Dog Community

Strange growth on tooth

Posted : 4/14/2011 5:04:28 PM

Hey all,

It's been a while since I posted on here, but I am a little puzzled and no matter how much I search google I can't even find anything remotely similiar. A couple months back, my fiance and I noticed that Maddi had broken a molar, probably from chewing on a bone. The broken tooth, itself, isn't a huge concern since we've been to the vet multiple times since then for various issues, it doesn't seem to bother her and it doesn't appear any more damaged than the tip of it haven been broken off. To make a long story short, my fiance noticed a red spot on her tooth a week ago. I didn't think much of it since I couldn't see anything at all at a quick glance. Yesterday, he pointed it out again, and, to my suprise, there is something there. It looks like a piece of gum growing directly through the middle of her tooth. I have gently touched it without a reaction and she still eats normally, but I find it a little strange. We are headed to the vet tomorrow morning for this... plus a scratched eye, but I was just wondering if any of you have encountered or might know what the heck this is?

I know the picture isn't the greatest but she's not very patient while mom has her mouth pryed open.

Thanks for any insight,

Becky

Karla Welch

Posted : 4/14/2011 5:36:45 PM

Becky,

Well i'm not sure if this will be of any help but it might be. My dog Nuckles Hurt a tooth years ago rough housing with my brother. He was only a puppy at the time. It was a canine tooth. It developed at redish, purpleish, brownish tint to it at the top of the tooth. I always asumed that the nerve had been damaged. Well throughout the years(he's 9 now) it has gotten more noticable and remained the same color but more of the tooth was colored. The top of the tooth has slowly gotten a little flatter. He has never show too much sensitivity to it but usually will hold his tug toys on the other side( smart guy). The tooth is at the point where i might have it taken out in the next comimg year, no smell or loosness but i'm afraid it might start to cause a problem. Nuckles was diagnosed with IMHA back in jan. so i don't want it to cause a problem as far as that goes.

IMO that pink you see maybe the nerve. But i'm no dentist.lol I'll be interested to see what your vet says.

pumaward

Posted : 4/14/2011 7:31:47 PM

I thought that at first as well, except that it is fleshy. It's incredibly strange. I guess there's always a possibility that it's food but I don't want to poke at it in case it is actually painful and she's just hiding it.

Karla Welch

Posted : 4/14/2011 7:39:28 PM

hum??? IIWU i would poke at it.lol

Maybe it is just some kinda food.

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/14/2011 11:38:10 PM

I'd sooner think it's either an abscess or part of the pulp tissue swollen -- I'm really glad you're going to the vet.

pumaward

Posted : 4/16/2011 11:28:22 AM

As an update, the vet thought it was food. He couldn't really get a good look at it because Maddi was fighting us so. Not only does she not like having her mouth poked at but she doesn't really care for Dr. Bruce on top of it. Anyway, when we got home I tried to take it off with a Q-tip only to have it start bleeding. Needless to say, we'll be going back!

outdoorschik

Posted : 4/16/2011 3:10:12 PM

Glad you are going back to the vet... a broken tooth itself is typically treated with 30 days of antibiotics since it is a direct route for infection to get into the blood (tha'ts what I've always been told to do after broken canines). I've never seen anything like that before. Personally, I'd have my dog evaluated to have the broken tooth removed if something like that is going on and it is still bleeding this long after. It is likely very painful, dogs are quite stoic and good at hiding pain.

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/16/2011 10:56:02 PM

I agree with karen -- I'd have it removed if need be.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/17/2011 6:35:59 AM

If it were me, I'd probably just have the vet anesthetize the dog and do a complete dental. I would not hesitate to do blood work in advance in this case either.

baiceyjo7

Posted : 4/17/2011 6:05:16 PM

My sister's dog had something that looks very similar to what is in your picture. It was a fibromatus epulis. It is a benign oral tumor commonly found in dogs over the age of 8. If left alone, they can grow quite large and envelop one or more teeth. Her dog had one that grew into the bottom four front teeth and she had to have three of the four teeth removed in addition to the growth. If left untreated, they can become inflammed, ulcerated and painful and cause issues with eating. She has not had any issues since it's been removed and does not appear to be effected by the missing front teeth. Just a thought......

jessies_mom

Posted : 4/18/2011 6:22:22 PM

Sending good vibes that this will be something easily treated.

pumaward

Posted : 5/12/2011 5:23:26 PM

an update, although it's very late. Things got so hectic!

The growth is actually gum tissue growing up through the tooth. My vet has, for the time being, decided on a wait and see approach to see if the tissue will wear down. If not, or if Maddi starts to show any signs of discomfort, then he wants to remove the tooth.

Thanks everyone for the insight!

calliecritturs

Posted : 5/13/2011 1:14:48 PM

Thanks for the update!