Salivary Fistula

Description

Can result from trauma to the salivary gland. The parotid gland is most likely to form a fistula. Injury may be due to:

• Traumatic wound
• Abscess drainage
• Iatrogenic rupture

The continuous flow of saliva prevents healing.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

• Discharge from fistula (must be differentiated from a draining sinus)

Treatment

Surgical ligation of the duct or complete removal of the gland.

References

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual