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My dog's severe gum infection improved. Was it a tumor or infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 14 years and 2 months old | 16 lbs

this is a continuation...she has stage 4 periodontal disease. Its been 2 weeks since she took the Cephalexin and her cheek is not swollen, there are no ulcers in her mouth...just redness. She is running, eating and seems better than she has in a long time. Could it be that she never had or has a malignant tumor, only a very severe case of tooth/sinus infection?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2017

It certain is possible that Kita had a very severe infection in her mouth and the antibiotics helped, and I'm glad that she seems better than she has in a long time. Without having a biopsy, a malignant tumor can't be ruled out completely, but I would keep an eye on her mouth for now. If the redness doesn't go away, or if her cheek becomes swollen again and she develops ulcers, then I would take her back into the vet for a biopsy.

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