Septic sialoadenitis in equids: a retrospective study of 18 cases (1998-2010).
Abstract: Septic sialoadenitis, although uncommonly reported in equids, is a significant cause of pain, inappetence, dysphagia and discomfort. There are currently few reported cases possibly as a result of its infrequent occurrence. Objective: To review cases presenting with sialoadenitis and describe the presenting complaints, results of diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Records were reviewed for equids presenting to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1998 and 2010 for salivary gland swelling. Equids were included if a diagnosis of septic sialoadenitis was made based on a combination of oral examination and/or ultrasonographic findings and/or microbial culture. Data collected included age, breed, presenting complaints, diagnostic results, treatment and outcome. Results: Eighteen equids were diagnosed with septic sialoadenitis affecting the parotid gland (11) or the mandibular salivary gland (7). Ultrasound was useful to differentiate whether the mandibular or parotid salivary gland was involved. Affected equids ranged in age from 4 to 30 years (mean 17.7 years). Fourteen of 15 (93.3%) equids that underwent a complete oral examination had dental or other oral abnormalities. Six of 18 cases had evidence of sialolithiasis. Culture of the infected salivary gland or secretions was performed in 9 equids and all yielded growth of Fusobacterium sp. along with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Infection resolved in 15/18 cases (83.3%) and 2/18 (11.1%) were subjected to euthanasia. Conclusions: Dental disease and sialolith formation may play important roles in the development of septic sialoadenitis in equids. Anaerobic infection should be assumed in all cases and affected horses should be treated for this until culture and sensitivity results are available. Prognosis is favourable (83.3%) with appropriate treatment.
© 2014 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2014-02-25 PubMed ID: 24417543DOI: 10.1111/evj.12228Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study retrospectively analyzes 18 cases of Septic sialoadenitis in equids, a relatively rare condition that causes significant discomfort, between 1998 and 2010. It aims to understand the typical symptoms, diagnostic results, treatment, and outcomes. The research finds a possible correlation between dental disease and septic sialoadenitis and suggests that diagnosis should assume anaerobic infection until confirmed by culture results.
Objectives and Methods
- The goal of this retrospective study was to review cases of equids, a mammal family that includes horses and related animals, with septic sialoadenitis.
- The focus was on identifying the common complaints at the time of presentation, exploring the results of various diagnostic tests, understanding the treatments provided, and evaluating the outcomes.
- The reviewed records belonged to equids that were brought to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1998 and 2010 with doagnostic issues related to salivary gland swelling.
- Only cases confirmed as septic sialoadenitis through oral examination, ultrasonographic findings, and/or microbial culture were included in the study.
- Recorded data included information on age, breed, presenting complaints, diagnostic results, treatment, and outcome.
Results
- Eighteen cases of septic sialoadenitis were analyzed, which either impacted the parotid gland (11 cases) or the mandibular salivary gland (7 cases).
- Ultrasonography was found to be a useful tool in determining which gland was affected.
- The ages of the affected equids ranged from 4 to 30 years, with an average age of 17.7 years.
- Of the fifteen equids subjected to a complete oral examination, fourteen (93.3%) showed dental or other oral abnormalities.
- Six cases showed evidence of sialolithiasis, a condition characterized by salivary stone formation.
- A bacterial culture of the infected salivary gland or its secretions was conducted in 9 cases, all of which showed the growth of Fusobacterium species, along with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
- The infection resolved in 15 out of 18 cases (83.3%). Unfortunately, 2 cases (11.1%) resulted in euthanasia of the animal.
Conclusions
- Dental disease and salivary stone formation may have a significant role in the development of septic sialoadenitis in equids.
- The presence of anaerobic infection should be presumed in all cases, and treatment should be directed at this until culture and sensitivity results become available.
- With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally favourable, with an 83.3% chance of resolution.
Cite This Article
APA
Kilcoyne I, Watson JL, Spier SJ, Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B.
(2014).
Septic sialoadenitis in equids: a retrospective study of 18 cases (1998-2010).
Equine Vet J, 47(1), 54-59.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12228 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California at Davis, Davis, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
- Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
- Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
- Bacterial Infections / pathology
- Bacterial Infections / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Sialadenitis / drug therapy
- Sialadenitis / microbiology
- Sialadenitis / pathology
- Sialadenitis / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Kau S, Mansfeld MD, Šoba A, Zwick T, Staszyk C. The facultative human oral pathogen Prevotella histicola in equine cheek tooth apical/ periapical infection: a case report. BMC Vet Res 2021 Oct 30;17(1):343.
- Prutton JS, Bonadio C, Vaughan B, Nieto JE, Harvey AM, Estell KE. Sialoendoscopy as a treatment for an obstructed mandibular salivary duct in a horse. Can Vet J 2016 Aug;57(8):869-72.
- Oreff GL, Shiraki R, Kelmer G. Removal of sialoliths using the intraoral approach in 15 horses. Can Vet J 2016 Jun;57(6):647-50.
- Carlson N, Eastman T, Winfield L. Sialolithiasis in horses: A retrospective study of 25 cases (2002-2013). Can Vet J 2015 Dec;56(12):1239-44.
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