Use of a barrier membrane to repair congenital hard palate defects and to close oronasal fistulae remaining after cleft palate repair: seven dogs (2019-2022).

Objective: To describe the use of a barrier membrane in dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and closure of oronasal fistulae (ONF) remaining after previous cleft palate (CFP) repair.

Animals: 7 client-owned dogs.

Methods: The hard palate defect was closed with medially positioned flaps (Von Langenbeck technique) or pedicle flaps (2-flap palatoplasty) and a membrane composed of autologous auricular cartilage from the pinna or allogenous fascia lata underlying the mucoperiosteal flaps.

Results: All palate defects were considered to have a high risk of dehiscence based on their type and size and the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. The barrier membrane was used in 5 dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and in 2 dogs for closure of ONF remaining after previous CFP repair. Resolution of clinical signs occurred in all cases. Complete success (ie, complete closure of the palate defect and absence of clinical signs) was achieved in 5 dogs (4 with congenital hard palate defects and 1 with an ONF remaining after previous CFP repair). The persistent ONF in 1 dog with functional success (incomplete closure, but no clinical signs) was smaller than prior to surgery.

Clinical Relevance: Barrier membranes underlying mucoperiosteal flaps may constitute an alternative technique in dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and closure of ONF remaining after previous CFP repair.