Anatomical and histological characterization of solitary lobules of the monostomatic sublingual gland in dogs.

Sialocele recurrence in dogs following surgical excision of the monostomatic sublingual gland is often attributed to incomplete removal of sublingual gland tissue posterior to the site of duct rupture, suggested as solitary lobules of the monostomatic sublingual gland. Here we examined these solitary lobules in six healthy beagle cadavers. Gross anatomical observation revealed solitary lobules distributed along the major sublingual duct and separated from the rostral lobe of the monostomatic sublingual gland. Histologically, the solitary lobules were connected to the major sublingual duct and showed a mixed glandular structure similar to the monostomatic sublingual gland but distinct from the polystomatic sublingual gland. These findings elucidate the anatomical basis of sialocele recurrence and emphasize the importance of completely excising solitary lobules.