Changes

A salivary fistula can result from injury to any salivary gland, but most commonly the parotid. Fistulas forming from other glands is uncommon.   

A salivary fistula can result from injury to any salivary gland, but most commonly the parotid. Fistulas forming from other glands is uncommon.   

Injury may be due to traumatic wound to the face e.g. bite wound or abscess drainage. Exopthalmus is the most likely cause of a zygomatic fistula.

Injury may be due to traumatic wound to the face e.g. bite wound or abscess drainage. Exopthalmus is the most likely cause of a zygomatic fistula.  

The continuous flow of saliva prevents healing and therefore a fistula develops  

The continuous flow of saliva prevents healing and therefore a fistula develops  

=== Clinical Signs  ===

=== Clinical Signs  ===

*Fistula visible over parotid region, or located upon clinical examination  

A fistula can often be located over the parotid region upon clinical examination and this is usually highlighted by the presence of discharge coming from this area.

*History or current presence of a wound over the parotid region<br>

Differentiation from a draining sinus by assessment of the discharge- salivary fistula will discharge a golden or blood tinged saliva, which will be viscous and 'stringy' in appearance. Mucous can be identified in this by use of periodic acid-schiff stain if neccesary.<br>&nbsp;

 

<br>Differentiation from a draining sinus by assessment of the discharge- salivary fistula will discharge a golden or blood tinged saliva, which will be viscous and 'stringy' in appearance. Mucous can be identified in this by use of periodic acid-schiff stain if neccesary.<br>&nbsp;  

== Treatment  ==

== Treatment  ==

== References <br> ==

== References <br> ==

Ettinger, S.J., Feldman E.C. (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine 5 th Ed

Ettinger, S.J., Feldman E.C. (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine 5 th Ed  

Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) Small Animal Surgery (Third Edition) Mosby Elsevier <br>Merck &amp; Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual  

Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) Small Animal Surgery (Third Edition) Mosby Elsevier <br>Merck &amp; Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual  

[[Category:Salivary_Glands_-_Pathology]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Dog]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]]

[[Category:Salivary_Glands_-_Pathology]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Dog]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cat]]