So today was Rocky’s big day at Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.  He was thoroughly examined (and hugged a bit too) by staff and surgeons there.  He does not have any other abnormalities related to his cleft, and was pronounced a good candidate for surgery to close the cleft.  He will have to wait until he is between 6 and 9 months old to allow his dentition to develop normally before the surgery.  The surgeon felt there was a high probability for success with Rocky’s surgery.  The after care is rigorous; he won’t be able to put anything in his mouth that might damage the surgery site for a month, but after that he should have a normal life in all respects.  So good news today for our little friend.