Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 7/12/2008

Question
I recently purchased the love of my life, an 11 week old bulldog named Bruiser.  He's been in our lives for 1 week and i noticed he had a cleft palate.  We took him to Tufts Vet. Hospital where he will be examined by his surgeon in 1 month.  Like i said, he's 11 weeks old, he's eating and drinking well and has gained 1 1/2 lbs. in the short time he's been with us.  I know he has no ides that something is seriously wrong, but this is breaking my heart!  I really feel like he's going to be with us for a long time, but i was wondering how he's made it this far.  The breeder had to have known about this, right?  Every web site iv'e visited has said he had to have been tube fed at birth and eventually learned how to eat and drink without his meals coming through his nose.  My husband and I are just beside ourselves and any advise or feedback might make this next month easier to deal with.

Bruiser eates Eukanuba puppy small kibble and really enjoys his treats.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you, and any advise you may have for us.

Shannon Cloutier

Answer
Hello Shannon:  Oh, your little guy will be fine!  You are lucky to be near Tufts!!  Boy, he is going to get the best care in the USA.

As for the breeder, yes she/he should have seen some feeding problems with this pup.  I am sure he had an occasional cough and snort.  Also, he may have had some milk going thru his nasal passages.  It all depends on how severe the cleft palate is displaced.

I am sure the vet gave you some idea on feeding for the next month.  Just follow your vet's advice.  I am sure they will do a great job with this little guy.

Please let me know what happens in the next month.  Again, this is a common problem with this breed.  ( happens more that you could imagine)

BEST of Luck to you all!


Marie of The Doggie Chalet Hotel
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