Abnormal behavioural patterns in dogs with cleft palates.

Cleft lip and palate, separately or in combination, are amongst the most frequent congenital deformities found in mankind and its incidence may be as high as one birth in every seven hundred [Graber, 1969]. Furthermore, a twenty-year study indicates that the occurrence of cleft lip and palate is increasing [Fogh-Andcrsen, 1961]. In order to obtain information which may aid in the treatment of patients born with cleft palates, animals with similar deformities were studied. Without human assistance, new born pups are dependent on their mothers for nourishment and the maintenance of a suitable environment. Despite the fact that puppies born with cleft palates are usually large and strong it is common for the mother to actively reject them soon after birth. Those which are accepted, become progressively emaciated because they arc unable to suckle on their own. These two factors account for the high mortality rate of the afllictcd animals. To study the growth and develop­ ment of puppies born with cleft palates, several of these animals were reared.