Home » Diseases » In dogs » Cheilognathopalatoschisis, Cleft Lip and Palate

Cheilognathopalatoschisis, Cleft Lip and Palate in Dogs

Synonyms: Chemodectoma, Glomus tumor

Occurrence: very rare
Location of disease: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Definition

Cleft lip and palate, also known as cheilognathopalatoschisis, is a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. malformation in dogs characterized by an incomplete fusion of the lips, jaw, and palate during embryonic development.

The most important facts at a glance

Cleft lip and palate in dogs is a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. malformation that occurs during embryonic development due to incomplete fusion of the lips, jaw, and palate. This malformation can significantly complicate sucking and eating and lead to health problems. The causes are multifactorialMultifactorial refers to conditions or diseases that arise from the interplay of several causes or risk factors. In dogs and cats, these can be genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and nutritional factors that together lead to health problems., with genetic factors playing a significant role. Various genes involved in facial development can be mutated. Environmental factors, such as the exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. of the pregnant dog to certain medications or Malnutrition, also increase the risk. Symptoms include difficulty sucking and swallowing, as well as milk leaking from the nose. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made through a clinical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions.. Surgical interventions are the most common form of therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. to restore the function of the mouth and nose. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the severity of the malformation and the success of the surgery. Preventive measures include genetic selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. and optimal care during pregnancy. Research focuses on genetic and environmental factors contributing to the development, as well as the improvement of surgical techniques. Insights from veterinary medicine can also contribute to the development of new therapies in humans.

Causes

The development of mouth and nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. structures in dogs occurs during the embryonic phase. Normally, the tissues that form the lips, jaw, and palate fuse to create a continuous structure. In dogs with a cleft lip and palate, this fusion process is incomplete, resulting in gaps in these areas.

The causes of this malformation are multifactorialMultifactorial refers to conditions or diseases that arise from the interplay of several causes or risk factors. In dogs and cats, these can be genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and nutritional factors that together lead to health problems.. Genetic factors play a significant role, as the predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. to cleft formation is often observed within certain breeds or families. Various genes involved in facial development can be mutated and contribute to the development of the cleft.

Environmental factors can also play a role. The exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. of the pregnant dog to certain medications, malnutrition, or toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances can increase the risk of developing a cleft lip and palate. Studies have also shown that a deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones. in certain vitamins, such as folic acid, during pregnancy can increase the risk of this malformation.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Signs of Respiratory Obstruction

The symptoms of cleft lip and palate in dogs vary depending on the severity of the cleft. One of the most obvious manifestations is a visible cleft or gap in the lip or palate. This can range from a small notch to a large opening that significantly impairs food intake.

Dogs with this malformation often show difficulty suckling or eating, as food intake is made difficult by the cleft. This often leads to Malnutrition and slower Growth disorders. Affected puppies may also expel milk through their nose, which is a typical sign of a cleft palate.

Other symptoms include recurring respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. infections, as food and fluids can enter the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. cavity, increasing the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Affected dogs may also develop sinusitis or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of a cleft lip and palate is usually made through a thorough clinical examination. An experienced veterinarian can identify the cleft when examining the dog’s mouth and nose. In newborn puppies, this examination is often performed immediately after birth.

In addition to the physical examination, imaging procedures such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. or CT scans can be used to assess the extent of the cleft and any accompanying anomalies. These methods also help in planning surgical interventions if they are necessary.

In some cases, genetic testing can be performed to identify genetic markers associated with cleft formation. These tests are particularly useful when assessing a genetic risk for future litters.

Therapy

Treatment of cleft lip and palate in dogs is often surgical. The timing of the surgery is important and is usually set at a minimum age of three months to minimize the risk of complications and ensure sufficient tissue for the procedure.

The surgical procedure aims to close the cleft and restore normal function to the mouth and nose. This may include closing the palatal cleft and restoring the lip and jaw contour. In some cases, multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. surgeries are required to achieve optimal results.

After surgery, intensive postoperativePostoperative refers to the time after a surgical operation. This phase includes recovery and the management of possible complications after the procedure. care is necessary to support healing and avoid complications. This includes monitoring food intake, pain management, and preventing infections through careful hygiene.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with cleft lip and palate depends on the severity of the malformation and the success of the surgical treatment. With successful surgery, many dogs can lead a normal life, although they may remain susceptible to respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. infections or other complications.

Early detection and early intervention are crucial for a better prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop.. Without treatment, the cleft formation can lead to serious health problems, including chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. infections, Malnutrition, and in the worst case, Death.

Prevention

The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of cleft lip and palate in dogs is complex and requires a combination of genetic selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. and optimal care during pregnancy. Breeders should be aware that breeding dogs with a known predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for this malformation should be avoided to minimize the risk for future litters.

Proper nutrition for the pregnant dog, rich in essential nutrients and vitamins like folic acid, can help reduce the risk of malformations. Avoiding harmful substances and unnecessary medications during pregnancy is also important.

Regular veterinary check-ups during pregnancy can help identify potential risks early and take appropriate measures to ensure the health of the mother and puppies.

Outlook on current research

Cleft lip and palate (cheilognathopalatoschisis) is a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. malformation in dogs caused by incomplete fusion of the lips, upper jaw, and palate during embryonic development. This malformation leads to a gap or opening that can significantly complicate sucking and eating, leading to further health problems. Current research focuses on the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of this malformation. Genetic studies have shown so far that it is a polygenic disease, meaning that several genes are involved. This makes it difficult to identify specific genetic markers that can cause the disease.

A significant part of the research deals with identifying the specific genes associated with the development of a cleft lip and palate. By using modern techniques such as genome sequencing, scientists are trying to identify genetic patterns that increase the risk of this malformation. Otherwise, studies are being conducted on how environmental factors, such as the mother’s diet during pregnancy or exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to certain chemicals, can influence the risk.

Another area of research is the improvement of surgical techniques for correcting the cleft. Traditionally, these operations require several interventions to restore both the aesthetic and functional integrity of the mouth area. Researchers are working on optimizing surgical techniques to reduce the number of required interventions and shorten healing time. New methods, such as the use of stem cell therapies and biomimetic materials, are also being investigated to promote tissue regeneration and improve outcomes.

In addition to surgery, preventive measures are also being researched. These include genetic testing in breeding animals to minimize the risk of passing the disease on to offspring. By identifying risk factors and understanding the genetic basis of the disease, targeted breeding programs can be developed to reduce the prevalence of cleft lip and palate in dog populations.

Research on cheilognathopalatoschisis in dogs also has implications for understanding and treating this condition in humans. Since the genetic and developmental biological mechanisms are similar, insights from veterinary medicine can help develop new therapies and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies for human patients. This shows how important comparative research between humans and animals is for better understanding complex genetic diseases.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is cleft lip and palate in dogs?

Cleft lip and palate is a congenital malformation in which the lips, upper jaw, and palate do not close completely, resulting in a cleft. This cleft can affect eating and drinking and lead to other health problems. -

How is the disease diagnosed?

The condition is normally diagnosed shortly after birth through a physical examination. The veterinarian will examine the puppy's oral cavity and identify the cleft. In some cases, additional imaging procedures such as X-ray may be required to assess the extent of the malformation. -

What treatment options are there?

The primary treatment method is the surgical correction of the cleft. The surgery aims to restore the functionality of the oral cavity and reduce the risk of complications such as infections. In some cases, several operations are required to achieve the desired result. -

Can dogs with cleft lip and palate lead a normal life?

With the right treatment and care, many dogs can lead a normal life. Surgical correction can fix most functional problems, although some dogs may still require special care or nutritional adjustments. -

Is the condition hereditary?

Yes, the condition has a genetic component and may be more common in certain breeds. It is a polygenic disease involving multiple genetic factors. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when breeding dogs. -

Which breeds are most commonly affected?

While the condition can occur in all dog breeds, certain breeds are more frequently affected. These include Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, and Pekingese, among others. This predisposition may be due to genetic factors. -

Can the condition be prevented?

Complete prevention of the condition is currently not possible, but risks can be minimized through responsible breeding practices and genetic testing. A healthy diet and care for the pregnant dog can also reduce the risk. -

Are there long-term complications?

Without treatment, dogs with a cleft lip and palate can have problems eating and drinking, which can lead to Malnutrition and Growth disorders. There is also an increased risk of infections and respiratory problems. -

What role does nutrition play in the treatment?

An adapted diet can help minimize problems with eating and ensure adequate nutrient intake. Soft or liquid food may be required to facilitate feeding and reduce the risk of aspiration. -

How do I find the right veterinarian for treatment?

It is important to find a veterinarian who has experience in treating cleft lip and palate. Specialized veterinary clinics or university hospitals can often provide the best care. Recommendations from breeders or other dog owners can also be helpful.