our reason why?
Why are we so passionate about rescuing Cleft Palate Puppies?
Most vets and breeders will tell you to euthanise your cleft pallet pup at birth, and that's not without good reason. A Vet understands how much dedication, time and money will be required to perform the essential surgery to rescue these pups from their inevitable suffering.
If puppies owners don't seek the necessary medical treatment, these puppies will most likely suffer a slow death due to starvation. A puppy with a cleft palate is unable to form and hold a suction on their mother's nipple to draw down the milk, no matter how hard they try.
If they do perchance succeed in getting any milk into their mouth, they then run the risk of suffocation, sinusitis or pneumonia. Due to their mouth not closing properly in utero, milk with will travel up through the roof of their mouth and end up in their respiratory system.
Unless, of course, there is a dedicated rescue service like ours, willing to take these small fur babies into care.
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WHAT'S INVLOVED
What is involved in caring for Cleft Palate Pups
Every 2 hours we tube feed them until they are approximately 5 - 6 weeks of age. They can't eat solids as a normal pup does, so we make special meals for them that are tube fed to them. We also we teach them to drink water from a rabbit water dropper bottle.
Once they hit that magic milestone, we have yet another vet assessment to pass and at this visit a pre-surgical check is conducted for anaesthetic suitability. All fingers are crossed as this operation will change their little lives!!
After surgery they seem to recover extremely quickly and go on to live a totally happy, normal and long lives.
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We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the amazing vets behind us, that perform these life saving surgeries.
make a donation
We know we are making a difference to these sweet pups and their families and you can help too. You can make a donation via Pay Pal or direct debit or head to our Donate a gift page and choose from the much needed supplies.