Percutaneous approach for sialolith removal in a donkey

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Dentistry
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Salivary duct lithiasis involves obstruction of salivary glands or ducts by sialoliths.
• Sialoliths are mineralized concretions that can impede saliva flow.
• This condition affects various animal species, necessitating diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old female donkey, from an endangered Portuguese indigenous breed, presented with clinical signs of salivary duct obstruction.
• Diagnostic evaluation included clinical, oral, dental, and radiographic examinations.
• A sialolith was identified in the rostral portion of the right parotid duct.

Findings:

• The donkey was diagnosed with salivary duct lithiasis.
• A sialolith was confirmed within the right parotid duct.
• The sialolith was surgically removed via a percutaneous approach.

Implications:

• This case highlights the occurrence of salivary duct lithiasis in an endangered donkey breed.
• Percutaneous surgical removal is a viable treatment option for parotid duct sialoliths in equids.
• Understanding and managing sialolithiasis is crucial for the health and conservation of rare animal breeds.