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My dog has a growth on her gum near her top canine tooth. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed

My dog has a growth on her gums (top canine tooth). I also have an image if I am able to attach it. Looking for some insight. Thanks!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on January 30th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the picture! It could be benign gingival hyperplasia. Or it could be an early benign epulis that grows from the tooth ligaments like an odontoma or fibroma. There are also cancerous epuli. I would have Ayla examined by your Vet and see if the canine tooth should be extracted and the tissue biopsied. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2017

    This looks like a very common and benign growth called an epulis. However, it should be checked by your vet and a biopsy should be discussed to make an accurate diagnosis. Your vet may want to remove it even if they suspect it is not cancerous because it can cause chronic inflammation or infection of the tissue around it.

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