What is an epulis?
An epulis is a generic term that designates a mass, tumoral in nature or not, that develops on the dog's gums.
Thus, an epulis can designate several types of gingival hyperplasia which can be secondary to:
- an inflammatory phenomenon linked to the presence of a foreign body under the dog's gums, an injury to the gums by a badly positioned tooth or linked to any other oral problem in the dog,
- a racial predisposition of the animal. Thus, brachycephalic dogs such as the Bulldog or the Boxer seem to be more often affected by the appearance of gingival tumours. This is also the case for the Collie and the Westie,
- taking certain medications.
The development of this type of pseudo-tumor seems to be favored by the presence of dental plaque, a factor of gum irritation.
The term epulis can also designate two forms of odontogenic tumours, which are:
- peripheral odontogenic fibroma, benign and locally non-invasive,
- acanthomatous ameloblastoma (or acanthomatous epulis), a benign tumor (which does not metastasize) but with an invasive "local malignancy" behavior with a tendency to invade adjacent bone structures.
Epulis in dogs: how is it diagnosed?
In the presence of a mass on the dog's gums, the veterinarian will realize:
- a biopsy of the mass in order to be able to determine its nature,
- an extension assessment to highlight the presence of any metastases or local bone invasion. This assessment can be done using X-rays of the animal's lungs and skull and/or a CT scan.
What treatments for epulis in dogs?
The treatment will depend on the nature and size of the mass but also on its local extension.
In all cases, it goes through a complete surgical excision (removal) of the mass.
In the case of acanthomatous epulis, this surgery can go as far as removing part of the dog's upper jaw (maxillectomy) or lower jaw (mandibulectomy). It can be combined with radiotherapy sessions.