Epulis is a tumor that develops in the mouth of some dogs; usually, it forms on the gums near the incisors, growing on the outside of the connective ligaments that hold the teeth in place. Although it is usually a benign tumor, in cases where it is particularly invasive it is considered cancerous and even the benign form still causes pain and discomfort. Removal and treatment of epulis in dogs has a high success rate, especially if it is detected and addressed early. Check with your vet to analyze the odds that your furry friend may be suffering from this disorder and take your pet to their clinic for immediate examination if you notice any signs of growth on the gums.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Locate the Epulis
Step 1. Understand the risks to the dog
Each specimen can be affected by this tumor form; however, some are more prone than others, based on race and age. Knowing the risk your faithful friend is taking, you can be more careful by monitoring their health and noting any abnormal signs in their mouth.
- The brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are more prone to developing epulis; among these specimens that have very short snouts and noses include boxers and bulldogs.
- Both males and females run the same risk; the most responsible factors are race and age.
- Usually, the dog begins to manifest the disease when it reaches middle age, around the age of 7.
Step 2. Check his gums
Since it is a tumor that affects the oral cavity, it affects only the animal's mouth; however, it can form in several places, the most common being the edge of the gums or between the teeth.
- Since it can develop in multiple places, it may be difficult to diagnose it at home if you don't know what to look for.
- Generally, you should notice firm growths attached to the gums, usually via a stem or filamentous structure.
- Most of the time they are the same color as the dog's gum tissue or may have a slightly smoother or rougher appearance, depending on the type of neoplasm.
Step 3. Recognize the different types of epulis
There are mainly three that affect dogs and which are distinguished by composition, appearance and site where they develop.
- Peripheral odontogenic fibroma: formally called fibromatous epulis, this type of growth develops on the marginal edges of the gums, generally has a smooth appearance and is pink; it consists of a hard and fibrous gum tissue.
- Ossifying epulis: This type of tumor has a smooth and shiny appearance due to the presence of bone cells mixed with the fibrous tissue.
- Acanthomatous ameloblastoma: This type of neoplasm, which can appear smooth or rough, usually develops in the anterior part of the jaw; usually, it begins to form in the ligament that holds the tooth roots in the jaw.
Step 4. Recognize the symptoms
The presence of a neoformation between the teeth is generally the clue that leads the owners to notice the suffering of their pet. Dogs with epulis exhibit several other common symptoms, including:
- Frequent salivation;
- Difficulty eating
- Lack of appetite;
- Bad breath;
- Bleeding from the growth;
- Misalignment of the teeth surrounding the tumor
- Difficulty in breathing.
Part 2 of 3: Finding Treatments
Step 1. Go to the vet
If you think you have recognized the epulis in the animal's mouth, it is extremely important to take him to the doctor for a check-up as soon as possible. Only the professional is able to diagnose this tumor with certainty and only he can perform tests to determine if it is a benign form (there is no risk of cancer) or malignant (a potentially aggressive cancer that can spread to other parts of the body).
Step 2. Get your dog tested
During the visit, the vet performs a general physical examination, as well as a series of tests on the actual tumor mass; he may also have the animal undergo a blood test to assess the overall health status. Usually, the blood sample is taken to identify any underlying problems that could affect the treatment plan recommended by the doctor.
- The vet might also perform a biopsy or aspiration of a small sample to determine if the tumor is malignant. Aspiration consists of inserting a needle and taking cells from the lymph nodes and neoplasm.
- During the visit he could also perform an x-ray of the oral cavity; it is a type of X-ray useful for defining how deep the tumor is in the gums.
- Sometimes, a chest X-ray is also done to see if the epulis has spread to the lungs; this investigation also helps to establish whether the dog can tolerate anesthesia, should it become necessary to intervene on the tumor mass.
- Your vet may also do computed tomography (instead of x-rays or as an additional test) to see if the cancer has affected the lungs and, if so, how far it has spread.
Step 3. Have the tumor removed
With the right treatment there is a good chance (about 95%) that the dog will recover completely; however, if the growth is not completely removed or if the tumor is malignant and has metastasized, there may be more than one prognosis. Only the veterinarian can identify the best treatment and perform the removal of the neoplasm.
- Depending on the size of the tumor, your vet can treat it with radiation therapy alone.
- In most cases, surgery is recommended.
- During the procedure, the doctor must remove all the tissues up to the periodontal ligament from which the tumor has grown.
- In some circumstances it is also necessary to remove the affected teeth and often even one or more of the surrounding ones. The veterinary surgeon may also remove some of the bone to make sure the tumor does not grow again.
- When the neoplasm is particularly extensive, it is sometimes necessary to remove a part of the jaw as well; however, this is a decision which is up to the veterinarian, on a case-by-case basis.
Part 3 of 3: Facilitating the Healing Process
Step 1. Use an Elizabethan (cone) collar
The purpose of this type of collar is to prevent the dog from scratching the wound with his paws, otherwise the healing process could slow down and an infection could develop. It is necessary to apply it for about 10-14 days or in any case for the time indicated by the veterinarian.
- The doctor can also provide you with the collar and give you any instructions you need to keep your pet healthy while it is recovering.
- If he does not give you any further information, ask him for how long the dog will have to hold the collar.
Step 2. Make changes to the power supply
After the surgery, the dog may have difficulty using his mouth; over time, the situation improves more and more, but you should only offer soft foods for at least two or three weeks after the operation.
- Feed him only soft canned food that he can chew more easily; if you can't give him this type of food, put the kibble in the water until they become soft and almost creamy.
- Depending on the extent of the surgical cut and the size of the jaw portion that has been removed, the dog may have to eat through the tube for some time.
Step 3. Limit your physical activity or prevent him from doing it
After the surgery you have to make sure that the dog rests a lot; reduce exercise for at least two to four weeks, depending on your vet's advice. While recovering, the animal must moderate movement to allow the incision and other surgical wounds to heal.
She should not use chewable toys, raw hides or balls until the wounds have completely healed; sometimes, this can mean waiting up to four weeks
Step 4. Take him to the vet for follow-up visits
You must have post-operative check-ups before your doctor can say it is safe to take off the Elizabethan collar; on these occasions, the wounds are inspected to see if they are healing properly. Sometimes some minor complications may arise that require additional procedures, although less invasive than actual surgery.
- Incision degradation is a fairly common side effect, which is the deterioration of the surgical site.
- After undergoing this type of surgery, some dogs produce more saliva; this is usually a temporary symptom, but can sometimes be persistent.
