Cleft Palate

Also known as:

Congenital oronasal fistula

A congenital cleft palate defect (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))

Description

An abnormal communication between the nasal and oral cavities involving the soft and hard palate, premaxilla and or lip. Abnormalities arise from incomplete closure of the primary palate, secondary palate or both. The primary palate develops into the premaxilla and lip. If closure is not complete this will result in a cleft lip (harelip). The secondary palate forms the hard and soft palate and incomplete closure of either of these results in a secondary palate or cleft palate.

Signalment

Dogs are more commonly affected than cats. In particular brachycephalic breeds are more commonly affected. Other at risk breeds include, Boston terriers, Pekingese, minature schnauzers, beagles and cocker spaniels. Siamese are the most commonly affected cat breed. Present at birth but not always noticed straight away.

History and Clinical Signs

• The commonest structural defect is probably the various forms of cleft palate due to:
  • failure of fusion and the ingrowths of the palatine shelves or
  • frontonasal and maxillary processes.

Also known as Palatoschisis

- aspiration pneumonia is a common sequel