## Overview A salivary mucocele (sialocele) is a collection of saliva in the tissues after rupture of a salivary duct or gland. In horses it most often involves the sublingual or parotid region and appears as a soft, fluctuant, painless swelling under the jaw or near the ear. Aspiration yields thick, mucus-like saliva. It may slowly enlarge. ## Causes Trauma or obstruction leading to duct rupture. ## Diagnosis Clinical appearance and aspiration of viscous saliva. Ultrasound helps define the extent. ## Treatment Surgical removal of the affected gland or duct ligation in many cases. Simple drainage often leads to recurrence. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good with appropriate surgery. ## Prevention None specific.
soft fluctuant painless swelling in the intermandibular space or parotid region; may slowly enlarge; aspiration yields viscous saliva
## Overview A salivary mucocele (sialocele) is a collection of saliva in the tissues after rupture of a salivary duct or gland. In horses it most often involves the sublingual or parotid region and appears as a soft, fluctuant, painless swelling under the jaw or near the ear. Aspiration yields thick, mucus-like saliva. It may slowly enlarge. ## Causes Trauma or obstruction leading to duct rupture. ## Diagnosis Clinical appearance and aspiration of viscous saliva. Ultrasound helps define the extent. ## Treatment Surgical removal of the affected gland or duct ligation in many cases. Simple drainage often leads to recurrence. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good with appropriate surgery. ## Prevention None specific.
soft fluctuant painless swelling in the intermandibular space or parotid region; may slowly enlarge; aspiration yields viscous saliva