General considerations for decision making
1. Timing of surgery
Best surgical results are reported when procedures are done between 6 to 8 months of age. Dogs less than 1 kg reportedly have a greater likelihood of failures. The best chance of success is with the first surgical procedure because scarred, less vascularized tissues complicate additional surgeries.
2. Genetic counseling
In case of any hereditable palatal defects, clients must be advised not to breed the pet.
3. Euthanasia
In defects that are not repairable, euthanasia should be considered for the newborn puppies.
