🦷 Epulis Tumors in Dogs’ Mouths: A 2025 Vet Guide to Oral Growths and Treatment 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Have you noticed a lump on your dog’s gums? It could be an epulis — one of the most common benign tumors in a dog’s mouth. While not always dangerous, these growths require veterinary care and sometimes surgery. In this guide, I’ll explain the types of epulis tumors, how they’re diagnosed, and what to expect from treatment and recovery. 🩺🐾

🔬 What Is an Epulis?

“Epulis” (plural: epulides or epuli) refers to a group of benign oral tumors found on a dog’s gums. There are three main types of epulis, each with its own characteristics:

1️⃣ Fibromatous Epulis

• 🍄 Mushroom-like or smooth mass on a stalk
• 📍 Most common near incisor, canine, or premolar teeth
• 🩷 Pink, smooth, non-ulcerated surface

2️⃣ Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma

• 🧱 Previously called “ossifying epulis”
• 🔬 Contains early-stage bone cells (osteoblasts)
• 🔁 Similar appearance to fibromatous but harder in texture

3️⃣ Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma

• 🧨 Most aggressive of the three
• 🌋 Rough, cauliflower-like surface
• ⚠️ Can invade jaw bone and lead to facial changes
• 🚫 Doesn’t metastasize (spread elsewhere) but can be pre-cancerous

📊 How Common Are They?

• 📈 4th most common oral tumor in dogs
• 🧬 Very rare in cats
• 🐶 Most common in brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed): Boxers, Bulldogs, etc.
• 📅 Usually seen in middle-aged or older dogs (average age: 7 years)

🧪 What Causes Epulis Growths?

These tumors are often caused by chronic gum irritation or trauma. In brachycephalic dogs, teeth may rub against gum tissue more frequently, triggering overgrowth. 🦷

🔍 Signs of an Epulis Tumor

Common clinical signs include:

• 👅 Visible lump on the gums
• 🐾 Drooling or bleeding from the mouth
• 💨 Bad breath (halitosis)
• 🥩 Reluctance to eat or chew
• 🤕 Facial asymmetry or swelling near the jaw

📸 Often, pet parents find the lump during brushing or while playing with their dog.

🩺 Diagnosis

Diagnosis starts with a visual oral exam. To determine the type and severity of the tumor, your vet may recommend:

• 🦷 Dental X-rays (radiographs) to check bone involvement
• 🔬 Biopsy and histopathology to identify tumor type

🏥 Sedation or anesthesia is often needed for a thorough oral evaluation.

🛠️ Treatment Options

1️⃣ Fibromatous Epulis

• 🪓 Surgical removal of the mass
• 🦷 Extraction of adjacent tooth
• 🧼 Thorough cleaning and scraping of the socket

2️⃣ Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma

• 🧱 Requires more careful removal due to bone content
• 🦷 Similar procedure: extraction + cleaning + biopsy

3️⃣ Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma

• 🧠 Treated as a locally invasive tumor
• 🦷 May require partial jaw removal (maxillectomy or mandibulectomy)
• 💡 If surgery isn’t possible, radiation therapy may help

🍽️ Aftercare

• 🍲 Soft diet post-surgery if recommended
• 💊 Pain medication and antibiotics if prescribed
• 📅 Regular follow-ups to check for healing or recurrence

📈 Prognosis

• ✅ Good if tumor is fully removed
• 🔁 Recurrence is possible, especially with incomplete removal
• 🧠 Aggressive tumors like ameloblastomas may impact quality of life, especially if bone surgery is needed

👁️ Monitor for:

• 🔁 Regrowth in the same area
• 🦷 New lumps or gum swelling

📱 Ask A Vet for Help

If your dog has a mouth lump or has been diagnosed with epulis, the Ask A Vet App can help you:

• 📷 Upload photos for monitoring
• 💬 Chat with a licensed vet for treatment guidance
• 📆 Track post-surgical healing and appointments

Visit AskAVet.com to connect with experts in canine oral health. 🐶🦷

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Epulis tumors may be benign, but they can still interfere with your dog’s comfort and health. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment lead to excellent outcomes in most cases. 🩺

Whether it’s a minor lump or a larger concern, your veterinarian and the team at Ask A Vet are here to help every step of the way. 🐾