Pyogranulomatous swellings in the submandibular region of the dog, caused by Actinomyces spp.

Seven dogs with actinomycotic submandibular abscess, probably caused by penetrating wounds in the oral cavity, are described. Antibiotic treatment alone, or in combination with paracentesis, failed in all cases. Recurrences and dissemination were avoided in five of the seven cases by complete removal of the abscess, long-term drainage, flushing with 1% Polyvidon iodine and long-term antibiotic treatment. The main difficulty was a poorly defined margin of the abscess; this made complete removal impossible in three cases. In two of these there were recurrences, but in the third there was complete healing after the second treatment.