Sialocele in Cats

There are four types of salivary sialoceles, depending on the location.

Sublingual sialoceles develop under the tongue, and are the most common type in cats. Large sublingual sialoceles can bleed, or make it difficult to eat and swallow (dysphagia). They may result in pain, especially when opening the mouth. They may also cause the eye on the affected side to bulge out (exophthalmos)

Cervical sialocele develop on the neck, under the jaw, and often show no additional symptoms.

Pharyngeal sialoceles are similar to the cervical sialoceles, but most of the mass is on the inside of the neck, making these more difficult to detect. Larger cysts can obstruct the animal’s esophagus, causing dysphagia. If the trachea becomes compressed, coughing and difficulty breathing may result.

Zygomatic sialoceles are located just below the eye.

Although common in dogs, sialocele is rare in cats. Severe sialoceles can cause serious symptoms, such as restricted breathing, which can become an emergency; or difficulty eating, which can lead to malnutrition. Any time a cat has painful swelling in the face or neck, urgent care is required.

Saliva is produced in the salivary glands, and travels through a salivary duct where it is excreted into the mouth. If this duct ruptures or tears, the saliva leaks into the surrounding tissue, resulting in the swelling and inflammation.

In most cases an underlying cause cannot be identified (idiopathic). Other potential causes include:

• A foreign body, such as a stick
• Other injuries
• Inflammation
• Tumors/cancer
• Surgical complication

The primary symptom of sialocele is a swollen mass in the face, neck, or inside the mouth. These masses develop slowly, move around easily when manipulated, and can be either hard to the touch or squishy. These swellings are sometimes painful.

A diagnosis of sialocele is suggested when masses are detected during a physical exam. Fine needle aspiration to analyze the fluid in the mass confirms diagnosis when saliva is identified. Diagnostic imaging and blood work may be used to investigate the underlying cause.

Identifying which gland is affected can be very challenging. Sedation may be necessary.

Draining the fluid from a sialocele may provide temporary relief, but does not fully treat the condition. Surgical removal of the affected salivary gland and any inflamed tissue is the most effective long-term treatment method.

Severe sialoceles can cause serious symptoms, such as restricted breathing or severe pain. Surgery is usually necessary, but the prognosis is excellent for cats that undergo the operation.

Recurrence is the most common complication after treatment.

Sialocele often has no known root cause, and is very rare in cats. This makes it difficult to prevent. Promptly treating injuries around the face, mouth, and neck can prevent sialocele from developing.

Sialocele is rare in cats.

• Removal of gland
• Fluid drainage