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Caring for Your Pet's Teeth

Doctor's Files: Hardened Saliva in Salivary Glands

The following article is courtesy of our partner, Banfield Pet Hospital. Used with permission.

From the Doctors' Files:
Although Unusual and Uncommon, Collected and Hardened Saliva Found in the Salivary Glands
By Dan Massoff, DVM; Banfield Pet Hospital of Braintree, Mass.

Molly, a 13-year-old spayed Cocker Spaniel, was seen by another veterinarian in August of 2008 for a large swelling on the left side of the face below the jaw. She was treated for an abscess initially and a study of her cells (cytology) was done with no significant findings.

I examined the dog the following month because the firm swelling in the same location had recurred. With a syringe, we withdrew a gel-like material from the region. A diagnosis of salivary mucocole was made and Molly was admitted for surgery. A salivary mucocele is a blocked salivary gland that causes localized swelling. A 2 cm x 1/2 cm mineralized stone was removed and submitted for analysis. Two salivary glands were also removed.

The patient was found to be doing well at the one-week follow-up. Salivary mucoceoles are uncommon but can present on one or both side of the throat. The most common glands affected are the glands under the tongue (sublingual) and in the lower jaw (mandibular), although the largest salivary glands of the cheek region of the face can be affected as well.

Certain breeds of dogs, such as poodles, can be predisposed to this condition. They typically present with a non-painful, soft swelling either on the side or lower part of the neck, usually with no history of trauma. A plug or stone forms in the duct(s) of the affected glands which cause saliva to become displaced in areas of least resistance. Therapy is aimed at removing the affected gland(s).