Causes and Symptoms of Feline Mandibular Edema Explaine

Salivary mucocele is a condition where the salivary glands or ducts are damaged, leading to the accumulation of saliva around the surrounding tissues, forming a cystic swelling. This condition is primarily caused by trauma, such as bites or punctures by foreign objects, which can lead to direct infections of the glands by bacteria or viruses. Secondary cases are generally a result of infections like pharyngitis, laryngitis, or stomatitis.

In the early stages, symptoms include the appearance of a noninflammatory, fluctuating lump under the chin or on the ventral side of the ear. During the acute phase, animals may exhibit restlessness, excessive drooling, firm swelling, and slight pain. Cats may present with an extended neck, delayed chewing, drooling, and the mucous membranes of the mouth may become congested and swollen. These cases often accompany cellulitis in the mandibular space, with the submandibular gland frequently forming abscesses. When these abscesses rupture, pus can leak either into or out of the mouth. After healing, there may be a persistent, hard lump in the area.

Diagnosis can be made through palpation and aspiration, often revealing a golden or bloodcolored mucous fluid that is sticky and forms a threadlike stream from the needle.

Treatment options include:

Feeding a liquid diet, such as milk or broth.

Initially, a cold compress with a compound acetate of lead solution can be applied to the neck, three to four times a day. After two to three days, this can be switched to a warm compress with a 20% magnesium sulfate solution.

Intramuscular injections of antibiotics such as penicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, amikacin, or cephalosporins may also be administered.

In cases where localized abscesses form, they should be promptly incised.

Surgical intervention may be necessary. Regular aspiration can help prevent the formation of scar tissue and stop the leakage of saliva, although recurrence is common in most cases after 68 weeks. Alternatively, under anesthesia, a large portion of the cyst wall can be excised, and the contents drained. The inner wall can then be treated with corrosive agents such as silver nitrate, ferric chloride tincture, or 5% iodine tincture. A commonly used surgical procedure is the subtotal removal of the submandibular and sublingual glands.