Macroglossia - An uncommon disorder in the dog

A case of macroglossia in a 4-year-old male Saint Bernard is described. The tongue was extremely large and was carried normally protruding approximately 25 cm out of the side of the dog's mouth. As a puppy, the tongue had protruded only slightly. When presented for examination, the tongue had been traumatized during a fight in which the dog had bitten itself; this had previously occurred on several occasions. Surgical correction of the tongue was declined by the owner. The dog was euthanized at 7 years due to reasons not related to the enlarged tongue. Postmortem information is not available due to the owner's refusal of autopsy.