Glossitis in dogs arises from diverse etiologies but shows predominantly chronic ulcerative pathology and low clinical detection rates.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and histopathological features of glossitis in dogs and determine its clinical-pathological correlation. METHODS: Medical records and pathology reports of dogs diagnosed with glossitis at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, were reviewed (2009 to 2024). Dogs diagnosed with glossitis that was confirmed histologically were included in the study. Dogs that had concurrent histological diagnosis of lingual neoplasia were excluded. RESULTS: 100 dogs were included. Awake oral examination failed to detect 55% of the glossitis lesions. Six inciting causes of glossitis were identified, with trauma and idiopathy being the most common causes, followed by inflammatory causes (associated with concurrent local oral or dental disease), oral manifestations of systemic disease (other than immune-mediated or autoimmune etiology), immune-mediated or autoimmune causes, and foreign body. Pooled data revealed that glossitis commonly presented as either a unilateral or bilateral solitary lesion, affecting the ventral surface of the middle or rostral third of the tongue. The predominant histological features were chronic, severe ulcerative or erosive neutrophilic inflammation, myodegeneration, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Glossitis may be presented as a primary disease or manifestation of underlying systemic conditions. The appearance and presentation of different causes of glossitis can be similar; hence, additional clinical information and ancillary testing should be applied to determine the pathogenesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study emphasizes the importance of integration of clinical-pathological data in a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment planning to optimize clinical outcomes.