undiagnosed cleft? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

red rock blues · 10-27-2006, 07:32 AM

I got thinking during the night that maybe the reason you guys avoid the pureed puppy food is because of possible bacteria? I saw where karo syrup over honey was suggested because of this, and lord knows what's really in puppy food. I've been useing the small cans of science diet chicken puppy food in the blender and then useing a sieve to screen any lumps. Mom wants to quit nursing and so does the baby, but the vet suggested I encourage them to continue. I lay mom next to me and baby next to her and they both really enjoy that snuggle time, so hopefully I'll get a little more that way. But, should I quit the strained puppy food altogether?

feminvstr · 10-27-2006, 07:46 AM

oh my Janet what a story of love, Ive heard many times (the small ones) these close up on their own...please keep us updated on your sweet little ones progress.

red rock blues · 10-27-2006, 09:06 AM

Thanks, Kimberly. That gives me hope that they might close on their own. The idea of anesthesia on a tiny just makes me sick. I don't know if this means anything, but this pup's due date was the 29th. Mom went into labor the night of the 22nd and had the c-section the 23rd. They say the cleft is already formed, but this baby had been kicking like crazy and I knew they weren't going full term. That's very early, but there is no doubt about it, as it was a one shot deal.

I call her "kick start". Hope you don't mind, lol. I named her before she was even born because she was trying to kick her way out! At times I was expecting a little "alien" to come thru. (Besides, I love that name). My first vet called last night to see how she was doing, and I told her my regular vet found the clefts. They both have said they've never seen a cleft survive this long, so they aren't nearly as much help as the sweet people on YT. I'm glad now that it wasn't diagnosed right at the beginning. It will be interesting to hear what the surgeon in Vegas has to say tho, and I'll share it when I talk to him.

red rock blues · 10-27-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breny

I just wanted to ad that I've delt (and am still dealing with) a soft cleft palate. You can read my story here: Cleft Palet Puppy owner? Are you out there? I need your help!

My baby is now 16 weeks old and doing awesome! Eating on her own, weighing in at 2.5 lbs, eating hard food and drinking water. Her cleft is a whole cleft. I'm not planning surgery. She still breathes girgly and water still comes out her nose, but other than that she is doing real well. My thread may help you as when I started the post she was 3 weeks old. It was a long road but we've made it this far. I'd be happy to help with anything, please let me know!!! My thoughts are with you!!!

Thank you, breny. Yes, I've been reading your thread. You guys are amazing. Your's might've been a bigger problem I think. The large cleft in the hard palate seems much uglier. Mine has 2 tiny holes way back in the soft. It's still really nasty, but as a last resort surgery is an option on the soft. I've been reading anything and everything I can find, as I just KNEW it had to be a cleft problem. OR respiratory problems from under-developed lungs... or.... or.... or..... whew.

red rock blues · 10-31-2006, 12:12 PM

My regular vet just called after talking to the surgeon in Vegas. First off, he told me he was wrong to suggest I keep her nursing. (Do I love that man or what! How many "experts" EVER admit they make a mistake?) She should be on chunky things (just as you guys suggested) until she gets some teeth and can handle kibble. The surgeon says the holes will not close by themselves, but he won't do surgery until at least 4 mths of age. So we'll re-evaluate in a couple of months. Good news is, with the description my vet gave him it should require only 1 surgery with 2 stiches. So far we're doing okay, as she has made it to 1 full pound now. She was 5 weeks sat. Her ears are up now, and she is so cute!!! Isn't it funny how special they become! And her sister and Maggie treat her special, too. They both just love her and roll over to let her climb on them. I'll try and get and post some pics tonight. Thanks again for all your help and suggestions. You guys were a big part in saving her. If we can just avoid pnuemonia, now, we have a pretty good shot, I think.

red rock blues · 11-06-2006, 10:11 AM

Here's my little cleft baby at 6 weeks now. Even tho I'm not Catholic, we recognize a true saint around here.

The other pic is of her and my little Maggie Mae who just loves her. This little cleft baby has more spunk and attitude than I can believe. She's absolutely fearless, and her tail is always up even when heading into new territory on her own.

vainchick5 · 11-06-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red rock blues

Here's my little cleft baby at 6 weeks now. Even tho I'm not Catholic, we recognize a true saint around here.

The other pic is of her and my little Maggie Mae who just loves her. This little cleft baby has more spunk and attitude than I can believe. She's absolutely fearless, and her tail is always up even when heading into new territory on her own.

OMG she is GORGEOUS and totally kissable. I just want to turn her over and kiss her belly

Lacy's Mom · 11-06-2006, 11:03 AM

She adorable. She looks very healthy. You would never know she even had a cleft. Her weight looks great. We'll keep praying for no lung problems until she gets those little holes stitched up.

luvdorkyyorkies · 11-06-2006, 11:37 AM

Im so glad to hear your baby is doing well. Sounds like another true survivor!
What a wonderful thing you have done by taking the time to help give her life.
My Joker, who has a cleft lip and hard palate defect is going in this week for neuter this week at 6 m of age. He doesnt have breathing problems or eating problems anymore so I think he will do fine.
Although he has a hard palate problem it was almost better for him because he adapted by the way he drinks water and lapped formula. It was all toward the front instead of the back, Being further in the mouth makes it much more difficult for the puppy to control where the food and fluids go as it goes into the mouth.
He eats dry, gets occasional chunky treats and is a regular type lil boy. Just has a crocked lil nose and smile. He doesnt require surgery. He is a live wire.
When and if your baby needs surgery.....wishing you all the best and good health for your special sweetie!!!
I read that some clefts can start a close down alot of times seen at 6 months. It can be very true. One of Jokers nasal passages was entirely open to his mouth but the area is getting smaller. ALthough it will never heal completely, the opening from the nasal passage and the mouth is greatly reduced, the sides trying to touch now.
Hugs from the CLEFT CLUB

red rock blues · 11-06-2006, 02:44 PM

Wow, Thanks Kelly! It's so good to keep hearing that they might close on their own. I'm more afraid of the surgery than anything. I had a friend ask me "How much is that going to cost"? I was like "Who cares, whatever it takes". LOL. It's the stress and the anesthesia that freaks me out. We have bad days sometimes, and I've had to put her on the anti-biotic I was given, but for the most part, she's a little scrapper. She still only weighs 17 oz., but while she's not gaining much, she's holding what she's got. Another thing I find fascinatng is the way her mom, sister and Maggie all treat her like she's something so special. Even tho it's easy for us to see them as human, animals usually shun or avoid a sick pup. Not so with her. I'm starting to think she might just be a little "Angel". (Then I remember that my house sold last week and the movers are coming this friday, and my new house hasn't even started, and I'm in a trailer house with no room.) LOL. Wish my hubby luck, too, ok?

red rock blues · 12-18-2006, 10:33 AM

My little cleft baby is doing great. She's 12 weeks now, and has been eating kibble for about a month. She had an exam last week, and the vet says he's not sure if they've closed or not, so he's going to put her under a light isoflourane and do a thorough exam and if needed, put a stich in if needed. He says that it's so minor now, that he's not going to send me to Vegas. It's funny that they refuse to admit that a cleft might close on it's own. I told him that I'd heard they might, but he said that more likely as the pup grows, the cleft remains the same size. At any rate, I'm going to do this, only because I don't want to worry that down the road (when she goes to a new home) there might be any concern for resperatory problems. Wish I could keep her, but I know that eventually I have to let her go. But, he's assured me that she'll be just fine. She's still only 1 1/2 lbs., but thinks she's a Rottie. I'll let you know how she does, and IF the holes were even still open. This vet has always been great with me, and he'll tell me if they are. He's always taken me back to look under his microscope and knows how deeply involved I am in what's going on with my animals. Plus, he knows I do my own homework, which he respects. Here's a new pic of the litte munchkin. (Take about 1/2 inch of hair off her ears, as I don't want to shave them.)

red rock blues · 12-18-2006, 10:36 AM

Here's the pic. Guess, I messed up.

red rock blues · 01-09-2007, 12:58 PM

Well, soft clefts can close on their own if they're small enough. He did say in the beginning that they were tiny, but they were still a big problem. Now, he's saying that it's possible it was a respiratory infection instead of a cleft. lol. I lived with the milk coming out of the nose constantly and know better. I ask if in vet school they teach that a cleft will neve close on it's own or what. Both vets said they see miracles all the time, so...... At any rate, healthy as can be. I would never advise trying to save a serious cleft baby, but if you find yourself in a situation as some of us have, take heart.

10-27-2006, 07:32 AM	#16
red rock blues No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mesquite, Nv Posts: 136	Bacteria? I got thinking during the night that maybe the reason you guys avoid the pureed puppy food is because of possible bacteria? I saw where karo syrup over honey was suggested because of this, and lord knows what's really in puppy food. I've been useing the small cans of science diet chicken puppy food in the blender and then useing a sieve to screen any lumps. Mom wants to quit nursing and so does the baby, but the vet suggested I encourage them to continue. I lay mom next to me and baby next to her and they both really enjoy that snuggle time, so hopefully I'll get a little more that way. But, should I quit the strained puppy food altogether?

10-27-2006, 07:46 AM	#17
feminvstr Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 4,398	oh my Janet what a story of love, Ive heard many times (the small ones) these close up on their own...please keep us updated on your sweet little ones progress. __________________ Kimberly

10-27-2006, 09:06 AM	#18
red rock blues No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mesquite, Nv Posts: 136	"kick Start" LOL Thanks, Kimberly. That gives me hope that they might close on their own. The idea of anesthesia on a tiny just makes me sick. I don't know if this means anything, but this pup's due date was the 29th. Mom went into labor the night of the 22nd and had the c-section the 23rd. They say the cleft is already formed, but this baby had been kicking like crazy and I knew they weren't going full term. That's very early, but there is no doubt about it, as it was a one shot deal. I call her "kick start". Hope you don't mind, lol. I named her before she was even born because she was trying to kick her way out! At times I was expecting a little "alien" to come thru. (Besides, I love that name). My first vet called last night to see how she was doing, and I told her my regular vet found the clefts. They both have said they've never seen a cleft survive this long, so they aren't nearly as much help as the sweet people on YT. I'm glad now that it wasn't diagnosed right at the beginning. It will be interesting to hear what the surgeon in Vegas has to say tho, and I'll share it when I talk to him.

10-31-2006, 12:12 PM	#20
red rock blues No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mesquite, Nv Posts: 136	Update from surgeon My regular vet just called after talking to the surgeon in Vegas. First off, he told me he was wrong to suggest I keep her nursing. (Do I love that man or what! How many "experts" EVER admit they make a mistake?) She should be on chunky things (just as you guys suggested) until she gets some teeth and can handle kibble. The surgeon says the holes will not close by themselves, but he won't do surgery until at least 4 mths of age. So we'll re-evaluate in a couple of months. Good news is, with the description my vet gave him it should require only 1 surgery with 2 stiches. So far we're doing okay, as she has made it to 1 full pound now. She was 5 weeks sat. Her ears are up now, and she is so cute!!! Isn't it funny how special they become! And her sister and Maggie treat her special, too. They both just love her and roll over to let her climb on them. I'll try and get and post some pics tonight. Thanks again for all your help and suggestions. You guys were a big part in saving her. If we can just avoid pnuemonia, now, we have a pretty good shot, I think.

11-06-2006, 11:37 AM	#24
luvdorkyyorkies Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,496	Im so glad to hear your baby is doing well. Sounds like another true survivor! What a wonderful thing you have done by taking the time to help give her life. My Joker, who has a cleft lip and hard palate defect is going in this week for neuter this week at 6 m of age. He doesnt have breathing problems or eating problems anymore so I think he will do fine. Although he has a hard palate problem it was almost better for him because he adapted by the way he drinks water and lapped formula. It was all toward the front instead of the back, Being further in the mouth makes it much more difficult for the puppy to control where the food and fluids go as it goes into the mouth. He eats dry, gets occasional chunky treats and is a regular type lil boy. Just has a crocked lil nose and smile. He doesnt require surgery. He is a live wire. When and if your baby needs surgery.....wishing you all the best and good health for your special sweetie!!! I read that some clefts can start a close down alot of times seen at 6 months. It can be very true. One of Jokers nasal passages was entirely open to his mouth but the area is getting smaller. ALthough it will never heal completely, the opening from the nasal passage and the mouth is greatly reduced, the sides trying to touch now. Hugs from the CLEFT CLUB __________________ Kelly "Home of the Dorky Yorkies!"

11-06-2006, 11:03 AM	#23
Lacy's Mom YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 2,931	She adorable. She looks very healthy. You would never know she even had a cleft. Her weight looks great. We'll keep praying for no lung problems until she gets those little holes stitched up.

11-06-2006, 02:44 PM	#25
red rock blues No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mesquite, Nv Posts: 136	Wow, Thanks Kelly! It's so good to keep hearing that they might close on their own. I'm more afraid of the surgery than anything. I had a friend ask me "How much is that going to cost"? I was like "Who cares, whatever it takes". LOL. It's the stress and the anesthesia that freaks me out. We have bad days sometimes, and I've had to put her on the anti-biotic I was given, but for the most part, she's a little scrapper. She still only weighs 17 oz., but while she's not gaining much, she's holding what she's got. Another thing I find fascinatng is the way her mom, sister and Maggie all treat her like she's something so special. Even tho it's easy for us to see them as human, animals usually shun or avoid a sick pup. Not so with her. I'm starting to think she might just be a little "Angel". (Then I remember that my house sold last week and the movers are coming this friday, and my new house hasn't even started, and I'm in a trailer house with no room.) LOL. Wish my hubby luck, too, ok?

12-18-2006, 10:33 AM	#26
red rock blues No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mesquite, Nv Posts: 136	Update on Cleft My little cleft baby is doing great. She's 12 weeks now, and has been eating kibble for about a month. She had an exam last week, and the vet says he's not sure if they've closed or not, so he's going to put her under a light isoflourane and do a thorough exam and if needed, put a stich in if needed. He says that it's so minor now, that he's not going to send me to Vegas. It's funny that they refuse to admit that a cleft might close on it's own. I told him that I'd heard they might, but he said that more likely as the pup grows, the cleft remains the same size. At any rate, I'm going to do this, only because I don't want to worry that down the road (when she goes to a new home) there might be any concern for resperatory problems. Wish I could keep her, but I know that eventually I have to let her go. But, he's assured me that she'll be just fine. She's still only 1 1/2 lbs., but thinks she's a Rottie. I'll let you know how she does, and IF the holes were even still open. This vet has always been great with me, and he'll tell me if they are. He's always taken me back to look under his microscope and knows how deeply involved I am in what's going on with my animals. Plus, he knows I do my own homework, which he respects. Here's a new pic of the litte munchkin. (Take about 1/2 inch of hair off her ears, as I don't want to shave them.)

01-09-2007, 12:58 PM	#28
red rock blues No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mesquite, Nv Posts: 136	Cleft update Well, soft clefts can close on their own if they're small enough. He did say in the beginning that they were tiny, but they were still a big problem. Now, he's saying that it's possible it was a respiratory infection instead of a cleft. lol. I lived with the milk coming out of the nose constantly and know better. I ask if in vet school they teach that a cleft will neve close on it's own or what. Both vets said they see miracles all the time, so...... At any rate, healthy as can be. I would never advise trying to save a serious cleft baby, but if you find yourself in a situation as some of us have, take heart.