Inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatments

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Dogs, like other domestic and farm animals, are prone to various oral diseases. A feature of this type of disease is that for a long time the owner may not notice problems in the pet. In particular, this applies to aggressive dog breeds and older individuals. In this article, we will talk in more detail about the inflammation of the salivary glands, the symptoms and treatment of this pathology. This disease is not as common as, for example, dental problems. However, that doesn't make it any less serious.

Anatomical structure of salivary glands in dogs

Salivation in dogs is an important stage of digestion. Enzymes secreted by the salivary glands facilitate the process of swallowing and prepare food for digestion. A he althy dog produces about a liter of saliva per day (the average figure may vary depending on the size of the dog, lifestyle and breed).

There are three pairs of major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, sublingual. The submandibular gland is located at the back of the jaw, between two veins. This is a fairly large oval organ of a yellowish color. Parotidglands are located in the region of the auricle. They are relatively small in size, and their ducts run across the masticatory muscles. The sublingual gland, as the name implies, is located under the tongue. More precisely, on the sides of the body of the tongue. The secret secreted by each gland is different in composition and function. Therefore, inflammation of any of them leads not only to discomfort in the dog, but also to problems with the entire cycle of the digestive process.

Etiology of disease

Most often, problems with the salivary glands occur in young individuals, as well as in representatives of certain breeds: poodles, boxers, German shepherds, dachshunds. Violation of the salivary glands is most often manifested in increased salivation. The dog begins to frequently swallow the interfering liquid. Saliva produced may have an unpleasant odor.

The inflammatory process is quite intense. It can spread to neighboring areas and cause swallowing and breathing problems for the dog. The animal has shortness of breath, even during periods of rest. In addition, constant irritation in the mouth and throat can cause the animal to vomit.

Inflamed glands increase in size. Sometimes pus can accumulate in them. Inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs is divided into two types: parotitis, sialadenitis.

Sialoadenitis

Syaloadenitis in dogs is commonly referred to as inflammation of the sublingual or submandibular gland. The cause of inflammation can be injuries, blockage of the salivary ducts by foreign bodies, past illnesses, etc. It manifests itself in the form of severe swelling of the affected area. Atdamage to the hyoid region of the dog has difficulty with the mobility of the tongue. If the submandibular gland is damaged, the tumor is palpated in the intermaxillary space. Treatment will depend on the stage and complexity of the disease. If there is a purulent formation in the gland, it is necessary to open and clean the affected area. In other cases, you can do without surgery.

Mumps

Mumps is the most common type of inflammation. Mumps affects the parotid glands. The cause is usually caused by viral and bacterial infections. This type of inflammation is characterized by swelling of the glands in the parotid regions. Fortunately, parotitis is a simple inflammation. In most cases, considering mumps, symptoms and treatment of this disease, we see that they are in many ways similar to inflammation of other salivary glands.

Causes of disease

Let's look at the main causes of inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs.

1. Viral and bacterial infections. This is the most common cause of the disease. Especially often it provokes inflammation of the parotid glands (mumps).
2. Injuries and injuries. Even the smallest injury can cause problems. As a rule, the dog receives damage to the salivary glands while chewing hard food (dry food, bones, etc.), as well as during active games. Especially if it is on a chain or on a leash. There are a number of situations wheresalivary glands can be injured during medical procedures.
3. Foreign bodies in the salivary ducts. It can be food leftovers, tough blades of grass that the dog likes to chew, etc.
4. Neoplasms (tumors and cysts). This is more typical for adult dogs. As a rule, tumors and other neoplasms form under the mucous membranes. They provoke severe swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs. Solving the problem requires prompt intervention.
5. Some diseases previously carried by a dog: a secondary form of plague, pharyngitis, stomatitis, etc.

Symptoms of disease

To determine the inflammation of the salivary glands in a dog in time, it is necessary to carefully observe the behavior of the pet. Let's take a closer look at the symptoms that should alert the owner of the dog.

1. Profuse salivation in dogs. The amount of saliva during illness increases several times. The dog begins to swallow the excess frequently. Sometimes the animal cannot cope with so much fluid, and it flows profusely from the mouth. In the case when there is pus in the inflamed gland, the discharge acquires a specific unpleasant odor.
2. The appearance of shortness of breath. Excessive salivation irritates the dog's throat. This process provokes severe shortness of breath even while the animal is at rest. Also, this process can provoke a gag reflex.
3. This type of inflammation can also spread to the soft tissues of neighboring areas. itmakes it difficult to swallow and causes pain. Because of the pain, the dog won't eat or drink anything.
4. Increased body temperature. As with any other type of inflammation, the dog's body temperature rises. Possible mild fever.
5. Prolonged refusal to eat leads to dehydration of the animal and severe weight loss. Against this background, nervous disorders can also appear and aggressive behavior intensifies.

Diagnosis of disease

Any inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs requires a thorough diagnosis. This is necessary not only to select the right treatment, but also to exclude the presence of malignant tumors in the mouth. During the diagnosis, the doctor must collect all the information about the animal: past illnesses, ongoing medical procedures, the animal's love for eating grass and garbage, etc.

Because the animal is in pain during the examination and often behaves aggressively, safe anesthesia is used. This gives the doctor the opportunity not only to conduct a thorough examination, but also to freely collect all the necessary tests.

Treatment of inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs

Fortunately, this disease is relatively easy to treat. Note that there are many popular ways to treat mumps and sialadenitis in dogs. For example, various compresses with celandine, cottage cheese and even urea are very popular. However, you shouldn't get carried away with it all. Moreover, modern methods are much moreefficient and affordable.

First aid

First aid for a dog is as follows: transferring a pet to a liquid diet. Food should be easy to swallow and not require careful chewing. Meat broths, talkers, milk, minced meat are perfect. Before contacting the veterinarian, you can give your pet an anesthetic. And avoid hypothermia. If the dog lives in an open-air cage on the street, then it is better to take it to the house for the duration of treatment.

Medical help

Treatment of any inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs is prescribed only after the doctor has the results of all tests in his hands. Therapy can be medical or surgical. Drug treatment includes taking antibiotics (the course lasts for 10-14 days), as well as the use of painkillers. In some cases, steroid drugs work well. This group of medicines most often raises questions from pet owners. In particular, the use of the drug "Prednisolone" causes concern. Let's see what Prednisolone is and what it helps with. This is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is used in case of detection of non-specific inflammation and with some complications. It contributes to the rapid reduction of the size of the tumor and the inflammatory process. Thus, having figured out what Prednisolone is and what it helps with, we see that you should not be afraid to give this drug to your pet.

Also, in case of an abscess, it is necessary to regularly apply anti-inflammatory ointments (Vishnevsky ointment)

Surgicalintervention is prescribed in cases where the cause of inflammation is neoplasms (tumors, cysts, etc.), anomalies in the anatomical structure of the mouth or gland, the formation of stones, penetrating wounds of the salivary gland. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. After the intervention, a course of antibiotics is prescribed.

Additional procedures

In order to speed up the healing process, the doctor may additionally prescribe physiotherapy. These include warming compresses based on vodka or alcohol and heating the damaged area with a Minin lamp.

Disease prevention

Like any disease, inflammation of the salivary glands in dogs is easier to prevent than to treat. To keep your pet safe, follow these rules:

1. Try to avoid head injuries.
2. Get your mouth checked regularly to prevent tartar formation.
3. It is good to treat any inflammatory processes in the dog.

And in conclusion of this article, we remind you that we are responsible for our pets. And their he alth directly depends on our attention and care.