Overview of the Condition: A cleft palate is an opening between
the mouth (oral cavity) and the nose (nasal cavity) that occurs
when the tissues separating these two cavities do not grow
together properly. This birth defect can occur in the lip
(“primary cleft palate”, “cleft lip”, or “harelip”) or along the
roof of the mouth (“secondary cleft palate”). Within the mouth,
the cleft can extend along the bony portion (hard palate), the
flexible portion that is used in swallowing (soft palate), or
both. Animals with primary cleft palates are obvious (Figure1).
Because the lips and nostrils did not fuse, the teeth and gums
of the upper jaw may be exposed and one nostril may be distorted
or incomplete. Animals with secondary cleft palates (Figure 2)
within the mouth will sneeze and snort because food and saliva
will pass through the gap into the nose. Nasal discharge from
the food may occur during or after nursing or eating and may
become continuous if infection is present. Animals may cough and
gag when they drink