A 20-months-old female Russian Shepherd dog weighing 26 kg was presented to the Small Animal Clinic Unit of the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Jos-Plateau state, Nigeria with a complaint of inability to feed. History of progressively increasing swelling in the right side of the oral cavity which was first observed 2 months prior to presentation following supplementation of the dog’s feed with some bones. Clinical examination revealed a painless mass on the base of the tongue with associated oral discomfort. Aspirates of the swelling revealed a clear, mucoid, saliva-like fluid which was devoid of any cell upon cytological examination. Based on history and clinical findings, a diagnosis of sublingual salivary Mucocele was made. Surgical excision was done under general anaesthesia using atropine sulphate and Chlorpromazine as preanesthetics and Ketamine hydrochloride + 2% Xylazine as induction and maintenance anesthetics. The excised masses histologically showed a dilated duct lined by squamous epithelium, and sub-epithelial fibrosis; dense populations of cells with clear cytoplasmic vacoulations and delicate capillary networks. The case was confirmed as retention type salivary mucocele or Ranula. The dog recovered with the resumption of normal feeding after three days of surgical intervention with adjunctive antibiotics and analgesic administration. Monitoring was conducted and the dog was discharged one month after complete wound healing with no observed saliva re-accumulated. In conclusion, the presented case of a typical salivary mucocele and a mini-literature review will help heighten the awareness and knowledge about sialocele management with complete resolution following surgical excision.
Key words: Russian shepherd, Sublingual salivary mucocele, Ranula, Surgical excision
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