My Boxer has epulis in his mouth. Should I get them removed?

Hello. Was a biopsy done to confirm that this is an epulis? If yes, then unfortunately, there is nothing short of a more aggressive surgery being done to prevent a reoccurrence. Some of these growths have very deep "fingers" that literally grow down into the roots of the teeth. Removing the affected tooth may help, but unfortunately there are no simple remedies. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

True epulis are benign masses and only of concern if/when they affect hewing or become damaged during eating. There are a number of other causes of growths in the mouth however and tumor development is possible so they should be monitored closely and removed/biopsied if any doubts or concerns arise. Rapid growth, bleeding, ulceration, pain and loss of teeth are all red flags

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My dog gets these. He has had them on his legs and they would bleed occasionally especially during a bath. They tend to be benign growths. I don;t like your description of the one on the face that increases and decreases in size though. That sounds like the behavior of a mast cell, which boxers tend to get. If it looks like the one in the picture it could increase and decrease in size based on the blood inside the mass. The only way to fix them is to remove them, which is what I did for my dog. Sadly they will develop more over time. I would take Kate to your Vet and have them examine the areas and discuss removal. I wish you and Kate the best!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the pictures I see what you are worried about. Possible causes of the mass are: a benign over growth of gum tissue, an epulis, or cancerous growths. Some epulids are: Fibromatous, ossifying, and acanthomatous. Acanthomatous epuli, in particular, are highly invasive to the bone and are usually located on the front part of the lower jaw. It is sadly impossible to tell from just looking at the mass to say what it could be. I recommend you make an appointment with your Vet. Lucky will have to go under anesthesia, have dental X-rays taken of the area and the mass biopsied or removed, if able. I hope this helps! I wish Lucky the best!

I'm sorry you are dealing with this with Lyna. I have attached a handout below with more information on epulis. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3513 The type of epuis that Lyna had may have been completely removed if the tooth was removed and the socket was cleaned well. If that is the case, then we normally recommend closely monitoring the area. If the tumor recurs, then you have to decide if it is worth removing part of the jaw to remove the tumor. Some tumors grow slowly and we are able to repeatedly remove the tumor without significant growth into the bone and some tumors grow quickly into the bone. So, I would recommend discussing your options with your veterinarian. If you are looking for a second opinion, I would recommend consulting with a veterinary dentist who can evaluate Lyna's x-rays and help you make a decision on the next step. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, this is a benign growth. Dogs can have quite a few in their mouth, Boxers in particular. I am sure your vet checked them all over when he did the dental on Ziva but if you want to doublecheck for your reassurance, give them a call once they are open. Hope this helps

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. That is may be why it came back after removing it. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Rufus evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!