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My 9-year-old Lab was diagnosed with diabetes in January of this year and is now on insulin, regulated, and has been doing very well. This morning I just noticed a small sore in between two of her front teeth. I haven't seen any others, and she has still been eating and drinking normally. Could this be an ulcer or something more serious?

My 9-year-old Lab was diagnosed with diabetes in January of this year and is now on insulin, regulated, and has been doing very well. This morning I just noticed a small sore in between two of her front teeth. I haven't seen any others, and she has still been eating and drinking normally. Could this be an ulcer or something more serious?

Updated On May 1st, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 years and 3 months old | 82 lbs

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

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Hello. This is a small growth. It may be a benign growth known as an epulus or it may be more serious and cancerous. Since we do not know how long it has been there or how quickly it has changed, I cannot give you my opinion on that. It is important to share this with your veterinarian. They can determine if it should be removed and biopsied or just monitored for growth and changes.

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