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If your dog has a complicated condition or is not getting well, you may want to seek a specialist referral or a second opinion. Your veterinarian will likely help you get this set up as they want what is best for your pet. You will likely need to travel in many situations for a specialty referral.
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Although some dogs like to run free more than others, all dogs need to be trained so they will respond when they are off leash. Dogs instinctively want to explore new sights, sounds, and smells so it's important to teach them to return to home base. Start by teaching your dog basic verbal commands without the tug of a leash at home. When your dog becomes proficient close to home or in confined areas, you can both venture out further or add more distractions. Incorporating off-leash training into ordinary daily activities reinforces the learning. Your dog's response may be enhanced if he receives a reward for his prompt attention. The reward can be as simple as a “Good dog!” accompanied by a pat on the head, a treat, or toy. Be careful not to create a dependency on treats as motivation for good behavior.
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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 second most common oral tumor in cats 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 and treatment involves surgery and occasionally radiation or chemotherapy. Palliative care with pain relief and antibiotics are essential to improve quality of life.
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The most common oral tumor seen in cats is squamous cell carcinoma; the second most common is fibrosarcoma. This handout discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of oral tumors in cats.
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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.