Comparison of three surgical approaches for zygomatic sialoadenectomy in canine cadavers

OBJECTIVE: To compare three surgical approaches for excision of the zygomatic gland in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. ANIMALS: Cadavers of mesocephalic dogs (n = 20). METHODS: Each skull was assigned to a lateral approach with zygomatic arch ostectomy on the left (n = 20) and one approach without ostectomy on the right, ventral (n = 10) or dorsal (n = 10) to the zygomatic arch. Approaches were evaluated for surgical exposure (rated on a scale of 1-5 with one optimal exposure), tissue trauma, and completeness of gland removal. Glands from each side were weighed to compare as internal control. RESULTS: The ostectomy-based approach offered excellent surgical view and good exposure of the zygomatic gland but caused more tissue trauma. The dorsal nonostectomy approach did not allow complete zygomatic gland extraction in nine of the 10 dogs, whereas the ventral nonostectomy approach enabled complete extraction in all 10 dogs. CONCLUSION: The ventral zygomatic approach allowed complete removal of the zygomatic gland, with good surgical overview, while reducing tissue trauma and preserving the zygomatic arch. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The ventral nonostectomy approach should be considered as an alternative to excise the zygomatic gland in dogs.