jaym1 Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 I just noticed this today, because my dog's gums were bleeding. It doesn't seem that it is bothering him in any way, and he has had no other symptoms of anything having going medically awry (good energy, appetite, etc.) I can't really tell what I'm looking at, but it appears to be a small growth that is attached to the gums (not the tooth) by a smaller piece of tissue, and thus it's just sort of hanging there. It is slightly darker in color than the gums, but not more so than some of the naturally darker parts. I've made the soonest appointment I can get with my vet, which is on Monday afternoon. Any ideas? Should I be concerned enough to take him in sooner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 It may be an epulis but some oral cancers can look like that too. I'd get him in and have it biopsied asap. Fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MnMDogs Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 Mork has something similar but it's more pink. My vet looked at at and wasn't terribly concerned, though we will probably have it taken out and biopsies. We're just waiting since he's old and is at risk with anesthesia (LP tie back). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 hm. my instinct is just to run to the vet (its a few blocks away) and have him looked at in the ER, but i know that rationally speaking, waiting two days wont have any real medical downside. if you look at the bottom picture, you will see sort of a smaller round growth just above the main one. thats actually what the larger growth is sort of hanging from, and its anchoring it to the gums. at least thats what it seems like to me. this is something that has appeared very quickly, within a week or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 It's likely some kind of cancer, hopefully a benign epulis. I think your vet needs to take it off anyway and find what it was from a biopsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 (edited) my understanding is that an epulis is not, in fact, cancer. this is depressing. when not bleeding, it tends to take on the color of a bruise. when it is bleeding, it is pinker, and more closely matches the normal color of his gums, as you can see. Edited September 22, 2012 by jaym1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 It may be an epulis but some oral cancers can look like that too. I'd get him in and have it biopsied asap. Fingers crossed! Greyt advice-could be a benign epuils but, I don't like the look of this. It can wait till monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 Poodle has had one for a while and it will come out at his dental Thursday. His is pink all the time. I've heard pink is generally good news and darker is usually bad. The dark color and bleeding would worry me. Agree it'll wait until Monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 he is only 5 years old and needs to have many more healthy years. i dont know how im going to be able to function between now and monday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 he is only 5 years old and needs to have many more healthy years. i dont know how im going to be able to function between now and monday. Are there other vets near you with Saturday afternoon hours? I know one near me even has Sunday afternoon hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 the place i go to is the major veterinary hub in the state of mass, with very sophisticated diagnostic systems and good staff. and it is also a short walk from my house. its just that my vet isnt there today and theyre all booked for the weekend. i called her covering dr. and emailed photos and am waiting to hear back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 You might want to contact greykidsmom is this ends up being something other than benign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KF_in_Georgia Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 Suggestion: Fast him the day you're going to take him in--no food or water after midnight the night before. That way, if the vet wants to do something, you don't necessarily have to wait for another day. And if he's taking fish oil capsules, stop them now. They're normally good for dogs, but the fish oil can act as a blood thinner, which your baby doesn't need to be taking just now. And if you've been giving fish oil capsules, make sure your vet knows. Quote Kathy and Q (CRT Qadeer from Fuzzy's Cannon and CRT Bonnie) and Jane (WW's Aunt Jane from Trent Lee and Aunt M); photos to come. Missing Silver (5.19.2005-10.27.2016), Tigger (4.5.2007-3.18.2016), darling Sam (5.10.2000-8.8.2013), Jacey-Kasey (5.19.2003-8.22.2011), and Oreo (1997-3.30.2006) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianamac Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 If it helps ease your worry about waiting until Monday, think about it this way: if they remove it and send it for tests, most labs work monday-friday... so going today vs. going on Monday probably won't make a difference about when you hear results. Good luck! Quote Bri and Mike with Boo Radley (Williejohnwalker), Bubba (Carlos Danger), and the feline friends foes, Loois and Amir Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 22, 2012 Author Share Posted September 22, 2012 Thanks for the advice. I will definitely fast him. The on-call Dr. said they'll probably need to put him under on Monday, so that's obviously a good idea. I've spent the whole day laying on the couch with him and taking him to the dog park so he can run around. Even the chance that he could be seriously ill is very upsetting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytNut Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 That would definitely concern me too, but he should be fine until Monday. Agree about prepping him for possible surgery on that day, as the vet may want to immediately remove it. Good luck! Quote Kristen with Penguin (L the Penguin) Flying Penske x L Alysana Costarring The Fabulous Felines: Squeak, Merlin, Bailey & Mystic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamngrey Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 Hugs to you Quote Cassie: Pikes Clara Bell Swoop: My Man Swoop BRIDGE ANGELS Psi:WD'S Aleford 3/17/00-4/25/10 Snowman: Gable Snowman 1/9/96-2/14/08 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BrianRke Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 Mork has something similar but it's more pink. My vet looked at at and wasn't terribly concerned, though we will probably have it taken out and biopsies. We're just waiting since he's old and is at risk with anesthesia (LP tie back). They dont need to be put under to remove an epulis. Daytona has one and the vet takes himm in the back and removes it in about 3 minutes. It grows back and the next year he removes it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 They dont need to be put under to remove an epulis. Daytona has one and the vet takes himm in the back and removes it in about 3 minutes. It grows back and the next year he removes it again. It does depend on what type it is. Mine had one that was actually attached to the ligament holding a tooth in. Procedure to remove this epulis required removing the ligament as well. That also necessitated removing the tooth. Definitely needed anesthesia for this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 23, 2012 Author Share Posted September 23, 2012 it seems like the color of this would suggest its not an epulis, but obviously i dont know. what seems so strange to me is that the entire growth is almost external to the gums -- its just hanging off that little bit of tissue. but again, i dont know what that means or what bearing that has on anything. i am actually worried sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaym1 Posted September 23, 2012 Author Share Posted September 23, 2012 also, it doesnt seem to be so much black/pigmented as it is vascular. its like its just a little bruise attached to his gums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I know how worrying this sort of thing is, but trying to second guess it is only going to make you worry all the more. It may be an ordinary Epulis from which a hyperplasic growth elongated and got bruised. it may be as simple as just snipping it off at the vet's office and keeping an eye on the gum area in case it returns. Have your dog prepped for the vet so that they can biopsy and take it off if they want to. The good thing is you spotted it before it got really bad. Hope all goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 Our Shelby had something similar however hers grew and was further back. We opted for surgery to remove it and it turned out to be a cancer that was rare to be in the mouth. The surgery was okay, it was the healing afterwards as Shelby kept bleeding badly. Our vet did not use Amicar and will from now on going forward for Greys. The issue with Shelby was it was up at the jaw more and they had to laser down to the bone. The cancer that was identified was not something we worry about after experiencing Osteo. I hope it's an Epulis for your pup. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 No experience, but I also worry myself sick when the least thing is wrong with my dog, so sending you a hug and good thoughts. The good news is that whatever it is it should be easy to remove. Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedHead Posted September 23, 2012 Share Posted September 23, 2012 I don't have many suggestions, but wanting to wish you all the best. Remember, a lot of lumps and bumps are non cancerous, so keep thinking positive. Teague has a wart on one of his legs that is fine, but that I keep my eye on. I freaked out last week because it was swollen, purple and about to pop and bleed. Then I noticed a scratch next to it and figured he bumped his leg on a branch running. After a few days it was back to normal (phew!). Is it possible that he chewed on something that may have irritated or made this inflamed and bleed? Just trying to throw out options while you wait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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