Equine Internal Medicine Q&A 10

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Equine Internal Medicine questions

You are asked to examine a 10- day-old Coldblood filly. When sucking from the dam, the filly constantly loses milk through both nostrils. The foal appears otherwise to be clinically normal.

Question	Answer		Article
What is your tentative diagnosis?	Cleft palate (palatoschisis).		Link to Article
How would you confirm the diagnosis?	Inspection of the mouth and/or endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx and soft palate.		Link to Article
What is the differential diagnosis?	Excessive milk production by the mare; megaoesophagus; oesophageal stricture; oesophageal obstruction (choke); soft palate dysfunction.		Link to Article
What is the prognosis, and how could this foal be treated?	Although there have been a few favourable reports of the surgical repair of cleft palate, the prognosis is poor. Even if palatoplasty is successful, this will not restore athletic capability and the surgery is no more than a salvage procedure. Saving the animal for breeding is unwise, since this condition can be hereditary. If surgical correction is considered as an option, the procedure should be performed as soon as possible, preferably at one day of age. The foal should be treated to prevent aspiration pneumonia for at least five days after surgery.		Link to Article