Oliver The Dog
Oliver is Dr. Kolstad’s most adorable patient. The small terrier was brought to a veterinary hospital by his breeder after being born with a cleft palate. Cleft palates are relatively common in dogs, but without treatment they are often incompatible with life. Although veterinary surgeons can repair the condition, the procedure is expensive and can cost thousands of dollars. As a result, many breeders choose euthanasia rather than pursuing surgery.
By chance, the wife of Dr. Kolstad’s mentor happened to be at the veterinary hospital the day a dog with a cleft palate was brought in. After overhearing the discussion, she mentioned that her husband was a cleft palate surgeon and might be able to help. The surgery was successful, and from that point forward, dogs with cleft palates that otherwise would have been euthanized were instead referred for Dr. Kolstad’s mentor for palatoplasty.
Dr. Kolstad was fortunate to assist with Oliver’s surgery was thrilled to see him thriving after his recovery.
