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My dog's swollen salivary gland is back and bigger. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 4 years and 2 months old | 6 lbs

My dog appears to have a swollen salivary gland. I took her to the vet once for it and they told me that it would go away by itself. Now it’s back a year and a half later and it’s bigger this time. I tired opening her mouth to look under her tongue and when I moved her tongue she cried. I’m going to take her to the vet in the morning. She is breathing fine. Is there anything I can do or should do?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 29th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Lupita. It sounds like she could have a sialocele or ruptured salivary duct causing accumulation of saliva under the skin. Unfortunately the only recommended treatment for this condition is surgery. You can read more about this condition and its treatment at https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/salivary-mucocele If your vet isn't comfortable performing the surgery you can ask for referral to a specialist who can perform the procedure.

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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