Question:
We have a 6-year-old, 36-pound terrier mix.On random occasions, she drools uncontrollably. This has been an issue ever since we adopted her at 13 months old. There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason for it. Normally, it lasts a few hours and subsides as fast as it started.The vet thinks she may have gotten into something that tastes bitter: a toad, a stick, garbage, etc. I questioned this, because it's winter and there are no toads. She is not a stick chewer, and she does not have access to garbage. Once, it happened after she woke up from a nap, so she had not been outside to get into anything. On the most recent episode, she drooled for four days.The vet prescribed 10 milligrams of Pepcid AC, twice a day, injected her with an antinausea drug (Cerenia) and prescribed 24 milligram Cerenia tablets to take for the next four days. It did not help. Luckily, and unbelievably, she was not dehydrated.Do you have any suggestions? I don't want to keep going back to the vet when they don't seem to know what to do. D
J.C., Centreville, Va Apr 20, 2008
Answer:
Sialorrhoea (excessive drooling) can have a psychological origin, triggered by stress/anxiety. Fortunately, it is a rare condition and must be differentiated from any possible physical cause, such as a foreign body trapped across or between the teeth; an abscessed or cracked tooth; or inflammation of the salivary glands. If there are other signs (such as difficulty walking and distress), possible pesticide poisoning may be involved.Note which medicines (such as anti-flea treatments) have been given and should be avoided. Next time at the vet, have them prescribe an antihistamine to stem the salivation and continue being vigilant in keeping her away from any household chemical she could have been exposed to.To order Dr. Michael W. Fox's newsletter, Animal Doctor, on providing the best care for your animal companion, send a check or money order for $2 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Send your questions to Dr. Fox in care of this newspaper. The volu
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