Changes

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Dogs are more commonly affected than cats. In particular brachycephalic breeds are more commonly affected. Other at risk [[Canine Breeds - WikiNormals| dog breeds]] include, Boston terriers, Pekingese, minature schnauzers, beagles and cocker spaniels.

Dogs are more commonly affected than cats. In particular brachycephalic breeds are more commonly affected due to the intra-uterine growth characteristics of the skull. Other at risk [[Canine Breeds - WikiNormals| dog breeds]] include, Boston terriers, Pekingese, minature schnauzers, beagles and cocker spaniels.

Siamese are the most commonly affected cat breed.

Siamese are the most commonly affected cat breed.

Present at birth but not always noticed straight away.

Present at birth but not always noticed straight away.

Diagnosis is made on physical exam. A cleft lip can be easily identified however a full oral examination is needed to diagnose incomplete closure of the premaxilla, hard and soft palate.

Diagnosis is made on physical exam. A cleft lip can be easily identified however a full oral examination is needed to diagnose incomplete closure of the premaxilla, hard and soft palate.

In some instances anaesthesia may be required to diagnose a soft palate problem.

In some instances [[Anaesthesia|anaesthesia]] may be required to diagnose a soft palate problem.

If a primary palate problem is recognised always check for a secondary problem.

If a primary palate problem is recognised always check for a secondary palate problem.

Increased noise over lung fields may be heard if aspiration pneumonia is present.

Increased noise over lung fields may be heard if aspiration pneumonia is present.

Affected animals often have other concurrent congenital abnormalities and hence a thorough physical exam should be undertaken.

Affected animals often have other concurrent congenital abnormalities and hence a thorough physical exam should be undertaken.

A large proportion of animals with primary or secondary palate defects die or are euthanased. In some cases however the defects can be managed medically until the patient is old enough for surgery.

A large proportion of animals with primary or secondary palate defects die or are euthanased. In some cases however the defects can be managed medically until the patient is old enough for surgery.

Affected animals should fed via a feeding tube to avoid aspiration pneumonia until surgery can be undertaken.

Affected animals should gain nutritional support via a feeding tube to avoid aspiration pneumonia until surgery can be undertaken.

Aspiration pneumonia should also be treated with appropriate antibiotics, expectorants and oxygen.

Aspiration pneumonia should also be treated with appropriate antibiotics, expectorants and oxygen.

Surgery should be delayed until the animal is 12-14 weeks old or longer if possible in order to get the best possible post surgical outcome. More mature tissue is less friable and holds suture better.   

Surgery should be delayed until the animal is 12-14 weeks old or longer if possible in order to get the best possible post surgical outcome. More mature tissue is less friable and holds suture better.   

An overlapping flap technique, flaps from the hard palate and nasopharangeal mucosa flaps can be used to repair soft palate deformities.

An overlapping flap technique, flaps from the hard palate and nasopharangeal mucosa flaps can be used to repair soft palate deformities.

Post operatively patients shouls be fed via a tube to prevent trauma to the surgical site and to maintain nutritional intake. Dehiscence and recurrence can occur following movement, tension and growth.  

Post operatively patients should be fed via a tube to prevent trauma to the surgical site and to maintain nutritional intake. Dehiscence and recurrence can occur following movement, tension and growth.  

==Prognosis==  

==Prognosis==  

[[Category:Respiratory System - Developmental Pathology]]

[[Category:Respiratory System - Developmental Pathology]]

[[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Horse]][[Category:Goat]][[Category:Pig]][[Category:Sheep]]

[[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Horse]][[Category:Goat]][[Category:Pig]][[Category:Sheep]]