My dog has a mouth growth. Is it serious or can it wait for cleaning?

Hello. I would not be too worried, I just would like to have this checked out as soon as possible. Oral lesions have a way of sneaking up on you, so I am glad you were so diligent in finding this. It is quite easy to determine if this is a bad situation by removing a small piece of tissue & having a pathologist examine the cells under a microscope. Some oral lesions can look quite benign but can turn out to be very worrisome, but lets not jump the gun. You are doing the right thing not waiting months to have it looked at. Fingers crossed that all will be fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

That does look concerning. Unfortunately there is no way to tell from the appearance alone as to whether or not it cancerous. You are correct in that it may be a benign growth, it may cancer, or it may some sort of inflammatory mass from an infection of the gums either due to a dental problem or due to an embedded bit of small stick or something along those lines. Gingival hyperplasia (overactive growth of the gum tissue) is possible, however it usually appears less "mass-like." If she is still eating, active and happy, make an appointment with your vet at your convenience in the coming weeks to have it checked out. If she is not eating or otherwise seems ill, or if you are noticing that her breath is really bad, get her in as soon as you can. Your vet may recommend that a biopsy be considered. A biopsy is the only way to determine what exactly it is, how dangerous it is, and what needs to be done about it. I hope thats helpful for you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That is a bit of buildup! Make sure you are using a dog-safe toothpaste as human toothpaste is actually toxic to pets. As for the lump/bump circled, it's hard to say what it is. I would keep an eye on it, and if it grows, changes rapidly, or becomes bothersome, it would be best to have your vet take a look at it sooner than your February appointment. Your vet can also schedule a dental cleaning at the same time if the bump needs to be removed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see well in this picture but this could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. There is no at home therapy for growths. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. There is a chance that this is benign and does not need any therapy. Good luck and have a good day!

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do not see anything urgent regarding Harley Mason's teeth! The red spot in the back could be from an injury, from chewing on something or from tartar touching the gums. You can take your time scheduling a dental cleaning. Have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Judging by the color and the fact that it is in the mouth, it is likely a melanoma, the most common oral tumor in dogs. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good one!