Using polypropylene mesh or ear cartilage autograft with mini screws for the treatment of induced cleft hard palate in puppies: A comparative study

This experimental study aims to repair induced cleft hard palate of puppies by means of two different techniques. Eighteen puppies are divided into two equal groups. After the induction of general anesthesia by injecting a mixture of 2% xylazine at dose 2mg/kg and 10% ketamine HCL at dose 10 mg/kg., a cleft about (1x 2 cm) in diameter is established in the hard palate for each puppy. The induced cleft is closed in the first group with a polypropylene mesh, while in the second group the cleft is closed with a piece of ear cartilage autograft. In both groups, histoacryl is used. The results of the study are evaluated by monitoring clinical signs after operation. The gross and histopathological changes in both groups at the 15th, 30th, 45th postoperative days are studied, jointly with a statistical analysis for histological scoring. No sign of aspiration pneumonia and water or milk leakage from nostrils is seen postoperatively, except some animals in group one suffered from mild, interrupted degrees of sneezing that disappeared after one week postoperatively. Grossly, the induced cleft hard palate is closed for all animals at the end of the experimental study and the implanted subjects infused and interlocking is done with tissues of the hard palate. The histopathological changes in both groups are represented by granulation tissue formation, few infiltrations of inflammatory cells and good mucosal regeneration. Finally, it is concluded that we can use these materials for closing the induced cleft in the hard palate of puppies with priority for ear cartilage.