Tonsillitis in dogs

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Various infectious agents can attack the tonsils and cause primary or secondary tonsillitis. Here you get answers to what tonsils are, what symptoms tonsillitis can cause and how it is treated.

What are tonsils?

The tonsils are located on either side of the dog's throat. They are almond-shaped and consist of lymph node tissue. The task of the tonsils is to detect and fight infections that enter the body via the mouth and nose.

Underlying cause of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is usually secondary, meaning that there is another underlying cause. For example inflammations or infections in the oral cavity and airways or for regurgitation and vomiting in case of stomach problems. Secondary tonsillitis can occur in dogs of all ages. If the dog suffers from secondary tonsillitis, the underlying cause is treated.

Symptoms of primary tonsillitis

Primary tonsillitis occurs most often in young dogs. Symptoms usually show as, among other things, fever, reduced appetite and they have pain when they swallow food and water.

How tonsillitis in dogs is treated

If you suspect that your dog has a problem with the tonsils, you should make an appointment with a veterinarian for an examination. Veterinarians investigate the underlying cause of the dog's tonsillitis. In case of recurrent tonsillitis, the tonsils can be surgically removed (so-called tonsillectomy).