Canine Epulis

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Hi everyone,

 

Wally, my 5½-year-old, labradoodle has an epulis near one of his canine teeth.  An epulis is a tumor that's firm, is the same color as healthy gum tissue, and has a smooth surface.  It was biopsied a few weeks ago and, thankfully, determined to be benign.  

 

From what I have read, if they are not removed when they're small, they will likely grow and ultimately need to be removed later -- with more difficulty.

 

Wally is going to see a dental specialist at Angell Memorial Hospital soon, but I'd like as much input as possible beforehand.  If your dog has had an epulis, I'd be grateful to hear about your experience.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Laurie

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I had not heard of this before, so I googled it. Here's some info I found: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2&aid=3057

I hope your consultation with the specialist goes well. Good luck!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Laurie, I have had no experience with this either, but just wanted to wish you and Wally good luck!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Must be rare if Karen hasn't heard of it! Sorry you ar having this issue and you get your answers.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I agree!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good luck Wally-hope all goes well.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I have not heard of the condition before either! Sorry to hear that Wally has it.  Please keep us posted about how he is doing and prayers for a speedy and complete recovery!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Thanks, everyone, for the messages of concern and support.  It turns out that the tumor on Wally's gum is not the type that grows into the bone, often involving the extraction of teeth and sometimes even part of the jaw.  There is a chance that the tumor itself (now the size of a pencil eraser) might need to be removed eventually, but for now we're just going to monitor it and hope that it doesn't continue to grow and never becomes a problem for him.  Not surprisingly, I was SO worried.  Thanks for your input and kind words.  Laurie

 

[Kim Williams]

Hi Laurie,

My goldendoodle, Parris, had a fibrous epulis removed last Monday.  The vet used a laser to remove it. It was the size of a kernel of corn.  The pathology confirmed that it was a fibrous epulis.  PHEWWWWW!!  Relief....but my vet warned that it might return.  Did you have Wally's removed when it was biopsied?  Thanks so much....Kim and Parris

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good information. I would caution you not to put you number on line but to share it privately.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Thanks - I thought that I was replying privately, but now I understand.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for this information, Laurie, it may help save the life of another dog.

I have learned the hard way that in cases of serious or chronic illness, (or even cases where there is a possibility of serious illness), it's really best to consult a veterinary specialist in that field. General practice vets cannot be experts in every facet of veterinary medicine, just like your primary care physician cannot be an expert on orthopedics, dermatology, dentistry, oncology, etc.

I'm so glad that Wally had a positive outcome and will be okay!