Just as your primary care physician can often diagnose a health problem by looking at your tongue, your veterinarian may diagnose an illness or disorder in your dog by noting particular tongue changes or abnormalities. If you want to make sure your dog benefits from early diagnosis and treatment, watch for these three tongue symptoms.
1. Tongue Discoloration
Although some dog breeds such as Shar Peis and Chow Chows naturally have blue or black tongues, the tongues of most other breeds have a pink coloration. If your dog's tongue changes from pink to black, it may suffer from oral inflammation, niacin deficiency, or a toxic kidney ailment known as uremia.
Heat stroke can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, from staggering and drooling to loss of consciousness. A blue-tinged or bright red tongue counts as another symptom of this acute, potentially deadly condition. Rush your dog to a veterinarian who can perform an emergency treatment to stabilize your pet.
2. Tongue Swelling
When a dog's tongue experiences inflammation or irritation, it may become noticeably swollen. Inflammation may stem from a direct injury to the tongue, insect stings, exposure to corrosive chemicals such as battery acid or cleaning products, or electrical burns from chewing through wiring insulation.
Underlying health problems can sometimes give a dog a swollen tongue. Examples include dental diseases triggered by plaque and tartar accumulation, saliva trapped inside the tissues under the tongue, and urinary system disorders such as kidney failure. These issues require treatment from a skilled veterinarian.
3. Tongue Bumps or Growths
Mysterious bumps or growths on your dog's tongue can develop for many reasons. In one example, burr tongue, the tongue experiences damage from burrs during grooming. The presence of multiple little red bumps may indicate a case burr tongue. This condition may resolve by itself, or it may require veterinary treatment.
A growth or other lesion on your dog's tongue could mean that your canine friend has an oral tumor that merits evaluation. Many oral tumors prove benign, but some can indicate cancer. The sooner your dog receives an accurate diagnosis and any necessary treatment, the more effectively you can protect your dog against cancer.
Don't neglect any changes in your dog's tongue that might otherwise cause you anxiety or imperil your pet's health. Schedule an appointment with your a local veterinarian to either put those worries to rest or move ahead with any medical care your dog might need.
