Masticatory Myositis
|

Masticatory Myositis

WHAT IS MASTICATORY MYOSITIS? Masticatory myositis (MM) is a disease that causes an inability to open the mouth. Other names for this are Masticatory Muscle Myositis, MM, Trismus or Triple M. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the most commonly affected breeds, but any breed or mix…

Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma (POF)
| |

Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma (POF)

Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma (POF) is a very common oral tumor in dogs. POF was previously known as a type of epulis, with “epulis” being an outdated umbrella term for a gingival (gum) mass. These tumors arise from the ligament which holds the tooth into the socket. They are slow growing and non-metastatic (they don’t spread…

Canine Oral Melanoma (OM)
| |

Canine Oral Melanoma (OM)

Melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs. Surgical removal is the most effective treatment and is often combined with radiation and/or immunotherapy. Despite treatment for this aggressive cancer, many dogs sadly succumb to distant metastasis. Survival time is related to presence of gross (visible) disease at diagnosis, size of tumor, clinical stage, the…

Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
| |

Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the most common oral tumors we see in cats. It often presents as a rapidly growing pink fleshy mass associated with the gingiva (gums), oral mucosa, or tongue. SCC characteristically invades bone and has often caused a large amount of bone destruction by the time it is diagnosed. Alternatively, we also commonly find…

Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma (CAA)
| |

Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma (CAA)

CAA is a tumor that we commonly encounter in our canine patients. This tumor was previously known as an “acanthomatous epulis“, with “epulis” being an outdated and non-specific term simply meaning “growth on the gingiva (gums).” Recent in-depth studies of gingival masses have provided more accurate definitions of “epulis” tumors such as CAA. A pathologist…

Malocclusions (misaligned teeth)
|

Malocclusions (misaligned teeth)

Definition The term “malocclusion” refers to any abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth. Teeth are organized in a very specific pattern and, in normal occlusion, they achieve the ideal goal of a comfortable and functional bite. When we treat a malocclusion, our primary goal is always the same- restoration of a comfortable and…

Oral Tumors
|

Oral Tumors

Oral tumors constitute about 6% of the overall incidence of cancer in dogs and cats. The most important thing to know about oral tumors is that early detection is key to successful treatment. This is one of the reasons why regular oral examinations, especially as your dog or cat ages, are extremely important. * NOTE:…