pets disease

The tonsils are lymphoid tissues located in the back of the oral cavity near the esophagus. Since they are lymphatic tissues, tonsils have an immune function. Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation and/or swelling of these lymphoid structures in response to infections, foreign bodies, and sometimes even noninfectious diseases. For instance, long-term coughing, such as that seen in cases of canine cough, can result in a secondary tonsillar inflammation. Periodontal disease is another common cause of tonsillar swelling. Finally, certain tumors, such as lymphosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can cause the tonsils to swell and should always be kept in mind anytime an older dog or cat develops tonsillitis.
Signs of tonsillitis include gagging, retching, and difficulty swallowing. Affected animals might also go off feed and have a tendency to salivate excessively. Because tonsillitis is usually secondary in nature, other signs of illness related to the primary disease might be present as well.
Diagnosis of tonsillitis is easy when it is based on clinical signs and actual visualization of the swollen tonsils within the oral cavity. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the disease is infectious, appropriate antimicrobial therapy will clear up the tonsillitis. If a tumor is suspected, or if a seemingly simple case of tonsillitis is refractory to standard treatment, then the tonsils should be removed and biopsied.