November 24, 2007
Kaytee turned 3 years old today. 
There have been no health concerns
and she continues to do well.

Cleft Palate Puppy- From Birth to 2 Years of Age

Photos taken November 23rd and November 26th, 2006.

Meet Kaytee... age 2 years with an unrepaired cleft palate that runs about half way back (see graphic pictures below).  She has a harelip with a nose deformity and is mostly blind. Most doctors that met her thought surgery would be the only option but so far she hasn't had an upper respiratory infection.  You'll find many vet's that have never heard of NOT attempting to repair a cleft palate.  Note that it's said that some cleft palates are so severe that the only kind thing to do is euthanize and this is very true.  But many others are euthanized unnecessarily. 

Shortly after Kaytee was born to a breeder in Texas, I started searching the Internet for information that might help her to survive.  I was annoyed when I repeatedly found information that said "euthanize immediately" when other people posted searching for help.  Other sites had bad information on feeding a mush but that would cause upper respiratory infections.  I finally found a website that actually made sense.  It helped Kaytee survive.  If you've reached this page looking for hope for a pup you have, the webpage at the link below might also help you.  * The most important things are that they must be tube fed according to Anne Hennion's instructions until about 4 weeks of age and then they are fed only dry food and water for life.  NO WET FOOD.
 

~ Photos below are graphic. ~

Kaytee at birth- November 24th, 2004.
The first vet said the cleft palate didn't look too bad...
the second vet that saw her said it was very bad.

Kaytee at around 6 weeks of age.

Kaytee at approximately 9 weeks of age.  When we picked her up at the airport in Detroit everyone wanted to see the puppy.  She had traveled with her "normal" sister from Texas to Michigan with the family that picked her up for us.  Though warned that she had a birth defect, at least one lady appeared appalled by her appearance.  The hurt and rejection that some children with cleft palates and hare lips and their parents must feel.

For information on the possibility of
raising a cleft palate pup without surgery,
please visit the following address-

But do NOT feel sorry for me... I enjoy life and most people
 don't even know that I'm blind.  I was given a chance to
live when many pups like me are euthanized at birth.