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.