Objective: To determine clinical findings, cytologic and histologic characteristics of salivary glands, and response to treatment with phenobarbital in dogs with clinical signs typical of sialadenosis.
Design: Prospective study.
Animals: 13 dogs with enlarged salivary glands.
Procedure: Data were collected from dogs with clinical signs attributable to enlarged salivary glands. Salivary gland biopsy and cytologic specimens were examined. Dogs were treated with phenobarbital and monitored for response to treatment.
Results: Clinical signs commonly associated with sialadenosis included retching and gulping. Substantial cellular changes were not detected by histologic or cytologic examination of enlarged salivary glands. Response to treatment with phenobarbital was rapid, although most dogs required continuous treatment to prevent recurrence of clinical signs.
Conclusions and clinical relevance: Sialadenosis is a condition of unknown cause that may have been underdiagnosed in dogs. Criteria for diagnosis include typical clinical signs, enlarged salivary glands, and lack of substantial microscopic lesions. Response to treatment with phenobarbital is rapid.