Mouth tumor in puppy :-(

[Joanne]

So we just found out that Baylee has "acanthomatous epulis". This is a benign tumor that won't metasticize, but can be "locally invasive". I'm still trying to figure out exactly what this is and we will be going to a specialist.

From what I read this most often occurs in older dogs (Baylee is 7 months old!) and boxers. So lucky us, I guess! :-(

Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm not not sure what measures we will be able to take financially with this. :-(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Very sorry to hear this. I am not familiar with the condition but since Baylee is so young, perhaps your purchase contract might cover some of the costs? I'm guessing you don't have insurance?

From what I read, removing it would be curative, so it seems that would be the best option.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So sad to hear this. I hope that it can be removed. Keep us posted

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I am so sorry to hear of this on such a sweet young puppy. My prayers are with you Baylee for a complete recovery.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

oh im so sorry. That is so young. I would definately contact your breeder and see what they say, though they may just offer you a different puppy, which would be so hard as Im sure you have bonded with Baylee. Do you have insurance?

[Christine & Camus]

I'm sorry to hear that Baylee is having problems at such a young age and hope all goes well. I have no experience with this, so cannot offer any advice. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear about Baylee. You are right from what I read. Despite the fact that this tumor is benign it can grow into the jaw which wold be a disastrous problem. There seems to be no doubt it needs to be removed.

[Joanne]

Thanks for all of the positive thoughts. The dental specialist near us had a cancellation so we are able to get her in tomorrow. I will keep you posted on what we find out.

 

She has actually already had some of the mass removed. We noticed a strange growth and took her to the vet, who had no idea what it was. She removed and biopsied it, which is when we found out it was "epulides". However, from the pathology report, she did not remove enough of it (she didn't know what it was at the time) and it will most likely regrow. So we will find out from the specialist what the course of action is.

 

Of course, I had been meaning to get around to getting her signed up for insurance and finally did it the day she had her first surgery, as I was thinking "Dogs can be expensive. We should have health insurance." So of course, this is probably now a "preexisting" condition. I'll submit it anyway, but I'm not hopeful.

 

I'm also going to look at our health clause from the breeder. Obviously, I don't want another puppy. :-( We, and especially my kids, are very atttached to Baylee, as naughty as she can be- 7 months old! I feel horrible now for the times I thought "What did I get myself into with this dog??" :-(

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Joanne,

I sent you a private message about Wally's epilus experience.

Laurie

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good luck.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I hope the breeder has a clause that will reimburse you at least up to the purchase price - that would help with surgery and you should be able to keep her.  I hope it all works out........it will be worth it to get the surgery I am sure, even if it is expensive. That's what we have emergency funds or credit cards for right (at least I do!  I charged thousands back a few years ago to save my chihuahua!).

[Joanne]

So here's the update on Baylee- My husband took her to the dental specialist this morning and he recommended immediate surgery (the mass was already growing back from the surgery last week). He is going to have to remove at least two teeth and possibly part of her mandible (jaw bone). So pretty extensive surgery. She will have a pain patch when she comes home and a cone to keep her from chewing on things. She's still pretty "mouthy". The price tag for this is $2000- ugh!! Thank goodness for credit cards, right? We're submitting it to Pet Plan but I'm not hopeful, since we began treatment on this before I had the policy.

The vet said it's not very uncommon to see this in puppies and after surgery her prognosis is good. They will do pathology to make sure they removed all of the epulis (prayers and fingers crossed that they do- I don't want to have to do this again!!)

 

Thanks for everyone's good wishes!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear this news. I do hope this is the end of the epulis and that Baylee's recovery is smooth.