JAAHA: Lingual abscess causes severe macroglossia in a dog

Macroglossia is a rare condition characterized by an unusually large or thickened tongue.

This type of acute swelling of the tongue can quickly become life-threatening in dogs due to the risk of airway compromise and difficulty eating or drinking.

A recent report in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA) describes a case in which a lingual abscess led to marked macroglossia in a dog—and resolved with medical management alone.

A 9-year-old castrated male French Bulldog was presented with sudden, severe enlargement of the tongue. Diagnostic imaging with computed tomography revealed a cavitary lesion extending from the root to the body of the tongue, with rim enhancement consistent with an abscess. Fine-needle aspiration produced purulent material containing degenerate neutrophils and intracellular bacteria, confirming the diagnosis.

Following aspiration, the dog was treated medically with intravenous fluids, systemic antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory doses of prednisolone. Clinical improvement occurred rapidly. Tongue swelling decreased within several days, and the tongue returned to normal size by day four without the need for surgical intervention.

Although lingual abscesses are uncommon, this case highlights the importance of including them as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with acute macroglossia. Prompt imaging and cytologic confirmation can guide effective treatment and may allow clinicians to avoid surgery.

Read the full case report in the latest issue of JAAHA: “Successful Medical Management of Severe Macroglossia Associated With Lingual Abscess in a Dog,” to see how imaging and targeted therapy led to rapid resolution in this unusual presentation.

The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (JAAHA) is a storied publication presenting the latest scientific articles from around the world. Each month we present a sampling from the current month’s journal.

Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors. This article had editing assistance from an AI software.