Partial tying of parotid duct to reduce excess saliva in dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and effect of a partial ligation of the transposed parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland in four dogs with excessive salivation and ocular irritation. METHODS: Four dogs were previously diagnosed with absolute keratoconjunctivitis sicca. After a parotid duct transposition (PDT) surgery, these dogs experienced excessive saliva production and abundant salivary precipitates, which resulted in epiphora, moist dermatitis, blepharospasm, and keratitis. In an effort to decrease saliva production, a partial ligation of the transposed duct at the level of the parotid gland was performed. Two or three accessory branches to the primary parotid duct were ligated at the level of the salivary gland. RESULTS: The four cases were three Yorkshire terriers and a Chihuahua. The average age of the four patients was 2.5 years. Partial ligation of accessory branches of the parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland after a PDT in this study demonstrated improved ocular comfort, decreased salivary precipitates, and adequate Schirmer tear test results without marked epiphora in three of the four animals. The male Yorkshire had epiphora after the initial partial ligations of two accessory branches were placed at the level of the parotid gland. To correct the excessive salivary flow, two additional ligatures were placed at a later date, which resolved the epiphora. CONCLUSION: Partial ligation of the parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland proved to be an effective technique in moderating the salivation in these four patients with excessive salivary secretions after PDT.