Just wondering if anyone has any happy endings at all to share.  Our 4 pups were born yesterday with no problems but unfortunately one has a cleft palette.  shes' obviously having problems latching on to Mum but we are persevering and topping her up.  They are all going to the vets tomorrow and she will be checked to see how severe the problem is and will have to face up to what they say.  Just thought someone might be able to cheer me up with a happy ending.

Unfortunately many pups with cleft palate fail to thrive, and those that do survive often have further congenital problems. Most breeders and vets would have the poor little mite put to sleep straight away.

I think it does depend upon the degree of the cleft pallette as some can be sewn up although obviously the puppy could never be bred from.   If the dog has a bad one then it may be kinder to consider other options but if you do try and feed the puppy just remember as each day goes by you will become more and more attached. 

Up until recently I have considered Cleft palates  to be lost causes.  However a litter were born almost 4 weeks ago, sired by one of our pug boys, this was the breeders first pug litter, and one of the 3 pups had a cleft.  The vet advised the only thing ot do would be to put him to sleep, but as they had bottle fed him over night (he coudl not latch on to Mum) and he had taken the bottle wihtout problem they decided to persevere.  He got a little dehydrated at first, and had to be topped up with re-hydrating fluid, but after day 4 got on fine.  He will be 4 weeks old on Thursday, and is starting on solids this week.  The cleft is now not visible at all.  He is only half the size of litter mates, but is the first on his feet and playing.

bye
Gwen

As the others have said though depending how bad it is i really dont think it's fair on the puppy or yourselves unless you plan to keep the puppy yourself for the rest of it's life.

Warm regards Susan

have to agree with susantwenty

aww let us know how your puppy gets on :)

The trouble is it is easy saying have the puppy PTS if you are not there but we were told we should have our pup that was diagnosed with megaoesphagus PTS as there was not hope.  Anyway we didnt and it was just as well as when he was rexrayed at 7 weeks he did not have the problem.  I personally think if it was me I would give it a try.  The vet should be able to tell you whether it can be operated on at a future date.

Not sure how to use this forum yet and hope I clicked on the right bit.  We took Mum and pups in today to have them checked especially the wee one with the problem.  I had noticed while feeding her that the roof of her mouth seemed intact although there is a hole up into her nasal passage.  The vet was of the opinion that she would not require corrective surgery and the hole should get smaller as she gets bigger.  Birth weight was 4 and a half oz and today she is 4 and 3 quarters although brothers have put on 2 ozs since Sunday feeding from Mum.  Mum still cleans her and she snuggles in with them all but can get left behind when Mum changes position.  So I'm up for the next couple of hours and Hubby will take over later as he is working night shift.  Thanks for your replies, I was on a real downer on Sunday.  I know we have a long way to go with her and any ailments can crop up along the way, I was blubbing all the way to the vets today but feel there is hope for her and will do anything neccessary to ensure that she gets the best.  Thanks again

Forgot to add, why does it come up with 'Possible troll post do not feed' really took offence due to the circumstances when I posted my question and was rather upset.  I've e-mailed the admin address but as yet have had no reply.