. The problem is present at birth. Surgery is
sometimes performed but it is rarely successful and euthenasia is
recommended.
A Cleft Palate can occur in all young, including humans, and is
thought to be hereditary. The use of antibiotics and steroids when
the bitch is in whelp may aggravate the problem.
One case reported was of affected pups whose dam had been treated
for an infection during pregnancy and so cannot be counted as a
true hereditary defect.
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