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Open fontanelles are soft spots in the skull, or gaps between the skull’s growth plates. They can be normal in young puppies, especially small breeds, and typically close or harden by 9-12 weeks of age. This handout discusses causes, diagnosis and treatment of open fontanelles in small breed puppies.
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Ophytrium is an ingredient extracted from Japanese mondo grass (Ophipogon japonicus) that is used in several topical treatments (i.e., Douxo® S3 products). It is used on dogs and cats with oily to flaky skin. It is believed to help control odor and dandruff, soothe and hydrate the skin, maintain the skin barrier, untangle the fur, and soften the coat.
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There are many reasons why your dog might need oral surgery, including oral tumors, dental disease, or repair of jaw fractures. Your veterinarian may refer your dog to a board-certified dentist, surgeon, or oncologist. Prior to your dog's surgery, blood tests will be performed to prepare an anesthetic protocol suitable for your dog. Most dogs recover with minimal discomfort and will need to eat soft food until healing is complete.
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There are many causes of oral swellings, including local trauma, infection, fluid accumulation and tumors. If you find an oral swelling in your dog's mouth, book an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests such as intraoral X-rays, blood tests, and tissue sampling. Treatment and prognosis depend on the cause.
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Odontogenic fibromas, sometimes previously referred to as an epulis, are benign tumors of the mouth often at the front of the upper jaw. These may be locally invasive and may cause some oral pain. Surgery is the recommended course of action to treat this condition.
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Oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the most common oral tumor in cats, and second most common in dogs. These tumors are locally aggressive, with a possibility to metastasize. Regardless of the location of SCC, surgery is the typically the standard treatment. Radiation therapy may be recommended following surgery or as a primary treatment for palliative care. Staging is recommended for all cases. If metastasis is present chemotherapy is often pursued.
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Fibrosarcomas are the third most common oral tumor in dogs and arise from the fibrous and connective tissues of the oral cavity. These tumors are very invasive locally and are often difficult to manage, Diagnosis is based on biopsy. Treatment involving surgery and radiation provide the longest survival times.
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Oral melanomas are the most common malignant oral tumor in dogs. Melanomas usually present as a mass in the mouth and may be melanotic (pigmented) or amelanotic (non-pigmented). These tumors are both locally invasive and have a high tendency to metastasize to other organs. Full staging including CT scanning is recommended to determine the extent of the disease.
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Like humans, benign and malignant tumors occur in dogs’ mouths. Peripheral odontogenic fibromas (POF) are the most common benign tumors while oral melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and fibrosarcomas are the most prevalent malignant tumors in dogs. Diagnosis may be performed via fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Spread to mandibular lymph nodes does occur. Fine needle aspiration of the lymph nodes is recommended when malignant tumors are suspected. Tumor staging including laboratory testing as well as CT imaging helps to plan therapy.
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This handout discusses some of the more common forms of oral tumors in pets. Highlighted are Papillomas (“Warts”) and Fibropapillomas, both of wish are caused by viral infection. Clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment options are highlighted.