Dog Salivary Gland Discorders

The salivary glands sometimes become infected with various kinds of organisms. Mumps in the parotid glands occasionally occurs, but with antibiotics the dog is soon cured. The parotid glands may also swell from collars that are too tight and squeeze them. Kicks, shot wounds, and traffic accidents may damage them, but such traumas are rare.

Obstructed Salivary Ducts

Three sets of salivary glands empty in to the mouth of the dog through little tubes called ducts.

The ducts may become obstructed by bacteria and sometimes even by foreign bodies such as stones, with the result that the saliva can't get ones that can't. Also, rubber objects such as balls, nursing nipples, and sponges may create a problem. Most objects are trapped in the small intestine and removal by surgery is the solution. Fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting are common indications that a foreign body is in the intestine; however, if the dog is given antibiotics any infection may be brought under control with the temperature returning to a normal 101° F. The vomiting will stop but the dog will not eat. When the antibiotics run out, the signs all return. In time the intestine may rupture, producing peritonitis and death.

If one of the ducts that conduct saliva from a salivary gland to the mouth is injured or obstructed, the saliva gradually accumulates, forming a pouch resembling early-stage mumps in people. Left untreated, it gravitates under the neck where it is unsightly though not life-threatening. Instead of pouching behind the jaw, some dogs gather saliva under the tongue, which is displaced to one side. This variation is called a ranula and requires surgical corrections.

Information on Dog Salivary Gland Disorders

The cyst in the gland of the dog is known as sialocele or salivary mucocele. There are mainly 4 types of glands in dogs. The diseases affect mainly the glands that are large in size. The big glands like the mandibular salivary glands under the jaws, the sublingual gland located under the tongue can be affected to a great extent.

The cyst in the salivary glands known as the sialocele develops in the tissues that surround the salivary glands and is filled with a fluid known as the mucoid saliva. The affected glands become quite large and are often responsible for the incidence of cough. The cough mainly occurs because the huge sized glands exert pressure on the larynx or the trachea.

The cause behind the swollen size of the glands is not completely determined but in most cases the trauma to the glands or the incidence of any infection may result the salivary gland disorders. Sometimes the development of tumor may also lead to the incidence of disorder in the glands. The glands with cysts formed can be highly painful if at all in occurs. The lumps are initially not painful, rather they are large sized and cause problem while eating or breathing. The pain in the affected glands develops only when there is an incidence of any form of infection.