Cheiloplasty in Dogs

Cheiloplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat a type of skin fold dermatitis called lip fold intertrigo. This congenital disorder causes dogs to drool excessively and may predispose them to bacterial and other types of infections. It may also affect the dog’s ability to eat properly. Lip fold intertrigo is most commonly diagnosed in spaniels, Basset hounds, and Saint Bernards, and other breeds that have noticeable skin folds. This lip reduction surgery creates a pathway to keep saliva in the mouth, which corrects excess drooling. Cheiloplasty is generally the treatment of choice for dogs that do not respond to other types of conservative treatment.

1. Bacterial or fungal infection should be treated prior to surgery.
2. The dog will first be anesthetized with a general anesthetic.
3. The surgeon will flush the mouth using a saline or betadine solution before preparing the surgery site.
4. The surgeon will first make an incision using a scalpel to cut away the excess lip fold tissue.
5. Once the excess skin has been removed, the surgeon will suture through two layers of the skin to close the surgical site, typically using absorbable sutures.
6. Before the dog is released back into the owner’s care, the surgeon will open and close the mouth to ensure normal range of motion.

Cheiloplasty is a relatively non-invasive cosmetic surgery that completely cures lip fold intertrigo. Healing and recovery are relatively straightforward, usually presenting no complications. The main complication associated with cheiloplasty is infection of the surgery site. This can be managed with an antibiotic regimen. A rare postoperative complication is wound rupture.

Dogs that have undergone cheiloplasty will usually be allowed to go home the same day. Dogs will be placed on a soft food diet for three days or as instructed by the vet. Antibiotics are usually prescribed postoperatively. Dogs that have undergone other procedures in addition to cheiloplasty may be given analgesics to manage pain. If the sutures are not absorbable, a follow-up appointment will be required to remove them. Follow-up appointments for cheiloplasty are usually scheduled approximately two weeks following surgery to monitor healing and ensure bacterial infection has not recurred.

The cost of cheiloplasty will vary depending on any additional costs incurred, including medications and postoperative care. The cost of cheiloplasty surgery ranges from $500 to $1,000.

It is important to note that, while it can be necessary for some dogs with lip defects and conditions which cause chronic drooling, cheiloplasty is largely a cosmetic surgery. This procedure should not be performed on dogs for purely cosmetic reasons, and should only be used to correct a congenital defect or skin condition. Cheiloplasty is usually recommended for dogs whose lip fold intertrigo is idiopathic, or has no other underlying cause. Additional treatments may be required for dogs whose lip fold intertrigo is attributed to another underlying cause, although this is rare.

It is difficult to prevent lip fold intertrigo as it is usually a congenital condition. Weight management may play a part in preventing lip fold intertrigo in dogs that are not born with the defect. Owners should ensure they keep their dog’s face and lips clean when possible to reduce the likelihood of bacterial infection, only using products that are safe for the dog’s face.