We got a new puppy about 1 month ago. He has been having problems when drinking water. We noticed that he would take a few drinks of water then it was coming back up through his nose. Today at the vet, he told and showed us that our puppy has an incomplete soft palate. His soft palate on the left side never formed. Does anyone have any info or websites that I can check for info on this matter? Thanks for your help
2006-09-19 13:48:10 · 7 answers · asked by poohbear10800 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Only the vet can say for sure if it can be corrected, but I think it can. A breeder friend of mine once tried to save a cleft palate pup by tube feeding it until it was old enough for surgery, unfortunately she was not successful. I'd think the fact that your pup has lived this long without special care is a good sign. However, the surgery is likely to be expensive.
Definitely let the breeder know about this.
2006-09-20 06:01:02 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry,
I am surprised the puppy lived this long. A puppy with an incomplete palate is one that has been born with a defect in the top of the mouth. Sometimes it consists of a hole all the way through and sometimes it is a weakening of the tissue in between - sometimes paper thin. Think of the roof of your own mouth. When a puppy is born this way, if they live at all, they can rarely nurse and have to be tube fed. Mother dogs will generally refuse to nurse them and nudge them away to die. Most responsible breeders, when doing daily inspections of the puppies will see this condition. Unfortunately, in most cases (as far as I know all cases but there may be a rare exception) the puppy will die anyway. They are generally taken to the vet and put to sleep before they die of malnutrition. I am surprised that this puppy was sold. I would definately be making a call to that breeder for a return of your money and go with a responsible breeder next time. Let me know and I will help you find one.
If the vet recommends putting your puppy to sleep, I would go ahead. It would only be a kindness. It will break your heart but at least you will be helping the poor thing. If he sees hope, then the best thing to do would be to learn how to tube feed. That cannot go on forever but if your vet knows of a treatment that I have not heard about, then it is a very slight chance.
Sorry and good luck
2006-09-19 14:07:58 · answer #2 · answered by K G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if U got Ur pup at about the correct age for them to leave mom/sibs (56 days, min), then Ur puppy shoudl now be about 3 mos age.
this is a developmental defect, in the same family as a cleft palate (which is the hard palate, at the roof of the mouth, dividing mouth from nasal/sinus cavities).
at about 12 weeks, Ur pup is still growing... but keeping the sinuses clean and avoiding any food or other material from lodging in them, may be very difficult!!
Ur puppy may get full or partial closure, IF he lives long enough, and IF the soft-palate grows. However, given that normal pups have a complete soft-palate at birth, this defect may not change.
if it is something that can be surgically repaired, that might be a good option. depending on the SIZE of the defect, he might lead a pretty normal life... or he could develop a very dangerous sinus infection or blockage, after something gets stuck in there, and die very young.
did the vet give U any options? mention any surgery? explain any way to help keep him healthy and prevent crud accumulating in his sinus?
U need medical info and some good preventive plans - get another opinion, preferably from a vet whose specialty is reproductive or neonatal surgeries, or neonate development. Ask for a referral.
2006-09-19 14:01:12 · answer #3 · answered by leashedforlife 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be closed surgically. Didn't the Vet discuss this with you???
It is genetic, so please do not ever use him for breeding. I would also let the breeder know so that she is aware of this problem with the parents. If you got him from a good breeder, they will probably help pay for surgery, at least to the cost of the pup.
2006-09-19 14:41:40 · answer #4 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Think of it ignor getimgang This puppies life is on the line why not get help from a surger or something it maybe a thousand dollars but if you love this dog its up to you
2006-09-20 02:04:56 · answer #5 · answered by Someone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try looking into this website below..
2006-09-19 13:57:48 · answer #6 · answered by Sumanitu Taka 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WHY would you even bother?
A HORRIBLY expensive surgery is the ONLY fix. **WHY**???
2006-09-20 01:59:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋