Removing the gland may cure the problem

A salivary mucocele results from damage to the salivary gland or duct with subsequent leakage of saliva into the surrounding tissue. The saliva causes inflammation of the tissue and the formation of granulation tissue. Possible causes include trauma, a foreign body, or a stone called a sialolith. Mucoceles may be located in the neck or in the mouth. If your dog has a ranula, or mucocele located on the underneath side of the tongue, he may be a candidate for the marsupialization procedure that you mentioned. This procedure is not used for a cervical, or neck, mucocele, and may not cure the problem of a ranula. Marsupialization involves opening up the mucocele and suturing its edges to the sublingual tissue. The ranula is then allowed to drain into the mouth and heal by scarring in, but the glands are left in place. If the ranula recurs, surgical removal of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands may be necessary. Typically, removal of the gland and drainage of the mucocele is curative for the condition.

08/01/00