Ladyscarletthawk

Good luck! Poor baby! Might I suggest that you go with the test to make sure its not cancerous. I knew someone who's cocker had lumps on his face too, and it did turn out to be cancerous. I hope not but at least you will know for sure. Good luck either way.. A second opinion never hurts

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Laura, Eve, and Fergie

Poodlemama99

I hesitate getting new glasses but just spent $230 for 3 months of heartworm/ flea protection without batting an eye. Lol. The things we do and spend for love of poodles. I justify it by saying that the enjoyment and stress reduction they provide me every day is much cheaper than a vacation would be. And I get the joy every day and not just a few days a year.


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Poodlemama (Omar 13, Maggie 8, Nicholas 6, Penelope 1 (RIP Lila)

ArcadiaX

Thank you all. I will update on Lou's progress. Pretty sure I will be scheduling his procedure for this Wednesday, or next Monday. It seems like a pretty straight forward process, but he is 9 yrs old. Of course, I will worry like a momma will do... lol

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Robin (Lou's Momma)

flyingpoodle

Did you talk to the vet about skipping the test? Will it affect the way you treat the dog if it is cancerous or not? Why not skip the cleaning and find out if the dog will be around a few more years to enjoy the benefits of clean teeth?

Did the vet say it was likely to be benign or malignant? I guess that would answer my above questions.

Keep us updated!

ArcadiaX

Surgery is all set up: the official date is on Mon the 12th. The vet said that he was alright with skipping the Histopathology test. We will just have to keep an eye on things. Poor Lou, he is getting a tad irritable/cranky and is reacting to the other pups in the house when they get too near. The 19 yr old Chow mix Cleo walks continuously and doesn't much pay attention to where he goes, even when he walks over the other pups. Lou is getting a bit testy about being stepped on... Thinking a barrier might be called for as Lou weighs in at a healthy 72ish lbs and Cleo a diminished 40ish lbs, not a fair tussle.

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Robin (Lou's Momma)

Chagall's mom

Got my fingers crossed for the surgery to go well and for poor Lou to feel more comfortable. I'm sure the 12th can't come soon enough! Thinking of you and wishing Lou well. (Just between us, it's been mentioned I can be a grumpy bitch when I don't feel well, so I have nothing but empathy for Lou being a bit grouchy.)

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Just be nice.
Cabryn Chagall, CGC

Chagall's mom

ArcadiaX: I'm sure you've researched this to a fairthewell, but it was new to me so I took at look at the Merck Veterinary Manual. It sounds like you did a really good thing to spot it so quickly, and to arrange for the surgery. I thought it might be of benefit to others to share what the Merck manual had to say, hope that's alright with you. It's been my experience we can help, save or spare someone else a good deal of anquish by sharing this sort of info. So glad the prognosis is so very encouraging. I continue to wish Lou the best!

Excerpted from the Merck Veterinary Manual:
"Epulides
Epulides are firm masses involving the gingival tissue and are the most common benign oral tumors in dogs (see also Gingival Fibroma and Epulides). Cats less commonly have benign oral tumors. These tumors may be seen in dogs of any age but generally are found in those >6 yr old. The 3 histologic types of epulides were previously classified as fibromatous epulis, ossifying epulis, and acanthomatous epulis. This classification was based on their clinical appearance and behavior. Fibromatous and ossifying epulides are now considered to be peripheral odontogenic fibromas. The ossifying form is a fibromatous mass that has developed centers of ossification. They are generally solitary, although multiple lesions may be present. The tumors are noninvasive, but may become quite extensive. They arise from the periodontal ligament of the subjacent tooth, and complete surgical removal must include tissues up to and including the periodontal ligament. This often necessitates en bloc removal of the affected tooth or teeth. Complete excision is curative.
graphs

Acanthomatous epulis is now called canine peripheral ameloblastoma or canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma. These routinely aggressively invade local tissues including bone. They generally do not metastasize, but due to their locally aggressive nature surgical excision must include a full 1-cm margin of clinically normal tissue (again including bone) to prevent recurrence. Radiation treatment may minimize disfigurement when treating large tumors. Adequate surgical removal is curative.
Due to the varied behavior of gingival growths, they should always be biopsied before surgery."

ArcadiaX

Thank you very much for thinking of us, and the Merck info. I completely feel for the being cranky thing! After consideration of all available info and suggestions, I am now wavering towards the Histopathology test. I don't want to cheat with Lou's health in the balance. I lost my most treasured gurlie Ursa about this time last year to insidious cancer that cost about $3000.00 when all was said and done. Lou is just a super terrific spoo boy who deserves the best. He will be having a bit of steak tonight before 10:00 pm, last meal before surgery type of thing. My DH says he will be fine, but I still have worries in the back of my mind.

Again, Thank You to Everyone for the sweet thoughts and well wishes. I will be reporting back tomorrow night on the success of the surgery.

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Robin (Lou's Momma)

ArcadiaX

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Robin (Lou's Momma)

CT Girl

Poor Lou, I hope the steak cheers him up. I hope surgery goes well and he is soon on the mend. I am sure you will be waiting on his every wish.