Attack of gum glums

My 10-year-old male crossbreed dog has just had a large lump removed from his gum. My vet had it analysed and she tells me it was a fibrous type of epulis, which is not malignant, and very unlikely to return. Do you have experience of these lumps? Am I worrying unnecessarily?

- Our vet DAVID GRANT works his magic

Epulis is a type of gum growth, originating from the periodontal ligament, which is important in supporting teeth in their sockets. There are three types and the most common is the fibromatous epulis, accounting for around half, and is the one your dog had.

Ossifying (bone-producing) epulis accounts for 30-40%. Both are benign and considered to have a good prognosis once surgically removed.

Between them they account for 70-90% of all epulis cases.

The ossifying type is more difficult to remove, sometimes needing partial bone removal, or an associated tooth.

A third type, seen in 10-20% of cases, is locally malignant. This means it tends to invade underlying bone, although doesn't spread to other parts of the body. Surgical removal and more extensive bone removal may be required, often with associated radiotherapy in specialist centres.