Tonsillitis in Dogs

Just like with people, dogs have tonsils, one located on each side of the throat, each inside its own little pouch. The job of the tonsils are to kill gems and fight infection; however, since a dog's mouth contains many different types of bacteria it is not uncommon for the tonsils themselves to become infected or irritated. Once the tonsils become inflamed the condition becomes what is known as Tonsillitis.  

Tarter buildup on the dog's teeth and gums is usually the most common cause of Tonsillitis in dogs, but not the only one. Tonsillitis in dogs can be caused by a few different things;

• Infection
• Object lodged in the mouth
• Chronic Vomiting
• Chronic coughing
• Severe dental and gum disease
• Sinus drainage

When at normal size the tonsils are hard to see, but when the tonsils become enlarged they are clearly visible when looking in the dog's mouth, if the dog will let you that is. The inflamed tonsils may be accompanied by a red, sore throat and both will most likely be painful causing the dog to make constant swallowing motions, lip licking or to gag.  

Other signs of tonsillitis include:

• Pawing at the face
• Raised temperature
• Excessive salvation
• Difficulty eating (wanting to eat but not able to)
• Depression
• Lack of activity
• Mucus, jelly like bowel movement

Tonsillitis treatment normally consists of antibiotics to fight the infection and or a procedure to remove the object causing the inflammation. If the dog's teeth are covered in tarter, then they must be cleaned to prevent future illness and disease. In chronic cases, that is where the tonsils flare up several times a year, a Tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), may be required. Unfortunately, since the tonsils help the dog fight diseases, a Tonsillectomy is not always recommended.    

Not all dogs get tonsillitis. The large dog breeds are less likely to develop tonsillitis than are the small dog breeds.