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Cleft
Palate Puppies
(They are So worth the time to
save)
In 1999, I had the opportunity, to save this puppy. It was not one of my puppies, but I took over on a mission to save him. Tube feeding every 2 hours, for weeks, around the clock. Saving puppies takes time sometimes, but it is really worth it.
Most vets and breeders will tell you to euthanize, and for good reason, as they do not want to see the puppy suffer, and most people, do not realize how much time it can take. If someone just tries to save the puppy by putting a little effort into it, instead of a LOT, the puppy will suffer, and slowly die. This is NOT fair.
It is
encouraging to hear that they can be saved with commitment and time.
Many cleft puppies are being saved around the World,
and the Vets that recommended euthanasia are getting a to see how good these
puppies can do. And what a normal, healthy, active life they can live. The Vets cannot
be blamed for recommending euthanasia. That is what they learned in Vet School,
and it has been the normal recommendation for years and years. The Vets also
believe clefts have to be repaired ASAP. For the puppy to survive. That is not
always true.
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What is
Cleft?
A cleft palate is an opening in roof of the mouth,
Clefts can be very different in size and placement. Pictured to the left is a
cleft on a 4 month Cleft puppy.
This pup was bottle fed for 5 weeks, & tube fed for 6
weeks, He now swallows kibble whole, & drinks water from a bowl
He is a normal, active thriving puppy, that shows no
medical signs of being a “Poor Do-er”
We decided on surgery, at 6 to 9 months of age, we watched and waited for a natural close down, but it didn't happen. At this time there was no reason for surgery to improve his life/health.
Photo courtesy of Bev, from BC Canada |
Cleft Puppies cannot nurse no matter how hard they try,
as they cannot get any suction. It would be like you trying to suck on your
finger without closing your mouth. Also Anything going into the mouth can get
into the sinuses and nasal passages, and could cause the pup to get sinusitis
and/or pneumonia. The signs of a cleft pup is when they try to nurse, there is
no latch on and can only mouth the nipple.
Some cleft palates are so severe that euthanasia is
necessary. Cleft puppies normally die within days if human feeding doesn’t
start (Bottle or Tube)
PLEASE, do not let these pups starve to death, that is totally unfair.
If you choose not to intervene, please take the pup to the Vet and have him
humanly put to sleep, as otherwise they will slowly starve to death.
A Decision Must be made...
The question you need to ask yourself is :
Are you willing and able, and do you have the “TIME” and
desire to devote to the care of your special pup.
If your answer is yes, It is recommended you seek info
from an experienced breeder, as time is VERY important to intervene. Key word search under "Hennwood
Labradors website, and Cleft Palate Puppies"
We have had the most rewarding experience of
saving one of these pups. I work full time, so with the help of a friend, We
did it… Bev from Canada
As of 2005
Cleft Palate Surgery
5 hours of surgery
cost of surgery $2,300.00
misc. costs before surgery $700
Some small Clefts can be fixed for $1,200.00
Courtesy of MistyTrails Havanese
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