Hello,
I just wanted to update with Jokers progress and pictures. I havent updated on this thread for quite awhile since I have been following Breny And TIa (another cleft baby) thread. Thought I would update here in case someone comes across this thread in the future for help for a cleft puppy.
Joker is a success story. He is now over 4 months old on Sept 4 2006 and weighs 1 lb 11 ozs. He does so well I dont think he will ever require surgery for his lip and cleft palate. He eats only dry food and water routinely because it doesnt get caught in his cleft. I do give treats occasionally but he does best with a small chunk of meat, or anything not mushy. He doesnt get canned often because this is the only time he gets particles in his cleft and has to be suctioned. You know something is caught because he keeps sneezing off and on and will begin to wheeze when he plays. I just suction him with a baby bulb syringe and hes breathing normally again after that. More wonderful news is that Jokers cleft has begin to have a closedown and is getting smaller as he matures. No sure how much of a change will happen with his lip but the comical thing is he is getting teeth in the front he didnt have before........so when he is older there will be two always exposed teeth in the front. Joker will always have a forever smile!!!!
Its so funny.
He is very proud, playful and very intelligent. I wondered how smart he would be. In the first weeks he looked so malnourished that I thought maybe it would affect his intelligence. But it certainly didnt! With all the special attention he recieved he may be the smartest yorkie I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
An example, One of the pictures I am attaching shows him with a baby bottle. That is his own Bottle! He is so smart that if you put a lil honey water in it he will grab the bottle by the nipple and find ledges or toys to tip the bottle so he can drink from the bottle!
I will periodically update pictures here on this thread and let you all know how he is doing.
If you are reading this thread and have a special needs puppy, its hard work to raise them and its not always a success story but it can be done and it gets easier if your lucky enough to have a puppy who improves. What wonderful loving pets they make. GOd bless.