Bluish, Transparent Thickening under the Tongue in Dogs
A bluish, transparent thickening under the tongue in dogs is often an indication of a so-called “ranula”, an accumulation of saliva in a cyst sac that typically occurs in the sublingual region, i.e. under the tongue.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
A ranula is caused by a blockage or trauma of the salivary duct, usually the sublingual or submandibular salivary gland duct. This blockage can be caused by various factors, including injuries, inflammatory conditions, or, more rarely, salivary stones.
If the saliva can no longer drain normally, it collects in a cyst sac. This cyst is filled with saliva, which has a bluish to transparent color due to the lack of oxygen and the nature of the cyst wall.
In some cases, a ranula can also be caused by an infection of the salivary glands or by tumors that obstruct the flow of saliva. It is important to identify the exact cause in order to choose the appropriate treatment method.
The formation of a ranula is relatively rare in dogs, but may be more common in certain breeds or in dogs with a predisposition to salivary gland diseases. The exact cause of the blockage can sometimes be difficult to determine, especially if there are no obvious injuries.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Swelling under the tongue: A visible, bluish, and translucent swelling in the mouth area that is easy to recognize.
- Difficulty eating: Dogs with a ranula may have problems chewing or swallowing, which can lead to a reduced appetite.
- Salivation: Increased salivation may occur as the dog may try to compensate for the swelling by swallowing more.
- Restlessness or Pain: Affected dogs may show signs of discomfort or pain, especially when pressure is applied to the swelling.
- Bad breath: A ranula can sometimes lead to an unpleasant odor from the mouth, especially if there is an infection.
When to visit the vet?
It is important to see a veterinarian as soon as the swelling under the tongue is noticed. Even if the dog shows no other symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
An immediate visit to the vet is necessary if the dog shows signs of shortness of breath or the swelling increases rapidly, as this could indicate a serious blockage or a secondary infection.
Also, if the dog has difficulty eating or persistent salivation for a prolonged period of time, the veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose and treat possible underlying problems.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It is important for the pet owner to observe the swelling under the tongue and monitor the general condition of the dog. Any change in the dog’s behavior or appetite should be taken seriously.
The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the oral cavity to assess the swelling and identify the possible cause. This may include a visual inspection, followed by imaging procedures such as ultrasound or X-ray to determine the exact location and size of the ranula.
In some cases, a fine needle aspiration may be performed to take a sample of the fluid from the cyst. This sample is analyzed to rule out infection and determine the type of fluid.
The veterinarian may also order other tests to ensure that there are no underlying systemic diseases that could be affecting the salivary glands.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
Until the vet visit, the pet owner should try to keep the dog’s mouth clean to reduce the risk of infection. This can be done by gently cleaning the mouth with a clean, damp cloth.
The dog should be offered soft or pureed food to make it easier to eat and avoid further irritation or pain. It is important to make sure that the dog continues to drink enough.
Direct pressure on the swelling should be avoided as this can cause the dog pain. Instead, the dog should be kept as calm as possible to minimize stress.
The pet owner should closely monitor the dog’s general health and report any changes in behavior or symptoms, such as increased swelling or shortness of breath, to the veterinarian.
Conservative treatment can help in some cases, but surgery is often necessary to completely remove the cyst and prevent saliva from building up again. The veterinarian will recommend the best treatment strategy based on the cause and severity of the ranula.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.