Everything you need to know

WOLMAR

FOR DOGS

Epulis in dogs occurs as a result of systematic mechanical irritation of the gum mucosa

Epulis in dogs is a growth of connective tissue. Localization of this education considered to be the gums or thickness of the jaw. In another way, epulis is called supragingival. This pathology can have different sizes. As a rule, epulis occurs as a result of systematic mechanical irritation of the gum mucosa. We are talking about gnawing sticks, injury from the edges of a damaged tooth, etc. Predisposes to the development of this pathology malocclusion, violation of the location of the tooth.

Types of epulis in dogs

Canine fibromatous epulis is characterized by a round or irregular shape. This type of epulis is adjacent to the dental edge. The pathological process may spread to the oral cavity. This is done through the interdental space. Fibromatous epulis grows slowly and does not bleed. Pain is not typical for this formation. Microscopically, this variant of the disease in dogs It is an overgrown fibrous tissue with separate bone crossbars.The location of angiomatous epulis in dogs is the neck of the tooth. The neoplasm is bright red in color. This type of epulis is soft to the touch. Even the minor injury. Revealed relatively fast growth neoplasms. Microscopically, multiple thin-walled blood vessels are found in the angiomatous epulis.Peripheral giant cell granuloma is characterized by painlessness, round shape, lumpy surface, bluish-purple color, bleeding, and slow growth. At the site of injury to this form of epulis, erosions and ulcerations occur. In most cases, dental impressions are found on this formation. Displacement and loosening of the teeth to which the epulis is attached is possible. In the tissues of the neoplasm, multinucleated giant cells and a large amount of hemosiderin are detected.The structure of central giant cell granuloma is similar to the peripheral form of the disease. In addition, multiple hemorrhages are found in such epulis.It is worth noting that epulis in dogs is a very common malignant pathology of the oral cavity. Brachycephalic breeds are most often affected by this disease. The boxer has a familial variant of the disease.Diseases and recommendations for the Rottweiler

Diagnosis of epuis

As a rule, the course of epulis in dogs is asymptomatic. In some cases, the disease manifests itself increased salivation, unpleasant odor and bleeding from the mouth. The examination helps to identify a tumor-like neoplasm. To determine involvement in pathological process bones, radiography is indicated. To confirm the diagnosis, a histological examination is performed.

Treatment

The basis of treatment is the elimination of the traumatic influence and removal of the tumor. In addition to the epulis, the periosteum is removed. In case of central giant cell granuloma, the area also needs to be eliminated bone tissue. A bur or cutter is used to remove the bone. After excision of the tumor, the edges of the wound are subject to coagulation. Gauze with an iodoform mixture is applied to the wound. In addition, it is possible to close the wound with a formed mucoperiosteal flap. Removal of teeth in the area of ​​the tumor is indicated only if there is increased mobility or excessive exposure of the roots.

Hypertrophy- proliferation of normal cellular elements of gum tissue.

Among domestic animals, this pathology is relatively rare, and its treatment, provided timely treatment, almost always gives positive results. The exception is situations when hypertrophy has a genetic etiology. In such cases, there is a possibility of relapse of the disease.

There are two forms of gum tissue hypertrophy: generalized And limited .

Limited (or focal) hypertrophy is a single growth in the area of ​​the tuberosity upper jaw, or the lingual surface of the gums of the lower jaw, localized on one or both sides. As a rule, growths have a round shape, a smooth surface and a dense consistency.

Generalized hypertrophy is the most common and is a combination of several merging foci of granular growths of the gums, which ultimately lead to complete closure of the tooth crown.

According to the degree of intensity of development of the pathological process, 3 degrees of generalized hypertrophy are distinguished:

- I degree characterized by excessive growth of the gum margin and gingival papillae; the thickenings look like a compacted roller; and the increase in gum tissue occurs at approximately 1/3 of the height of the tooth crown;

- II degree determined by the progression of hypertrophy of the gingival margin and gingival papillae; gingival cushion covers bottom part tooth crowns; and the growth reaches up to 1/2 the height of the crown;

- III degree characterized by pronounced hyperplasia of the gingival margin and gingival papillae; the increased gum volume covers more than 2/3 of the height of the tooth crown, often reaching the incisal edge of the teeth. The overgrown papillae become covered with many small and large bleeding granulations.

Lack of treatment for gum tissue hyperplasia leads to its development, which can cause osteoporosis and destruction of interdental septa.

What causes hypertrophy of gum tissue in dogs and cats?

Gingival hyperplasia can be a consequence of nonspecific (chronic inflammation) or specific (influence medicines or hereditary predisposition) factors. Chronic inflammation, due to the presence of local foci (bacterial plaque and tartar), can cause the development of hypertrophy of gum tissue, or further aggravate it. This tissue hyperplastic response can lead to generalized gingival hyperplasia in some animals. Among the drugs that can lead to the onset of pathology are cyclosporines, calcium channel blockers and phenytoin. Their administration leads to stimulation of the growth of fibroblasts in the gum tissue. Stopping these medications usually results in regression of the lesion. Hereditary cases of hypertrophy usually occur in certain breeds (boxers and collies).

What symptoms accompany the development of gum tissue hypertrophy?

One of the primary characteristic features The development of hypertrophy is a local or generalized increase in the volume of free and attached gum tissue to the tooth. The degree of volume increase varies from mild to severe, and in severe cases, gum tissue can completely cover the surface of the tooth.

The edges of the gums are usually rounded and blunted; also, depending on the severity of inflammation, areas of hyperemia and bleeding may be detected.

Hyperplastic gum tissue can form pseudopockets, leading to the accumulation of subgingival plaque and gingivitis. Clinical symptoms in animals they are usually absent, unless hyperplastic tissues are injured during chewing.

How is gum tissue hypertrophy diagnosed in dogs and cats?

When making a final diagnosis, the main task of the veterinary dentist is differential diagnosis hypertrophy of gum tissue from other diseases with similar symptoms:

• epuloids (benign connective tissue tumor formation - central giant cell granuloma, located on the alveolar processes of the jaws);
• fibroma ( benign tumor from fibrous connective tissue);
• acanthomatous ameloblastoma of dogs (benign odontogenic tumor of the maxillofacial localization, causing destruction of bone tissue);
• neoplasia (a pathological process represented by newly formed tissue, in which changes in the genetic apparatus of cells lead to disruption of the regulation of their growth and differentiation);
• root resorption (a process during which degeneration of dentin, cementum and bone tissue surrounding the tooth occurs);
• granuloma (a limited area of ​​inflamed tissue in the form of a small purulent sac or node in the area of ​​the tooth root.).

The etiology of occurrence should be taken into account in diseases that have a breed predisposition, as well as in animals receiving drugs that can cause the development of hypertrophy of gum tissue. The final diagnosis is made based on the results of histological examination of tissue samples taken.

Microscopic examination indicates signs of the presence of fibrous tissue with the addition of an inflammatory process.

Data received x-rays, as a rule, show an increase in the density of soft tissues in the area of ​​​​localization of hypertrophy of gum tissue.

How is gum tissue hypertrophy treated in dogs and cats?

Darling four-legged friend does not eat, saliva flows from the mouth, the mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips, gums and tongue are intensely red, and sometimes with ulcers? Most likely, the dog has stomatitis - inflammation of the mucous membranes oral cavity. This disease should not be left to chance, because the pathology can subsequently affect the state of the gastrointestinal, immune and cardiovascular systems.

Where does stomatitis come from?

Inflammation can be primary or secondary. Primary stomatitis is a problem that has an independent cause and course, secondary stomatitis is not a separate pathology, but accompanies other, more serious infectious (viral, bacterial or fungal) diseases.

Primary causes

• injury to the gums, mucous membranes of the cheeks and lips due to impaired dental bite due to deviations in the growth of teeth or incorrect erasure of them in old age;
• eating icy or very hot food;
• damage to the mucous membrane from dry food, bones or other foreign objects;
• ingestion of toxic irritating substances into the oral cavity (household chemicals, poisonous plants, moldy food, medicines etc.);
• dental diseases.

Secondary causes

• infectious diseases (leptospirosis, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, leukemia);
• fungal infections (candidiasis);
• diseases of the nasopharynx (rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis);
• endocrine pathologies (diabetes mellitus);
• internal diseases (gastroenteritis, nephritis, liver failure, etc.);
• metabolic disorders due to aging (scurvy);
• immunodeficiency states.

Types of inflammation and their manifestation

Inflammatory process It can be acute, or it can be prolonged to a chronic state. By localization (distribution in the oral cavity):

• focal - affects a small limited area(focus) in the oral cavity
• diffuse - covers the entire mouth, including the mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums and palate

Vesicular (transitioning to ulcerative, then to gangrenous) Ulcerative - blisters-pimples form on the surface of the mucosa, which burst to form small wounds, around which healthy tissues become severely inflamed. They are most often found on the surface of the gums, but are also found on the lips and cheeks. At ulcerative stomatitis The dog often eats with some chewing.

Pregangrenous Upon joining bacterial infection wounds transform into long-term non-healing ulcers, which can, under certain conditions, turn into gangrene - the most severe variant of stomatitis. In such cases, the tissue around the ulcers is blood-red, turning into cyanosis - dying and rotting occurs. There is a threat of sepsis.

Catarrhal With this form of the disease there are no obvious wounds or ulcers. Present obvious signs inflammation - redness, swelling, soreness, a slight whitish coating may be present in intervals when the animal does not eat or drink. When plaque is removed, bleeding areas of the mucous membrane are formed. It manifests itself in separately inflamed areas, or can cover the entire oral cavity, especially the gums. The beginning of all stomatitis.

Atrophic Externally, there is very strong inflammation on the gums and the mucous membrane of the inner surface of the cheeks. If you look closely, you can see tiny bubbles and wounds/ulcers. The surface of the mucous membrane is tense and visually as if stretched from inflammatory edema, as if it were about to burst. The slightest touch to the lesion causes obvious severe pain. The pet categorically refuses solid food, and special cases can't even eat soft food. Gum injuries occur almost instantly with any contact with something hard.

Phlegmonous (purulent) It's always harsh bad smell from the mouth and the presence of pus in wounds, ulcers and its accumulation between the lips and gums. Due to the moist environment, the purulent process spreads throughout the entire oral cavity, affecting any slightest microtrauma and blisters. It is treated only with systemic antibiotic therapy.

Papillomatous This form of stomatitis is caused by the papilloma virus and is characterized by the formation of specific neoplasms resembling cauliflower– papillomas. Self-medication is prohibited, because there is a high risk of spread and growth of papillomas throughout the oral cavity. Very common in puppies due to weak immunity.

Signs to suspect stomatitis in a dog

1. The animal drinks a lot, often and quickly. The inflammatory process in the oral cavity is usually accompanied by a burning sensation, which is alleviated by drinking.
2. Profuse drooling. Saliva flows constantly, but the act of swallowing is not impaired. While eating, a distinct slurping sound can be heard.
3. Decreased appetite and caution when eating food. The dog refuses solid food or eats it very carefully, chewing it slowly. Some time later, the pet may refuse food altogether, even its favorite food.
4. The animal periodically rubs its muzzle against objects, makes sounds reminiscent of sneezing, and an unpleasant (rotten or putrid) smell begins to come from its mouth.
5. The pet may be lethargic, inactive, and may have an increase in body temperature.

The above listed first signs of stomatitis in a dog should prompt the owner to examine the pet’s oral cavity.

With stomatitis in the oral cavity it is usually found

• reddened mucous membrane - gums, inner surface of the cheeks and lips, the tongue and palate may be affected, in rare cases - the larynx (intensity from bright pink to deep red);
• pimples, ulcers, hemorrhages, and accumulations of pus are found on the lips or cheeks;
• Gums may bleed, tartar is detected, tooth roots are exposed;
• a whitish or grayish coating may be detected;
• saliva is viscous or foamy, smelling unpleasant.

How to examine a dog's mouth?

The examination is carried out in daylight or any other good lighting, with the jaws opened comfortably. The procedure begins with examining the gums, simply by gently lifting or lowering the lips. The animal can be in any position that is comfortable for the person conducting the inspection.

How to look For an internal examination of the mouth, it is enough to simply open the jaws with both hands. To comfortably grab them, you need to grab them from above and below with both hands, placing your fingers in the space behind the fangs - the “toothless” edge. There is no need to use excessive force.	How not to do it Do not try to open the mouth by holding the back of the nose and beard - this will definitely cause pain and the animal will bite.

If adult dog categorically refuses to open his mouth

Place loops of regular medical bandage over the upper and lower jaw. Move your jaw to the side, holding its free ends. Everything needs to be done together with an assistant and carefully so as not to cause pain or dislocate the jaw.

What and how you can help at home

It is impossible to cure stomatitis in a dog on your own without visiting a veterinarian (at least without consequences). No owner will be able to determine exactly what caused this disease. The main point in treatment is to eliminate the cause of inflammation, i.e. without its exact definition any healing procedures will be in vain. It is always better to visit a veterinary clinic and then follow the veterinarian's instructions.

Self-treatment is permissible only for catarrhal stomatitis, when there are no ulcerations or when the ulcers are small and not extensive. In the future, you should take the dog to an appointment with a veterinarian, because... It is imperative to determine the cause of stomatitis. This is especially true if no signs of relief appear within 2-3 days and there are suspicions that the stomatitis is secondary.

There is no need to do anything if pus, papillomas are found in the mouth, the body temperature rises or the dog is lethargic!

What can you do before visiting the veterinarian?

• Examine the oral cavity and, if possible, remove any detected foreign objects that injure the mucous membrane (bone fragments, blades of grass, wood chips, splinters, etc.). If this cannot be done, see a veterinarian.
• Rinse your mouth twice a day using a rubber bulb, a syringe without a needle, or (the most ideal option) from a spray bottle (you can use empty and washed medicine containers from old medications):
  • furatsilin solution 1:5000 (per 500 ml hot boiled water 0.1 g of furatsilin powder is taken, cooled to a warm temperature);
  • barely pink manganese 1:10000 (a few grains are thrown into 0.5 liters of boiled cool water, stirred until completely dissolved, water is added until the required shade of the solution is obtained);
  • strong decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort, sage and/or oak bark (1 tsp of any herb or mixture of herbs, pour 200-250 ml of boiling water, leave for 20-30 minutes, add water to 500 ml),
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide (in pure form, pharmaceutical packaging);
  • freshly squeezed carrot juice.

There is no need to try to get into the wounds - this can cause pain, the liquid will independently distribute over the entire surface of the mucous membrane. With the same solutions, you can separately lubricate wounds and ulcers with moistened cotton swabs, but the risk of pain is high.

• Transfer your pet to food with a soft and liquid consistency (mucous liquids, jellies, liquid porridge, soups with meat broths, milk, acidophilus, minced fish/meat). Monitor the temperature of the food - it should not be hot or cold. If the lesions of the mucous membrane are very extensive and deep, you can keep your pet on a starvation diet for 1-1.5 days, but with free access to drink.
• You can treat the oral cavity with the following paste: honey - 1 part, aloe juice - 2 tsp, melted lard or butter - 1 part, streptocide - 2-4 g, cocoa butter - 1 tsp. All components are melted in a water bath at a temperature of 40°C. Mix thoroughly. The entire mouth is treated twice a day.
• For ulcerative stomatitis, after each meal, you need to wipe the dog’s teeth with a swab soaked in lemon juice. This prevents the formation of plaque, which with stomatitis forms quickly and abundantly due to developing bacteria.

Under no circumstances should you lubricate your dog’s lips or mucous membranes with iodine tincture, which is found in every human first aid kit. High probability allergic reactions, and the additional irritant effect of iodine can lead to tissue death, reducing the rate of healing of ulcers and wounds.

How to treat stomatitis in a puppy?

In newborns, stomatitis most often develops against the background of improperly growing teeth and malocclusion. Usually everything is limited to catarrhal stomatitis, which can be treated in the same ways as in adult dogs. It goes by quite quickly. An exception is papillomatous stomatitis - self-healing usually occurs after 2-3 months, otherwise antitumor and antiviral treatment carried out only by a veterinarian.

Spitz and miniature poodles- two breeds in which stomatitis develops very quickly and is extremely difficult, with the formation of deep ulcers and tissue necrosis even on the palate. Any self-medication in these breeds is prohibited! At the first suspicion of stomatitis, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Veterinary assistance

When eliminating the cause that provoked the appearance of stomatitis and proper treatment, primary catarrhal forms V acute course pass over a period of 5 days to 2 weeks. Secondary acute stomatitis takes longer to cure – 2-3 weeks. Inflammations that have progressed to the stage chronic course, can last for years.

If stomatitis is a secondary symptom, then the main therapy is aimed at curing the main disease, and then directly at stomatitis. A parallel treatment option is suitable.

Progress of therapy:

• cleansing the affected mucosa from pus, blood clots and plaque;
• taking measures to eliminate the infection;
• healing of formed ulcers and wounds;
• removal of tartar (if any);
• increasing the animal's immune response;
• antitumor therapy (for pallomatous stomatitis).

Products for cleaning and disinfecting the oral cavity

• chlorhexidine 0.05% - irrigate with a spray bottle, rubber bulb or apply with a wet swab to the affected areas twice a day;
• Rotocan solution - irrigate inflamed areas;
• Metrogyl-Denta gel – lubricate inflamed or ulcerated areas of the oral mucosa;
• 0.2% lapis (silver nitrite salt in solution) or glycerin iodine in a ratio of 1:4 is used to cauterize deep ulcers - applied carefully, pointwise.

Antimicrobial therapy

• streptocide powder: crush 1 tablet of streptocide to powder, sprinkle on the affected areas of the mucous membrane;
• oletethrine: daily dose 0.025 g/kg is divided into 3-4 times and given orally during the day; course – 5 days;
• gentamicin 4%: 1.1 ml/10 kg twice a day on the first day of the course, then in the same dosage, but once a day; full course – 5 days;
• tetracycline: orally 15-20 mg/kg twice a day into the muscle for 5-7 days;
• doxycycline: 5-10 mg/kg strictly every 12 hours for 5 days;
• novarsenol (used only for gangrenous stomatitis for urgent injections): 0.05-0.45 g twice a day for 48 hours.

Wound healing agents

• sea ​​buckthorn and rosehip oils – after removing signs of inflammation of the oral cavity, treat cotton swab or a tampon on wounds and ulcers to stimulate tissue regeneration and better healing;
• Vinilin balm - lubricate ulcers in the mouth for 1-2 days until healing after inflammation has been relieved.

Immunostimulating agents

• separately vitamin C ( ascorbic acid) for ulcerative stomatitis (stimulates tissue regeneration (healing) in dogs): 1-5 ml into the muscle or intravenously once a day for 5-14 days.
• gamavit: 0.3-0.5 ml/kg subcutaneously or into the muscle 2-3 times/week for 1 month.

Antitumor therapy

Prospidin: 3 mg/kg once a day. Repeat every other day for 15 days. The papillomas are then surgically removed, and the removal sites are cauterized with lapis.

Prevention of stomatitis

Home preventive measure is considered an organization normal conditions for the life of a dog, proper nutrition(control of food temperature and the presence in food of anything that can injure the mucous membrane) and timely deworming and vaccination. All this reduces the risk of developing both primary and secondary stomatitis.

Veterinarians at our center most often encounter epulis in their practice at the initial stage by accident, since in most cases it appears unnoticeably to the owners and the pet does not show concern. Typically this is prophylactic appointment before planned procedures. Later, when the epulis reaches a significant size, the owner may notice it while playing with the dog. In addition, it can cause anxiety, injury when chewing, leading to bleeding in the mouth and excessive salivation, which, as a rule, does not go unnoticed by the owners.

By epulis we mean a tumor-like connective tissue formation of a round shape and different sizes. Epulis is located in the oral cavity on the surface of the gum or in its thickness. In addition, they can be attached directly to the bone. These tumors do not metastasize. Epulis occurs in dogs different ages, more often in brachycephalic breeds (boxer, French bulldog, English bulldog).

Causes of epulis in dogs

The causes of epulis in dogs are not fully understood. There is an opinion that the predisposing factor is systematic damage to the gingival mucosa. Dogs receive such injuries from improperly positioned teeth, malocclusion, or gnawing on hard and sharp objects.

Types of epulis

I distinguish several varieties of epulis in dogs.

A) Basal cell carcinoma (acanthomatous epulis / acanthomatous adamantinoma / ameloblastoma). It is a non-metastatic tumor that always aggressively invests bone. This tumor originates from the basal layer of the gum epithelium. Almost always there is destruction of teeth and bones. On x-rays The doctor can visualize the process of lysis of bone and teeth.

B) Peripheral odontogenic fibroma (ossifying/fibromatous epulis). This is a non-metastatic tumor of fibrous tissue located along the gingival margin. Dense, covered with smooth, non-ulcerated epithelium. On x-rays, the doctor notices varying degrees mineralization, but without signs of invasion and bone destruction. It is tightly attached to the bone and this can interfere with the growth of teeth.

B) Giant cell granuloma. This type epulis in dogs can be peripheral (originating from the gum tissue) and central (arising from the bone of the alveolar process).

Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a non-painful, round or oval-shaped formation with an uneven surface. On palpation it is soft or elastic, cyanide-burgundy in color. Originates from the olveolar part of the jaw, is prone to bleeding and slow growth. Can reach large sizes, due to this, it is easily injured, erosions and ulcers form at the site of injury. Teeth in areas where epulis grows often become loose and displaced. Microscopic examination reveals a large number of multinucleated giant cells, inclusions of hemosederin, connective tissue penetrated by a large number of small vessels and capillaries.

The central giant cell granuloma is similar in appearance to the peripheral one. During microscopy, the doctor visualizes fibrous tissue with a large number of hemorrhages, an accumulation of multinucleated giant cells, and inclusions of hemosiderin.

D) Angiomatous epulis. This type of epulis is represented by fibrous tissue injected in a large accumulation blood vessels. It grows near the neck of the tooth; the surface of this epulis is often fine-grained, less often smooth. Even with a slight minor injury, it is prone to bleeding.

Diagnosis of epulis in dogs

Diagnosis in our center of this pathology is carried out comprehensively based on medical history (excessive salivation, oral odor, decreased appetite, bleeding from the oral cavity), clinical examination of the animal, radiography and laboratory tests.

Treatment of epulis in dogs

Treatment of epulis in dogs is predominantly surgical. You should not call a doctor at home. Treatment is carried out directly in the clinic and requires special knowledge and experience veterinarian. It is necessary to completely remove the pathological tissue with entrapment healthy tissue to avoid relapse. In this regard, the doctor often has to remove part of the altered periosteum and affected teeth along with the epulis. When done correctly surgical intervention the prognosis is usually favorable. In some cases it may be necessary radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

For some reason, many dog ​​breeders, even experienced ones, when pronouncing the phrase “diseases” digestive system“Pathologies of the stomach and intestines are immediately presented. Meanwhile, this the most important system a lot more is included. For example, the organs of the oral cavity. Their diseases also damage the health of the animal, leading to severe consequences. This also includes epulis in dogs.

Epulide is a tumor of the periodontal ligament. This is a structure that “attaches” the tooth to the jaw. The disease is specific to dogs. These tumors are extremely rare in cats. Neoplasms of this type are (usually) benign, but they still cause a lot of harm to the dog. Animals of all ages and breeds are susceptible, but statistics show that they are most often diagnosed in dogs aged six years and older. No gender predisposition was identified. Veterinarians have also found that brachycephalic breeds are much more likely to develop the disease.

This is especially true for those in whom this disease can be considered specific. Unfortunately, to this day, not a single one objective reason the development of tumors of this type was not detected. There are three types of epulides recognized, and they are grouped by tissue origin.

• Fibromatous. Only the ligamentous apparatus develops. The most common and simplest variety.

• "Ossifying". Despite the tendency of these types of tumors to harden, they also do not pose a serious danger to the health of the pet.

• Acanthomatous epulis. Despite their benign origin, such neoplasms manifest themselves as quite aggressive tumors that contribute to the destruction of ligamentous and bone tissue.

Read also: Cryptorchidism in dogs. Let's talk about "men's" health

Many cases of epulis go undetected because the affected dog does not develop any symptoms. This, however, does not in any way negate the fact that in other situations the owners are simply forced to take the dog to the clinic, since the disease causes it a lot of suffering.

Clinical picture

Since on initial stages no clinical signs is not observed, more often the disease is detected already more than late stages. At this time you can see the following:

• A strange, lumpy mass gradually grows along the outer edge of the gum.
• There is displacement of the teeth. In severe cases, the dog's jaw resembles a saw.
• With advanced disease, even deformities of the facial part of the skull can develop.
• Excessive drooling. Drooling constantly and non-stop flows from the dog's mouth.
• Bad breath. In dogs, of course, it is not very pleasant anyway, but with the pathology we are describing, it becomes simply unbearable.
• Dysphagia. The dog cannot chew or swallow food.
• Weight loss.
• The gums begin to bleed. In addition, deep ulcerative lesions may appear on the gums.

Diagnostic measures

As a rule, the veterinarian only needs to analyze the visible signs. They are quite characteristic, and therefore there are no particular difficulties in making a diagnosis. Despite this, it is important for a specialist to exclude or confirm the presence of other diseases that can give a similar clinical picture.

Click to view in a new window. Attention, the photo contains images of sick animals!

Therefore, veterinarians resort to the following diagnostic studies:

• Complete microscopic blood test, checking her biochemistry, also testing her urine. However, with “classic” epulis, all indicators are usually normal, their indicators do not differ in any way from the standard values.

• Visual examination of the oral cavity.

• Radiographs oral cavity. Useful in advanced cases of the disease, as they can be used to assess the extent of damage to bone and ligamentous tissues.

• X-rays of the chest. They are carried out when the malignant nature of the tumor is suspected or confirmed, since it is important for the veterinarian to make sure there are no metastases.

• CT scan(in some cases). This is done extremely rarely. This method is very useful from a diagnostic point of view, but it is very expensive, and specialized equipment is not available in every “human” clinic, not to mention veterinary hospitals.

• Finally, in mandatory held tumor mass study, a sample of which is obtained through a biopsy.

Therapeutic techniques

The preferred treatment for epulis in dogs in most cases is - surgical removal tumor tissue damage. However, the need for surgical intervention may vary depending on the type of pathology and the degree of its aggressiveness in relation to the surrounding tissues of the oral cavity:

• Fibromatous epulis. Surgery is recommended for advanced cases; the probability of recovery is close to 100%.

• « Ossifying epulis. Surgical excision is necessary in all cases, since without it the tumor will progress and constantly become denser.

• Acanthomatous type. Due to the aggressiveness of these tumors, surgery is not only vital, but also performed on a more “broad” basis. So, depending on the location of the tumor, it may be necessary complete removal top or mandible. The veterinarian decides whether such a radical approach is necessary. As a rule, it all depends on the degree of damage to the bone tissue. In milder cases, it is possible to get by with the application of “patches” made of surgical steel.