Clinical knowledge, calmly written.

A salivary mucocele forms when saliva leaks from a damaged salivary gland or duct and collects in the surrounding tissue, creating a fluid-filled swelling. The body walls off this pooled saliva with a soft tissue lining, forming what is sometimes called a pseudocyst. The swelling can appear in different places depending on which gland is affected. The most common sites are beneath the jaw or along the upper neck, and under the tongue. Less often it forms in the wall of the throat, where it can narrow the airway and cause breathing difficulty that can be fatal. Owners often notice a soft, fluctuant lump that may develop gradually or appear quite suddenly. The swelling itself is typically painless, though it can interfere with eating or swallowing if it becomes large or is positioned under the tongue. Some animals may drool more than usual, hold their head in an unusual position, or show difficulty closing the mouth comfortably. This page explores the signs that may prompt concern, what is happening beneath the surface to cause saliva to accumulate, how the condition is investigated and confirmed, and the range of approaches used to address it. The underlying cause of the initial leakage is often not identified, even after investigation.

Reviewed October 2026

Testicular tumours are abnormal growths that develop in one or both testicles of intact male dogs. They arise when cells in the testicular tissue begin to multiply in an uncontrolled way, forming a mass that can vary in size and behaviour. Some testicular tumours grow slowly and remain contained within the testicle, while others can produce hormones that affect behaviour, coat quality, or other parts of the body. Owners often notice a change in the size, shape, or firmness of one testicle, or observe that the two testicles no longer feel symmetrical. In some cases, the first signs are not related to the testicles themselves. These can include hair loss, skin changes, behavioural shifts, or changes in the way other dogs respond to the affected animal. Occasionally, a testicular mass is found during a routine examination when no outward signs have been noticed. This page explores what signs may be observed, what processes lead to different types of testicular tumour, how they are investigated, and what approaches exist once a tumour is identified. The goal is to help orient your understanding of what may be happening and what the shape of the conversation with your veterinary team might look like.

Reviewed October 2026

A behavioural condition where dogs experience distress when separated from their owners, expressed through vocalisation, destruction, or elimination.

Reviewed October 2026