Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications of cleft palate repair in large animals.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1982
- Authors:
- Bowman, K F et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a study involving seven foals, two horses, and two calves, all of which had a cleft palate (a gap in the roof of the mouth), the animals underwent surgery to fix this issue at two veterinary hospitals. Before the surgery, all the animals were already suffering from pneumonia. After the initial repairs, most of the animals faced complications, including reopening of the surgical site and infections in the jawbone. Unfortunately, five of the animals either had to be euthanized or died due to serious complications, and among the six that survived, four did not grow normally and all had ongoing nasal discharge that sometimes contained food. While the surgical method used allowed for good access to the cleft palate, the serious complications that arose were not successfully managed.
Abstract
Seven foals, 2 horses, and 2 calves were presented to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at New Bolton Center and the Large Animal Clinic at Auburn University for surgical repair of cleft palate. All animals had preexisting pneumonia. Initial repair of cleft palate in 6 foals, 2 horses, and 2 calves was performed via mandibular symphysiotomy. Primary repair of cleft soft palate in a foal was attempted through a pharyngotomy incision after fracture of the basal hyoid bone; however, exposure was inadequate and mandibular symphysiotomy had to be done. Dehiscence of a portion of the cleft palate occurred in all cases (10 of 11) that survived the immediate postoperative period. A 2nd repair was attempted in 3 foals; however, dehiscence of the palate recurred. Osteomyelitis of the mandibular symphysis developed in 6 animals; dehiscence of the lower lip occurred in 3 animals. Serious complications after surgery led to euthanasia or death of 5 animals. Of the 6 surviving animals, 4 did not grow normally. All survivors experienced chronic nasal discharge often contaminated with food material. Although mandibular symphysiotomy provided adequate exposure for surgical repair of cleft palate, serious complications have not been overcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7068506/