by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: May 16, 2008

"The digestive process starts in the mouth". If you ever heard this saying then you probably already know the big role salivary glands play in helping your dog digest that big bowl of crunchy food you place in front of his nose every day.
A dog has several salivary glands, the first one is right under what we call the "cheekbone" the second one is situated at the base of the ear-canal cartilage, and the third and fourth are placed right under the jaw. Most owners are unaware of these salivary glands until they start giving problems. As any gland in the dog's body, salivary glands may as well be prone to particular conditions and infections.

The primary functions of salivary glands are:

1) to produce saliva which aids in the chewing process
2) to help soften food before being swallowed
3) to provide help in the digestive process by releasing enzymes
4) to keep the mouth moist and bacteria free
5) to flush away food particles
6) to cool down a dog that is overheated and panting

SYMPTOMS
Dogs with salivary gland infections will usually develop key symptoms. Here are some symptoms that may indicate a salivary gland infection:

Excessive drooling
Bloody saliva
Swelling in the neck
Swelling of the cheek
Swelling under the tongue
Difficulty eating

Salivary gland infections may have various causes. Sometimes the salivary duct may become obstructed or a salivary duct may be ruptured(sialocele) from an injury and therefore, causing leakage and an abscess. A sialocele usually causes swelling near the salivary gland and depending on its location it may have several different names:

A ranula develops under the tongue as a swelling that may cause bleeding and problems chewing.

A pharyngeal sialocele develops in the back of the mouth and could cause trouble breathing.

A zygomatic sialocele develops right under the eye and may cause eye swelling.

CAUSES
More often than not, a real cause may not be identified, however it appaears that trauma to the salivary glands may occur due to different reasons. Dogs that chew on sharp objects that splinter such as bones or sticks may easily develop a sialocele. In some cases dog fights, or car accidents may cause trauma. It has also been found that the use of choke collars may as well cause injury to the delicate salivary glands. In some cases, salivary stones may form, these are called "sialoliths" and they may obstruct the normal flow of saliva.

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of such swellings are confirmed by physical examination, the vet will palpate each gland looking

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