Feline sialocoele: clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in 19 cases

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of cats with sialocoele. Methods Clinical records from seven referral hospitals were retrospectively searched to identify cats with sialocoele between 2007 and 2021. Results Nineteen cats were identified. The most common clinical signs were ptyalism, dysphagia and anorexia. Localisation of the sialocoele was cervical (n = 6), sublingual (n = 6), cervical/sublingual (n = 3), facial (n = 2), cervical/pharyngeal (n = 1) and zygomatic (n = 1). The affected salivary glands were mandibular–sublingual (n = 15), mandibular–sublingual/parotid (n = 1), zygomatic/parotid (n = 1) and parotid (n = 2). The aetiology of the sialocoele was traumatic in two cases, neoplastic in one cat and unknown in 16 cats. Sialoadenectomy was performed in 11 cats. Other treatments included ranula marsupialisation (n = 3), needle drainage (n = 2), single stab incision (n = 2) and parotid duct ligation (n = 1). The median follow-up time was 399 days (range 15–1460). Postoperative seroma was the only complication observed in one cat. No recurrence was reported. Conclusions and relevance Feline salivary sialocoele are relatively rare and have a good prognosis. They can be managed successfully with sialoadenectomy; however, a more conservative approach can be used with appropriate case selection.