Be mindful of oral masses

Be mindful of oral masses


It can be tough to check for oral tumors in our pets when they won’t say “ahhh” on command. But in our canine companions, anyway, we can use their panting on warm summer days to get a look inside their mouth.

If your pet has an oral tumor, you may notice intensely bad breath—the kind that permeates a room—or signs of blood around her mouth or on her toys. She may also be reluctant to bite down on anything or might drop food while eating.

If you can examine your pet’s mouth, look for lumps or swelling inside the cheeks or on the gums. If you find something, it’s not necessarily an aggressive cancer. But have it evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Many masses can be surgically removed if treatment is not delayed, so checking for oral masses is just one more good reason to schedule regular veterinary visits.

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