Will your test predict the risk of cleft palates?

Cleft lip/palate can have genetic causes in many breeds, but unfortunately, the causative variant(s) has not been discovered. Environmental factors such as too much vitamin A during gestation can cause clefts as well.

While the ADAMTS20 variant has been documented in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, it is not thought to be affiliated with cleft lip in other breeds. 

Embark is a research-focused company, and we collect health information from owners, breeders, and veterinarians to hopefully make genetic discoveries ourselves. If you would like, you can fill out the Annual Health Survey located under the Research section of each dog's profile to give us information about your dog with a cleft palate. 

You may be also upload any veterinary reports directly to your dog's profile under the "Documents" section on the profile homepage. 

Please note: Documents can include scans or photos, and can be set to private so only you and the Embark team will have access.