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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Epulides cannot be prevented.
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