Ask Dr. Chris

What To Do About The Mass In My Dog’s Mouth

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Dorothy from California writes:

Giantschnauzer

I have an 8 year old giant schnauzer. She has an epulis. It does not seem to bother her but drives me crazy. Are there any homeopathic treatments I can try? I really do not want to have it surgically removed. Thank you for your time.

Hi Dorothy, thank you for your question about your Giant Schnauzer with the epulis.

You are facing a difficult decision and no one likes to have surgery done on their precious furry friends but sometimes it is the right thing to do.  Unfortunately, there are no homeopathic treatments that are effective at reversing the growth of an epulis.

For our readers who may not be familiar with an epulis, let me explain.  Some of you may face a similar situation in the future.

An epulis is a tumor in the mouth that grows from the periodontal ligament or bone of the jaw.  There are three different types and they are generally smooth and pink as they are covered in gum tissue. They can only be diagnosed with a biopsy.

Masses associated with the jaw can be benign or malignant (cancer) and the only way to tell is with a biopsy.  The most common tumors are epulis, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. There is also a benign proliferation of gum tissue called gingival hyperplasia.

An epulis is often non-painful initially but can eventually become uncomfortable and disfiguring.  By the time they reach this stage, they can be too large to remove without needing part of the jaw bone removed as well.  Surgical treatment, done properly, has a better than 90% success rate for long term cure.

Unfortunately, there are no homeopathic treatments that reverse or stop the growth of oral masses in dogs.  It would be irresponsible for me to promote a supplement or remedy that is unlikely to work giving you a false sense of security that you are doing the right thing for your dog.  Allowing a mass that could be invasive to get larger could lead to more difficult surgery at a later time.

My recommendation would be to get a consultation with a surgeon or a veterinary dentist.  They can properly advise you as to what type of surgery would be needed for your Giant Schnauzer.

I would hate for this to grow to the extent of needing to remove part of the jaw bone.  I know this is a difficult decision but I think surgery will give you your best chance of helping your friend now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Chris
America’s Favorite Dog Vet

To better understand the how to keeping your dog baby healthy and more about illnesses that you may face in the future, check out this Veterinary Guide.

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. Avatar Of Nelly Grenon

    NELLY GRENON

    Oct 25, 2017 at 3:28 am

    There is a homeopathic protocole that works, I've seen several cases. Be glad to share it with you if you want

    • Avatar Of Sylvia Di Pace

      Sylvia Di Pace

      Jan 15, 2018 at 2:51 am

      Hi ms i have a little Chihuahua weights 3 lbs he has a mass growing which i think is epulis would take any remedies live on a fixed income. Thanks sd

    • Avatar Of Elaine

      Elaine

      Mar 23, 2018 at 9:36 pm

      Help i cannot afford the surgery

    • Avatar Of Stella

      Stella

      Aug 3, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      Hi. Could you please share the homeopathic treatment for an expulsion?

    • Avatar Of Karen

      karen

      Apr 15, 2020 at 9:58 am

      hi there Nelly Grenon I would love to know the homeopathic protocol
      thank you

    • Avatar Of Sherry Tuxen

      Sherry Tuxen

      May 7, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      Please share the protocol, our dog is 14 years old, has a mass in her upper canine to mid nose with comorbidities, at this point surgery really is not an option, she is on a 10 day on/off regimen of antibiotics and pain meds. Is there anything to help keep comfortable or to clean the tissue? I put warm compresses on and she is eating a soft food diet. She is still perky for the most part and is still eating etc.

  2. Avatar Of Michelle Freeman

    Michelle Freeman

    Dec 8, 2016 at 2:12 am

    My Mini Schnauzer has been diagnosed with a tumor which started with an most abscess and mass was determined. Only 90% was removed with the root canal being left. Which tells me the mass was never completely removed. Now we are facing a tumor that is twice the size. This all started in August, 2016. The larger Tumor was found at the end of September 2016. Now he has swelling that us going into his eye. We tried Homeopathic Chinese mushrooms to make the tumor shrink. But, he started having seizures. So, we took him off of that drug and the Med’s he’s on now is Prednisone, Cylindenmycin and when in pain. Tramadol. Now, he’s eating raw foods less. Seems like lympnodes are affecting him and he keeps chewing jaw stretches as if he’s having a spam. Today,he started drooling when drinking water. And constantly chewing on this tumor. Like most reviews, I too am devastated, heartbroken and feel suicidal
    because of this unknown disease. What Med’s can I give, take away, to help Raider be comfortable in his final days. Please help. 817.915.3316

  3. Avatar Of Verlene Peterson

    Verlene Peterson

    Oct 16, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Our chocolate lab had this on upper front.we had it removed biopsy came back non cancerous
    It has been two months and now it has grown back..what should our next step be?

    Thanks
    Verlene

    • Avatar Of Kathleen Thomas

      Kathleen Thomas

      Feb 26, 2017 at 9:25 am

      My yellow lab had the same. Front oral mass removed, benign epiulis, and now 1 mos later growing back and bleeding! Now what?

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