Outcomes of congenital secondary cleft palate repair using the overlapping flap technique with or without prior selective tooth extraction in dogs

Congenital secondary cleft palate is a common developmental abnormality affecting various dog breeds. Due to the large oro-nasal communication, affected puppies are prone to malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and early mortality without supportive care and eventual surgery. Computed tomography (CT) is an invaluable tool in orofacial cleft diagnosis, which helps to evaluate the extent of the fissure and any potential co-morbidities that may affect the skull. Selective tooth extractions, performed typically 6-8 weeks before definitive surgical repair of secondary cleft palate, can enhance the available soft tissues, thereby increasing the chances of a successful defect closure. The overlapping flap technique is one of the surgical methods described for closure of secondary cleft palates in dogs, used especially in cases of wide defects, providing a robust closure.
The lecture will discuss the results of a retrospective case series assessing the outcomes of congenital secondary cleft palate repair and cleft morphology (based on clinical photographs and CT scan images) in ten client-owned dogs using the overlapping flap technique with or without prior selective tooth extractions, treated between 2015 and 2025 at Easctott Veterinary Referrals.