My dog's epulis keeps returning after surgery. How to prevent it?

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, you can ask your veterinarian if they are aware of any studies for Bella's condition. Some veterinary universities occasionally have treatment trials for very specific conditions. Unfortunately an epulis can commonly recur if large or aggressive. Sometimes curative surgery may require removal of a portion of the jaw. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2089&aid=3057

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Unfortunately, Boxer's are predisposed to developing this type of mass in the mouth. These can be removed surgically but commonly come back. I typically recommend removing these if they are increasing in size or if they are causing a problem and the dog is biting down on the epulis when chewing food causing the mass to bleed. If you are interested in having these removed, I would discuss this with your veterinarian so that you can arrange for this to be done. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

I'm sorry to hear about Stephanie's problem. To know for sure what the type of growth is and what to expect from it, a pathologist should look at a sample of the tissue from a surgical biopsy. Without this info, we are just guessing by its appearance, rate of growth and our experience. I am very concerned by the appearance of this mass and the rapid growth after it was initially removed. It is suggestive of a malignant mouth cancer. These are typically very aggressive and very difficult to treat. Your best bet is to ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary oncologist. This is a specialized doctor that can give you the best treatment options. My guess is that they could combine radical surgical resection of the growth and the portion of the jaw that it is growing from. This may be preceded by or followed by radiation treatment. They can go over the prognosis and what exactly to expect, but your regular veterinarian is probably limited to the surgery that was already done. It can be repeated, but the outcome will be the same....rapid tumor re growth. Ask your veterinarian if there is a good specialist that you can see to find out all of your options and decide if treatment is feasible.

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

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think you are talking about something called gingival hyperplasia. If it looks very similar to the one that was removed and tested, it’s probably the same thing. (Though we can never guarantee as some kids of cancer can look similar.) Usually there is nothing to do treatment or prevention-wise except remove them at routine dental cleaning. And I do recommend routine dental cleaning as tartar can build up dramatically under that gum tissue. Best of luck to you and Lilly!