Epulis in Dogs

Epulis

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
An epulis is the most common benign tumor of the oral cavity in dogs. Surgery can be performed to remove epulides (the plural of epulis)
SEVERITY:
Severity is mild to moderate

  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian. While a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian may indicate that epulis is the most likey diagnosis.
  • Treatment Icon
    Surgical excision can resolve an epulis
  • Spread Icon
    Epulides are not transmissible

VERY COMMON IN
Epulides occur more commonly in middle-aged to older dogs. Certain breeds are more prone to epulides: Brachycephalic breeds, especially Boxers and Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs (“Shelties”)

Symptoms & Signs

Epulides originate in the connective tissue that holds the teeth to the bone of the jaw. Epulides are usually the same color as the gum tissue, have a smooth surface, may be attached to the gum via a peduncle (a stalk-like structure), and are usually located near the incisors or canine teeth. As the epulis enlarges, a dog may have bad breath, drool, and/or have bleeding at the site of the mass. If the epulis is large and/or near the occlusal (or chewing) surface of the teeth, they may have difficulty eating. It is common for affected dogs to have more than one epulis present.

Diagnosis

An epulis may be suspected by its location and appearance during a physical exam, though a biopsy is necessary to fully distinguish an epulis from other oral tumors. Dental x-rays are also helpful in determining if the epulis is impacting nearby teeth. Both dental x-rays and biopsies must be performed while a dog is under general anesthesia.

Causation

Cause is likely multifactorial, including genetics, chronic inflammation, dental misalignment, and/or the mechanical trauma of hte teeth rubbing the gums.

There are three types of epulides:

  • Fibromatous: Consists of tough, fibrous tissue.

  • Ossifying: In addition to fibrous tissue, also contains bone cells. These may transform into cancerous tumors.

  • Acanthomatous: More invasive, growing into the normal bone around it and destroying it, but not metastasizing (spreading elsewhere in the body). These tumors are now also more commonly known as acanthomatous ameloblastomas.

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
Brushing your dog's teeth can help reduce halitosis (bad breath), remove food lodged under epulides. Soft diets, such as canned dog food or water-soaked dry food, may be necessary if your dogs is having trouble chewing due to an epulis and/or during recovery from surgical removal of an epulis.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
None
icon MEDICATIONS
Pain medication is often prescribed after the surgical removal of an epulis.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
Surgery may be necessary to remove the epulis. A portion of healthy tissue around the epulis needs to be taken to ensure the entirety of the epulis is removed. Recurrence may occur if a portion of the epulis remains. The teeth next to the epulis usually need to be removed as well.
icon SPECIALISTS
If an epulis is especially large or invasive, your dog may be referred to a veterinary dental specialist or soft tissue surgeon for surgical removals. . Radiation therapy is an option when surgery if not feasible, in which case your dog may be referred to a veterinary radiation oncologist.

Cost of Treatment

Costs for exam, diagnosis and treatment/removal of an epulis is dependent on the size and severity of the epulis or epulides. It can range from $500 to $1,000 or more.

Recovery

If the epulis is small and the entire tumor is removed, the prognosis is good. Larger tumors have a greater likelihood for recurrence or complications. Acanthomatous epulides are more difficult to completely remove. In rare instances, radiation therapy has resulted in the tumor becoming cancerous.

Monitoring

At home, dogs should be monitored for the onset of new epulides or any post-operative complications, including bleeding or discharge from the surgical site.

Prevention

Epulides cannot be prevented.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.