Thanks to Dr. Barden Greenfield, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC for submission of this months case.

A 10-year old MN Boxer presented to the rDVM after the owner noticed blood on the face of the dog and the carpet in the house. A cause for the bleeding was not easily identified by the referring hospital.  A CBC, Chemistry and clotting profiles were all within normal limits.

Two weeks following  the initial assessment there was blood where the pet sleeps and the owner was referred to a dental specialist.  An anesthetized oral exam was performed along with full mouth digital radiographs.

On oral exam (photograph), a linear sublingual laceration was noted along the midline.  Upon further examination, it was noted all the mandibular incisors were abraded with the cusp tips sharp and pointed.  Extension of the tongue over the incisors showed an identical match with the laceration associated with the mandibular 1st incisor (photograph).

Treatment was to repair the lacerated tongue with absorbable 4-0 Monocryl in a simple continuous pattern (photograph).  Treatment options for the incisors included extraction or odontoplasy and resin sealant.

At the time of presentation it was summer.  The dog was panting to thermoregulate and continuaully tramautized the tongue which led to the oral bleeding. Careful inspection of the entire mouth is warranted with any oral bleeding episode.