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Can a kitten with a cleft palate survive?

Can a kitten with a cleft palate survive?

This defect can affect the hard, bony portion of the palate, the soft flexible area that is used for swallowing, or both. The condition occurs during gestation and is usually fairly obvious at or soon after birth. Left untreated, it is unlikely that an affected kitten will survive.

What is the difficulty for newborns with a cleft lip palate?

While most babies with cleft lip can breast-feed, a cleft palate may make sucking difficult. Ear infections and hearing loss. Babies with cleft palate are especially at risk of developing middle ear fluid and hearing loss. Dental problems.

What is cleft palate in kitten?

Cleft palate happens if the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join together completely during pregnancy. The result is a defect between the mouth and the nasal sinus area. Cleft palate may involve any part or all of the palate.

How serious is cleft palate?

Cleft palate is the most common birth defect that occurs. It happens in about 1 in 700 births. It is not a fatal problem.

What causes a cleft palate in newborns?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are thought to be caused by a combination of genes and other factors, such as things the mother comes in contact with in her environment, or what the mother eats or drinks, or certain medications she uses during pregnancy.

Can babies with cleft palate breastfeed?

Babies with a cleft lip, but no cleft palate, can usually breastfeed. With a cleft palate, poor suction can make it very difficult. You can pump your breast milk and feed your baby with a special bottle provided by a feeding specialist or speech therapist.

When to take a kitten with a cleft palate to the vet?

You might notice a visible cleft or gap when a kitten opens its mouth, or notice signs such as difficulty suckling, milk bubbles at the nostrils, poor weight gain, and respiratory infection. Bring the cat to a vet for an examination if you suspect or detect a cleft palate.

What kind of birth defect is a cleft palate?

Cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the roof of the mouth (palate) fails to properly fuse together and leaves a space between the mouth and the nasal-sinus cavity.

How long is a cleft palate cone good for?

Recovery of Cleft Palate in Cats. It is likely that the kitten will need to stay at the veterinary hospital for one or two days to ensure that it is stabilized and does not have respiratory difficulties. Once the kitten comes home, owners will need to make sure that the cone remains in place for one to two weeks.

Can a kitten with cleft palate get pneumonia?

It is common for kittens with this disorder to develop pneumonia from inhaling milk while eating. This must be quickly identified and treated as it can be life-threatening. It is also recommended that cats with cleft palate be spayed or neutered to avoid unintentionally passing the condition on to future generations.