Cleft palate
Also known as: Gaumenspalte · Palatoschisis · Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumenspalte · Cleft Lip and Palate · Cheilognathopalatoschisis · …
Overview
What it is
A cleft palate is a congenital birth defect where the roof of the mouth fails to fuse properly during development in the womb. This failure leaves an abnormal opening between the oral cavity and the nasal passages. Because these two systems are directly connected, food, liquids, and air cannot be properly separated during swallowing.
How it presents
Symptoms are visible immediately at birth, as affected puppies struggle to nurse and often have milk bubble out of their nose. Owners will also notice coughing, gagging, and an inability to create the suction needed to suckle.
Treatment
The condition is treatable through reconstructive surgery, usually performed when the puppy is a few months old, combined with temporary tube-feeding. This is typically a one-time corrective procedure, with costs ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 EUR depending on the complexity of the cleft.
How it's tested
Klinische Untersuchung der Mundhöhle(Klinische Untersuchung)
Primary testClinical examEine visuelle und manuelle Inspektion der Mundhöhle direkt nach der Geburt durch einen Tierarzt zur Feststellung einer Spaltbildung im harten oder weichen Gaumen.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
24 of 29 breeds
Mandatory testBriard
Mandatory testChow Chow
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Longhair)
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired)
Mandatory testGerman Hound
Mandatory testJagdterrier
Mandatory testKorean Jindo
Mandatory testNorwegian Buhund
Mandatory testTibetan Spaniel
RecommendedBeauceron
RecommendedBerger Picard
RecommendedBoston Terrier
RecommendedBrittany Spaniel
RecommendedDachshund
RecommendedFrench Bulldog
RecommendedGerman Shepherd
RecommendedLabrador Retriever
RecommendedMaltese
RecommendedMiniature Schnauzer
RecommendedOld English Sheepdog
RecommendedPekingese
RecommendedRhodesian Ridgeback
RecommendedShar-Pei
RecommendedShih Tzu
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Cleft palate?
A cleft palate is a congenital birth defect where the roof of the mouth fails to fuse properly during development in the womb. This failure leaves an abnormal opening between the oral cavity and the nasal passages. Because these two systems are directly connected, food, liquids, and air cannot be properly separated during swallowing.
How is Cleft palate tested?
Tests currently in our database: Klinische Untersuchung der Mundhöhle.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Briard, Chow Chow, Dutch Shepherd (Longhair), Dutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired), German Hound, Jagdterrier, Korean Jindo, Norwegian Buhund.