Palate is the roof of the mouth. A cleft palate is referred to the condition of an abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth due to the failure of the two sides of the palate to come together and fuse during embryonic development causing an opening between the nasal passages and the mouth. Beagles, Cocker spaniels, dachshunds, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, schnauzers, Shetland sheepdogs, and brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to this condition.
Certain symptoms commonly expected with a cleft palate include:
Runny nose
Coughing
Aspiration pneumonia caused by milk and food contents entering the cleft and infecting the lungs
Respiratory difficulty
Difficulty sucking and nursing
Slow growth
Weight loss
Lack of appetite
