Nasopharyngeal sialoceles in 11 brachycephalic dogs

To report clinical features, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of brachycephalic dogs with nasopharyngeal sialoceles (NPS).

Retrospective case series.

Eleven brachycephalic dogs with NPS.

Diagnosis of NPS was based on identification of cystic nasopharyngeal masses containing saliva-like mucoid material on retroflexed endoscopy. Biopsies were obtained to support the diagnosis. Surgical deroofing was performed under endoscopic guidance, and endoscopic examination was repeated at least 3 months after surgery. The owners rated the outcome of surgery via a follow-up telephone inquiry.

Pugs (n = 8), French bulldogs (n = 2), and English bulldogs (n = 1) were included in this study. Eight of the NPS were ventral, 6 were obstructive, and 2 were multiple; both the obstructive and the multiple sialoceles were ventral. Surgical deroofing of the sialoceles was performed under endoscopic guidance with biopsy forceps in 5 cases and by diode laser in 6 cases. No recurrence was diagnosed. Ten of 11 owners reported that they were satisfied with the outcome.

NPS may be an uncommon consequence of chronic nonphysiologic mechanical stress causing changes in minor nasopharyngeal salivary glands. Direct visualization by nasopharyngoscopy is the best technique for detection of NPS, and we advise routine examination of the nasopharynx by endoscope in all brachycephalic dogs before performing surgery. Either endoscopic guided biopsy forceps or diode laser surgery can be used for noninvasive, rapid, and effective resolution of NPS in all of the dogs.