- Type Disease
Gastrointestinal
- Name
Cleft lip/palate
- Abbreviation
CPx
- Description
This is an opening in the lip or the roof of the mouth that occurs due to failure of normal fusion processes during embryonic development. Cleft palate and cleft lip may result from either hereditary or environmental causes (such as the use of certain drugs during pregnancy).
- How Transferred
Cleft palate is believed to be an autosomal recessive trait in the Brittany spaniel. In the English and French bulldog, pointer, and shih tzu, the trait may be autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance.
- What to Look for
Affected pups are born with the condition. A minor defect will cause little or no problem, while a more severe defect will cause signs such as a chronic nasal discharge (that may include food), poor growth, aspiration pneumonia (from inhalation of food), or even death.
- Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will diagnose these conditions on physical examination.
- Treatment
Mild problems may not require any treatment, but more serious defects will require surgical repair to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
- Breeding Considerations
Mild problems may not require any treatment, but more serious defects will require surgical repair to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
- Known Breeds Affected
Boston terrier\nBrittany\nCocker spaniel, American\nDachshund\nEnglish (British) bulldog\nFrench bulldog\nGerman shepherd\nLabrador retriever\nPekingese\nPointer (English pointer)\nSchnauzer, miniature\nShih tzu\nAmerican pit bull terrier\nEnglish toy spaniel
