Canine necrotizing sialometaplasia: a case report and review of the literature

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is a distinct, though rare disease of the salivary glands. Histologic findings in humans and dogs are identical, but the distribution of affected glands and clinical course are very different. Small terrier breeds are predisposed. Clinically, canine NS is characterized by nausea (i.e., ptyalism, lip smacking, gulping), dysphagia, and pain in the mandibular region. Surgical removal of the affected glands produces minimal, if any, improvement; however, transient administration of anticonvulsants has resulted in dramatic clinical improvement in three cases.