Sialadenosis

Introduction

Sialadenosis: 'non-inflammatory swelling of the salivary glands'

Usually the masses are bilateral, uniform, fluctuant and painless, unless the cause of the swelling is neoplastic.

A salivary mucocele (accumulation of saliva in sub-cutaneous tissue) or a sialolith (a stone in the salivary duct) is the usual cause of the swelling.

It is most common in dogs.

Clinical Signs

Often there are no clinical signs other than the presence of the masses. Retching or gulping can sometimes be seen, as can dyspnoea if the mass is obstructing the airways. Other symptoms such as fever and pain are occasionally seen if the mass becomes infected.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is often confirmed by palpation plus aspiration of the mass. Findings of the aspirate would show a golden or serosanguinous viscous fluid (saliva), which would appear cytologically indifferent from saliva.

A stain for mucous with periodic acid-schiff can be performed if felt needed.

Sialography can be performed but is usually only done to identify the side of origin if this cannot be detected upon palpation. Biopsies can also be taken but would show no abnormalities in the salivary gland so are considered unnecessarily invasive.

Treatment

Aspiration can be performed to temporarily relieve pressure but is not a permanent treatment option.

Surgery should be undertaken to remove both the gland and duct (from both sides if site of origin cannot be determined). Marsupialisation of a ranula can be done if one is present but is a rather historical choice for this treatment in the current era.

For a sialolith, incise over the duct and allow to heal by secondary intention.

Prognosis

Very good if removal is complete.

Sialadenosis Learning Resources
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References

Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science

Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) Small Animal Surgery (Third Edition) Mosby Elsevier

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial

Slatter, D.S. (2003) Textbook of Small Animal Surgery (3rd Edition ) Saunders

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