What is a Cleft Palate?

A cleft palate is an opening between the mouth and the nose that happens when the tissues separating these two cavities do not grow together properly. The defect results in direct communication between the mouth and nasal cavity. It is one of the most common congenital defects seen in puppies and kittens. It occurs during embryonic development and is considered a congenital malformation, which means it is present at birth.

Risk factors ~ During pregnancy certain drugs can result in cleft palate development. Nutritional deficiencies and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may result in cleft palates. Chemical/toxin exposure, excessive Vitamin A intake and some viral infections during pregnancy have also been implicated.

It has nothing to do with ‘bad breeding’ sometimes it is just one of those things that happen just like human children.

It may seem like there is a lot but that is just because you’ve not heard about them as a majority are put to sleep at birth. By educating people about cleft palates we hope to be able to give more of these guys a chance!