Introduction

Presenting signs

• Epulis (fibromatous/ossifying): firm, smooth, covered with normal epithelium.
• Acanthomatous epulis: firm, irregular, may be ulcerated, bone may feel thickened/distorted in the region of the tumor.

Age predisposition

• Usually middle-aged to older dogs.

Cost considerations

• Acanthomatous epulis will need extensive surgery or radiation therapy.

• Fibrous and ossifying epulides do not have to be treated. If removed, only a minor procedure.

Pathogenesis

Pathophysiology

• While in the benign category, the acanthomatous epulis is extremely locally invasive and will lead to patient death by continued growth. The other epulides do not invade bone, but as they too arise from the peridontal ligament, they may recur with only a superficial excision.

• Acanthomatous epulis very locally invasive into bone.

Timecourse

• Weeks to years.
• Acanthomatous epulis will invade and destroy bone over months.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes