Cheiloschisis: Surgical Repair of Cleft Lip in a Thoroughbred Foal

This report describes the clinical findings and surgical treatment of a foal with cheiloschisis or cleft lip. Physical examination revealed a diastema between the two first incisors and a robust frenulum in addition to the wide, bipartite upper lip. Radiographic examination revealed a 2-3 mm area of increased lucency widening the symphysis of the incisive bone but no other defects of the hard palate. Resting endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract was unremarkable. The sagittal area of clefting was removed, and the two cut margins were brought together to form a normal lip. The foal recovered well and went on to race training as a 2-year-old.