CLEFT PALATE.
In exceptional cases the soft palate has failed to unite in the median line, and is represented by two lateral flaps separated by a v-shaped hiatus in the middle. In a specimen in the N. Y. S. V. College, taken from a trotting colt, the fissure is continued forward for several inches between the palatine bones and the palatine processes of the superior maxillary, establishing a direct communication between the mouth and nasal chambers. In still other instances the fissure is continued forward between the maxillary and anterior maxillary bones, throwing the whole length of the buccal and nasal chambers into one irregular cavity, and forming harelip.
It would be possible to remedy some of these conditions by plastic operation, but the value of the young animal will rarely warrant any such resort.