Cleft lip?

[Cuddlebug]

I have a 6 day old kit that is not gaining weight at all. He is not losing weight either. Both of his brothers are gaining nicely. Anyway, I took him out to supplement him and while trying to feed him I noticed that I can see his upper front teeth when his mouth is closed. I looked closer and discovered a cleft lip. I lifted up his lip and saw that his front teeth are growing sideways into the lip on the other side of the cleft. This poor baby can't nurse and I am assuming, he will not be able to eat properly. I know the humane thing to do is to put him down but if anyone has any ideas, please tell me. I am having a hard time dealing with the fact that there is probably no hope for him, but I will do what is best for him.

Thanks for lending me an ear and for any suggestions you might have.

 

[akane]

Should probably get a vet opinion on whether the problem can be treated. At worst I would think surgery to completely remove the top teeth and then a careful diet with trimming of the bottom teeth as needed would allow it a high enough quality of life. People on the guinea pig rescue forums have kept lethal whites healthy for 5+ years with partial or no front teeth, intestine disorders, and blindness. You'd have to get it to a large enough size to be able to carry out treatment and it probably wouldn't be cheap but there are people willing to spend the time and money on such animals. I've rehomed various handicapped pets from birth defects and injuries. They tend to actually find a home faster than their normal siblings. Earlier this year I had a rabbit kit born with a dead back leg. He nursed ok but he started to lose pace with his siblings when they left the box to eat solid food. He found a home within a week and they paid to have the leg amputated then put him on a high calorie diet to make up the lost weight and growth. Apparently he goes well with their 3 legged dog. The others took a month to find homes half as good.

 

[ticklechin]

Removal of adult incisors is a difficult surgery at best, removal of incisors on a kit would be nuts. Fracture of the maxilla would almost be guaranteed along with a good chance of tooth structure being left behind leaving the possibility of the teeth growing back, infection, dead teeth etc. Any removal of teeth on a chin is serious business unless the connective tissue is compromised and the teeth are already loose.

 

[saphire]

I am with Dawn on this... it. I had a male that lost his bottom teeth (loose), I would trim his upper incissors bi-weekly. Mean while one showed up after 3 months, he managed to keep the top incissors short so I no longer had to trim. He now, after a year has both bottom incissors. Unbeleiveable!! No roots left. Just to say that they can grow back from nothing.

You have the little one in your hands, see how you feel is best for him and go with it. Surely you (only you) can sense his needs.

Good luck

 

[mercynursie]

I support Christiane and Dawn's suggestions. You will know in your heart what is best for your animals,the hard part is listening to it and following your path.Prayers for you and your little one through this difficult time.Light will shine through to guide your path and help you decide, but you have to look for it.

 

[Cuddlebug]

Thanks, everyone. Dawn, I am glad you responded. I know you are well versed in chinchilla dental problems. I am not dismissing what the rest of you have said either, but I do believe Dawn is right; I need to put the little one to sleep. I hate it and part of me keeps hoping for something that would help, but then the rational side of me kicks in and tells me he will just spend a good deal of his life in misery. I won't do that to him.

 

[ticklechin]

I am so sorry you have to go through this, any time you have to make this decision its with a heavy heart, dental issues just dont have happy endings in most cases with chinchillas.

 

[mercynursie]

My prayers are with you.Having a animal relieved of pain and suffering is a difficult,heart wrenching decision but also one of the kindness acts of love that can be given.