Investigation and management of cervical swellings in dogs

Abstract

Cervical swellings in the dog comprise neoplastic masses, abscesses/ granulomas, salivary mucoceles and congenital cysts. It is important to differentiate between these conditions because the investigative pathway, treatment and prognosis for each of them are very different. Accurate history taking, physical examination and cytology can all provide vital clues about the nature of the disease and, hence, often avoid the need for more invasive and expensive testing. Subsequent decision-making depends on patient, owner and disease factors as well as financial constraints. This article describes how to diagnose cervical swellings in dogs and highlights the management options for each type of condition.