Rocco is a 4 year old Springer Spaniel that was recently referred to us by a neighbouring practice.
He had been suffering with a mass on his neck for approximately 2 months and his referring practice felt it could be foreign material.
He was seen at our Meopham Hospital by Dr Martin Hobbs, on examination Rocco had a fluid filled area within his neck but his owner reported that he was normal in every other respect. Martin suspected a salivary mucocele and after discussion with the owners Rocco was admitted to the Hospital for further investigations.
Martin performed a CT scan and ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound revealed that the lump was fluid filled with a thick border of tissue, the CT scan was sent away for specialist interpretation.
The CT report confirmed Dr Hobbs’ suspicion of a salivary mucocele.
A salivary mucocele is an accumulation of saliva that has leaked from an injured salivary gland or duct. This leaked saliva accumulates within the tissue of the mouth and neck, resulting in a soft, painless swelling.
They are caused by trauma but in most cases this is unidentified. It can be due to a bite wound or chewing on a sharp object but can even be a sudden jerk or stretch of the neck.
Surgery involved removing two of Rocco’s salivary glands on the affected side, along with the salivary duct. The surgery went as planned and we are pleased to report that Rocco made a full recovery.
