Cleft Palate Repair in Puppies and Kittens

Clinical Signs of Cleft Palate in Puppies

• Difficulty or inability to nurse (no suction ability)

• Milk or formula leaking from the nose during feeding

• Coughing, gagging, or sneezing during eating or drinking

• Poor weight gain or failure to thrive

• Nasal discharge or chronic nasal infection

• Frequent respiratory infections or aspiration pneumonia

Risk Factors

• Hereditary factors (especially in brachycephalic and toy breeds)

• Breeds commonly affected: Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Miniature Schnauzers, Beagles, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Siamese cats

• Environmental influences during pregnancy: viral infections, toxin exposure, or poor maternal nutrition

Initial Care and Feeding Management

Because cleft palate puppies cannot nurse effectively, alternative feeding methods are essential for survival and healthy development.

• Tube or syringe feeding: These methods are used in the first 4–8 weeks of life, ensuring your puppy receives adequate nutrition. Syringe feeding involves gently placing a soft-tipped syringe in the mouth, while tube feeding may be done by a trained caregiver or veterinarian.

• Esophagostomy tubes: A more comfortable long-term feeding solution, this tube is placed through the neck into the esophagus, allowing food to bypass the cleft entirely. It simplifies feeding, especially for owners managing multiple feedings daily.

• Feeding consistency: Use blenderized diets, meat-based baby food, or prescription recovery formulas designed for puppies. Food should be slightly warm (not hot) and of a smooth, pudding-like texture to reduce the risk of aspiration.

• Feeding position: Keep the puppy upright during and after feeding. Cradling or using a puppy feeding sling can help prevent formula from entering the nasal passages and reduce the risk of pneumonia.

• Feeding frequency: Small meals 4–6 times per day are typically recommended. Monitor daily weight gain to ensure progress.

• Water: As puppies wean, provide plain water in a low dish. Water helps rinse the nasal passages naturally, especially in unrepaired clefts.

• Hygiene: Keep feeding equipment sterile, and monitor for signs of nasal discharge or respiratory infection, which can indicate aspiration.

Proper feeding support is critical to help these puppies grow strong enough for surgery, and it also improves their comfort and quality of life.

Surgical Repair of Cleft Palate

Surgical correction is typically performed at 3–4 months of age, once the puppy is strong and has reached adequate body size.

• Tissues from the sides of the mouth (mucosal flaps) are used to close the defect

• In some cases, tissue from lips, cheeks, or forehead may be used

• Full closure restores separation between nasal and oral cavities and prevents future infections

Puppies with small soft palate clefts may only require canned food post-op, while those with hard palate involvement will need extended soft/blenderized diets.

Potential Surgical Complications

• Swelling of the soft palate can cause snoring and temporary difficulty eating

• Self-trauma from pawing or tongue rubbing may reopen the surgical site

• Nasal discharge or sneezing may occur if small openings remain (oronasal fistulas)

• Growth-related changes can cause repaired areas to weaken, requiring revision surgery.

Feeding Do’s & Don’ts (First 2–4 Weeks)

Do

• Feed soft, blenderized food (meat baby food, canned recovery diets, or soaked kibble)

• Use a feeding syringe or shallow bowl for gentle delivery

• Feed small amounts frequently—4 to 6 meals per day

• Provide fresh water in a low, shallow bowl

• Keep your puppy upright during and after feeding to reduce aspiration risk

• Monitor for sneezing, nasal discharge, or coughing during/after meals

🚫 Don’t

• No hard kibble, treats, or chew toys

• Avoid force-feeding or squeezing too much food at once

• Don’t let your puppy play, chew, or lick their mouth excessively

Feeding Tube Instructions (if placed)

• Use only the prescribed liquid or blenderized diet

• Flush tube with warm water before and after feeding

• Clean the site daily as instructed

• Call if you notice redness, swelling, or discharge at the tube site

When to Call Us

• Refusal to eat or signs of pain during feeding

• Persistent nasal discharge or coughing

• Vomiting, bloating, or diarrhea

• Tube displacement or chewing at the surgical site.

Schedule a Consultation

If you suspect your puppy has a cleft palate or needs surgical repair, contact Canton Animal Hospital. We provide complete diagnosis, nutritional support, and corrective surgery for cleft palate in puppies and kittens.

Call us or visit www.cantonvets.com to schedule a consultation.