Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
The tonsils lie within folds of tissue on either side of the throat. The tonsils perform immune functions, helping to fight infection in the head region. Anything that causes inflammation and/or infection in this area will cause activation and enlargement of the tonsils. While tonsillitis refers to inflammation of the tonsils, it does not refer to a specific cause. Tonsillitis rarely occurs without an underlying cause such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, tumors, chronic cough, and periodontal disease. Dogs with tonsillitis may hesitate to swallow food due to the pain caused when swallowing; they may swallow repeatedly and become lethargic. To diagnose tonsillitis, your veterinarian will do a visual inspection of your pet’s throat. Some pets may need to be heavily sedated to allow thorough examination of the throat. An underlying cause should be investigated and treated specifically. Typically, surgical removal of the tonsils is only necessary when a tumor is present.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Browse By Species
1955 Ashland St Ashland, Oregon 97520 bcac1955@gmail.com Phone: 541-488-0120 Fax: 541-488-4866
After Hours Emergency? Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center Phone: 541-282-7711
Visit our online pharmacy today Shop Online© 2025 Bear Creek Animal Clinic. Provided by Patterson | Powered by LifeLearn WebDVM