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My dog has a mouth lump that's growing fast. When should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 34.8 lbs

I think my dog has an epulis. In 2 weeks it's noticibly bigger

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 8th, 2017

This could be an epulis are benign. It also could indicate an oral tumor such as the melanoma or even a squamous cell carcinoma. As it's getting noticeably bigger in a short period of time I recommend your veterinarian examine this mass. It may or may not require a biopsy to know exactly what it is.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2017

    Hello there and thank you for your question! The picture helps too so thanks for that as well. I see a soft tissue growth coming from her gingiva it appears. It does not look red, ulcerated, or any sign of swelling. To me, just from the picture alone, it appears similar to what is called an epulis or overgrowth of gingival tissue. Generally growths like these do not cause serious problems, although I would recommend removal and biopsy of the mass just to be on the safe side. Sometimes these growths can become a nuisance while eating if they become large enough and can become infected. Worth another chat with your vet about for sure! Thanks and I hope this has helped.

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2020

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect this is an epulis - growth that originates from gum tissue. It could be a benign or malignant mass. It also could be a mass originating from the bone in the lower jaw. If the lump is increasing in size quickly, if it keeps bleeding or bothering your dog, it should be surgically removed. Please, take Roxy to your local vets for an appointment. Your vet may want to take an x-ray of the jaw or take aspirates from the mass to make the definite diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for Roxy

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