My dog has a pink growth on her gum. What is it? Vet visit needed?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! 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. 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 day!

It looks like it could be a benign growth, but without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment.

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!

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. It does look like a skin tag, but I can't say for 100% certainty without seeing Luna in person. It is worth getting checked out by a vet just to make sure it is a skin tag and not something more serious. I hope this helps!

This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! 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. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!