Cleft Palates in Bernese Mountain Dogs

If the cleft palate is primary, not too severe, pup is tube fed, and they survive to around a year of age, the problem can be repaired and the dog can live a normal lifespan.  Repairs too early usually do not work.  Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA has been very successful in repairing cleft Palates.  They won't do the surgery until a year of age.  Photos on this page are of Primary Celft Palates where the upper lip is missing and the bottom of the nose is not closed.  Cleft Palates can be further back inside the mouth which makes eating harder.  Newborns with primary cleft palates cannot suck off Mom as there is no way to get a good seal.  Some baby teeth and permanent teeth must often be removed.

One Day Old with Bi-Lateral Complete Cleft Palate

This puppy was euthanized.

The Dam had problems during this pregnancy, some pups were reabsorbed, two were born with bi-lateral primary cleft palates, one was born dead, one was born with a bent tongue, one normal.  Due to the severity in the entire ltter, it was thought that this cause was environmental.  This same Dam went on to produce two more litters that were normal and healthy.

Uni-Lateral Complete Cleft Palate Before Surgery

Uni-Lateral Complete Cleft Palate

After Surgery

Uni-Lateral Complete Cleft Palate

After Surgery

Uni-Lateral Complete Cleft Palate Before Surgery

Uni-Lateral Complete Cleft Palate Without Surgical Intervention.

Food can be injested so the dog is at risk for lung problems, but this dog has learned to eat without incident as of the date of this photo.

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Primary Cleft Palate Diagrams in Humans

Left: Unilateral Incomplete

Center: Unilateral Complete

Bottom: Bi-Lateral Complete

http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/cleftpalate.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleft_lip_and_palate

http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/cleftpalate.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cleft.htm

Links to Info on Cleft Palates