Canine Tonsillitis
Your dog has a pair of tonsils at the back of its throat that help fight infection. Tonsillitis is when these tonsils are inflamed: swollen, red, and easily seen.
CAUSES:
The inflammation is caused by:
- Dental disease: tartar builds on the teeth, the gums become inflamed, and your dog's tonsils may be affected
- Any condition in the mouth that allows bacteria to multiply in the throat
Other causes include:
- Chronic vomiting
- Chronic productive cough
- A foreign object stuck in the mouth
SIGNS:
Enlarged tonsils are very painful. Signs may include:
- Gagging
- Coughing
- Salivating
- Licking lips
- Refusing food (because it is painful to swallow)
- Listlessness
DIAGNOSIS:
Your veterinarian will examine your dog's tonsils. If they are inflamed, the veterinarian will see them easily.
TREATMENT:
Some treatments your veterinarian may recommend:
- Treating the source of infection: teeth cleaning in the case of dental disease
- Antibiotics: to treat the infection
- Anti-inflammatory treatment: to relieve pain
- Tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils): if your dog is not responding to treatment or has frequent recurrence. This is rarely done because tonsils are crucial in fighting infections.
PREVENTION:
The best preventative measure against tonsillitis is to make sure your dog has excellent oral hygiene.
PROGNOSIS:
The prognosis depends on the underlying cause, but generally, tonsillitis is not a serious condition. In young dogs, tonsillitis often resolves on its own or with the use of antibiotics.
Medically Reviewed by Sara Ochoa, DVM
