Surgical outcomes of congenital cleft palate repair in dogs: a scoping review

Background Congenital cleft palate (CFP) is a common orofacial malformation in dogs associated with substantial morbidity and neonatal mortality. The objective of this scoping review was to map the current veterinary literature describing surgical approaches, reported outcomes, complications, and evidence gaps following surgical repair of canine CFPs. Methods A scoping review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (ie, PRISMA-ScR) framework. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched through January 21, 2026. Two reviewers independently screened records and charted outcomes. Eligible studies reported clinical data on surgical management of canine CFP, including oronasal fistula formation, revision surgery, or postoperative complications. “Experimental Design Grade” and “Evidence Grade” were used as descriptive critical appraisal tools. These grades were not considered formal risk-of-bias assessments. Results 19 studies involving 122 dogs met inclusion criteria. No prospective studies were identified. Surgical approaches included von Langenbeck–type repairs, overlapping flap palatoplasty, and other mucoperiosteal or adjunctive reconstructive techniques. Oronasal fistula formation was the most commonly reported complication, ranging from 0% to 100%. Revision surgery was reported in up to 50% of cases. All included sources were classified as Experimental Design Grade III-V, and substantial heterogeneity existed in surgical techniques, outcome definitions, and follow-up duration (0.25 to 127 months). No surgical technique demonstrated consistent superiority. Clinical Relevance Multiple surgical techniques can achieve acceptable functional outcomes in dogs with CFPs; however, postoperative complications, particularly oronasal fistula formation, remain common. The current literature is limited by predominantly lower-level study designs and heterogeneity, highlighting the need for prospective studies with standardized outcome reporting.