TONSILITIS
Tonsillitis
Your pet has a pair of tonsils at the back of its throat that help fight infection just like you.
Tonsillitis is when these tonsils are inflamed: swollen, red and enlarged.
CAUSES:
The inflammation is caused by:
• Dental disease: tartar builds on the teeth, the gums become inflamed, and your pet's tonsils may be affected
• Any condition in the mouth that allows bacteria to multiply in the throat
Other causes include:
Repeated vomiting
Repeated coughing or Excessive Barking A Foreign object stuck in mouth Some viruses
SIGNS:
Enlarged tonsils are very painful
Signs may include:
• Gagging
• Coughing
• Salivating
• Licking lips
• Refusing food (because it is painful to swallow)
• Listlessness
DIAGNOSIS:
Dr. Cowden will examine your dog's tonsils. If they are inflamed and enlarged I can generally visualize them while the pet is awake although they typically will not say Awe.Lol
TREATMENT:
Some treatments your veterinarian may recommend include:
• 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 there is 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.