My senior dog's gum bump returned. What are my treatment options?

Question

Hi, my dog is a matlese shitzu mix. He is 12 years old and has recently started forming a bump on his gums. We had this surgically removed. A few weeks have passed and the bump is back. We noticed it because it started bleeding. Visited the vet again and they are saying at the stage and considering his age there is nothing they can do. His mood and apetite are both good so far. He only sneezes and makes this wheezing noise more than usual. Is there anything we can do? I dont want to give up. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 13 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

Amy S. Eutsey, DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear about Stephanie's problem. To know for sure what the type of growth is and what to expect from it, a pathologist should look at a sample of the tissue from a surgical biopsy. Without this info, we are just guessing by its appearance, rate of growth and our experience. I am very concerned by the appearance of this mass and the rapid growth after it was initially removed. It is suggestive of a malignant mouth cancer. These are typically very aggressive and very difficult to treat. Your best bet is to ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary oncologist. This is a specialized doctor that can give you the best treatment options. My guess is that they could combine radical surgical resection of the growth and the portion of the jaw that it is growing from. This may be preceded by or followed by radiation treatment. They can go over the prognosis and what exactly to expect, but your regular veterinarian is probably limited to the surgery that was already done. It can be repeated, but the outcome will be the same....rapid tumor re growth. Ask your veterinarian if there is a good specialist that you can see to find out all of your options and decide if treatment is feasible.

My senior dog's gum bump returned. What are my treatment options?

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