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What causes lumps in dog mouths?
If you notice that your dog is struggling to eat food, there might be an issue in their mouth. Finding a lump on your family’s pet is a stressful situation and often leads you to think of the worst-case scenario. While some cancers can lead to swelling and lumps in the mouth, the lumps may also be non-cancerous. The best way to ascertain what has caused the lump in your dog’s mouth is to visit the vet, where they will perform a biopsy and recommend the best course of treatment.
Benign lumps
One of the most common types of mouth lumps in dogs is called gum boils or Epulis. They are smooth and the same colour as the gums and are most commonly found between incisor or canine teeth. Most of the time, gum boils are rounded at the end of a stalk, standing up from the lower jaw or hanging from the upper part of your dog’s mouth. Epulis typically affect dogs over the age of six and is common in breeds including pugs, bulldogs, and boxers. Although the lumps are benign, the boils can grow and lead to eating and drooling problems. A quick trip to the vet, and you can get the boil removed.
Another benign lump that may appear in your pooch is called viral papillomas. It’s a condition that usually affects dogs under two years old, and their immune systems are underdeveloped and unable to deal with such viral conditions. The lumps are contagious and can be identified as small, cauliflower-shaped growths. Thankfully, these lumps usually disappear without treatment, but it’s still worth getting them checked out by your vet. You might also notice that your dog has a lump because of a mouth injury that you didn’t initially know was there. Injuries in the mouth can lead to abscesses, so identifying and treating them is important for your dog’s health.
Malignant mouth tumours
There are several malignant mouth tumours that could affect your dog’s health. The most common type of mouth tumour in dogs is malignant melanomas, which form due to an abnormality in the way that their cells produce pigments. Malignant melanomas can appear in various parts of your dog’s mouth, but they’re particularly common on the lips, gums, and soft palate. Predisposed breeds to melanomas include the Chow Chow, daschunds, golden retrievers, and poodles. Unfortunately, these tumours grow aggressively and quickly, so identifying them early is of the utmost importance.
Another relatively common affliction in dogs is squamous cell carcinoma. Although it is more typically an issue for cats, the lumps can also be found in the gingiva of dogs. This is a very aggressive type of cancer and can spread to all parts of your dog’s body if it’s not removed. You will find it at the front of your dog’s mouth, and surgery is often successful if it is identified in time. Last but not least, a condition known as fibrosarcoma is another aggressive and invasive tumour that can affect dogs. They appear as a red boil or ulcer and aren’t quite as aggressive as the two previously introduced.
The key takeaway is that you should visit a vet as soon as you notice lumps in your dog’s mouth. What’s more, feeding your dog the right food will keep them healthy and well, so be sure to check out Pure Pet Food’s meal options for your pooch.
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