Salivary Mucocele

Typical Signalment

• most common in the dog

Description

An accumulation of mucoid saliva following salivary duct rupture or obstruction usually post trauma. It most commonly affects the sublingual and mandibular glands. The saliva accumulates in one of three places:

1. Cervical mucocele: The most common site, develop caudal and ventral to the mandible and is usually to one side but may also be in the midline.
2. Ranula: An elongated swelling on the sublingual tissues on the mouth floor that can interfere with eating.
3. Pharyngeal wall: A less common site, may interfere within breathing and eatting.

References

Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition) BSAVA

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual