Bad breath in pets is often dismissed as just an unfortunate quirk. But what if that odor is actually a warning sign of something serious?
Oral tumors in dogs and cats can drastically impact a pet’s quality of life and even be life-threatening. Many pet owners have not been informed about the early signs, which range from subtle changes like foul-smelling breath to more alarming symptoms like bleeding gums or difficulty eating.
“Many of the tumors are aggressive; they will destroy bone or spread to other pets of the body, and the more aggressive ones are ultimately fatal,” explains Dr. Joanna Schmit, a veterinary oncologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She offers insights into these hidden dangers, how to catch them early, and what treatment options are available.
Risk Factors and Signs of Oral Tumors
Some risk factors may surprise owners. For example, dogs with pigmented tongues or gums and cats exposed to secondhand smoke both have heightened risk of developing oral tumors.
So, what signs should pet owners be looking for? According to Dr. Schmit, the first sign of a pet’s oral tumor is usually significantly bad breath. To be blunt: exceedingly rotten smells. Other signs in dogs include blood in their water bowl or on toys. Cats may develop brown or bloody stains on their paws from excessive grooming, often on the same side as the affected area in the mouth.
Catch Changes Early
It’s also important to note a new bump or sore when it first appears in a pet’s mouth. If an owner brushes the pet’s teeth, that is an ideal time to observe. Even something as simple as an opportunistic peek during a yawn, however, provides a chance to notice a change.
Above all else, Dr. Schmit emphasizes that routine dental care by a veterinarian, such as teeth cleaning procedures and regular dental exams, play a big role in early detection. “One of the great benefits of that exam is that a veterinarian can look. Treatment is most successful when the tumor is found at an early stage, usually small and not yet causing symptoms,” she says.
Unfortunately, there are no known ways to reduce a pet’s risk of developing an oral tumor, whether benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Treatment for Oral Tumors
Once an oral tumor is detected, treatment recommendations are based on tumor size, location, and features. These factors together determine the aggressiveness of the treatment. If a malignant tumor is diagnosed, Dr. Schmit strongly advises owners to make an appointment with a veterinary oncologist to explore treatment options and expected outcomes.
A common misconception is that nothing can be done in these situations. Fortunately, outcomes for pets with oral cancer have improved due to advances in veterinary oncology.
“Imaging technologies such as CT and MRI aid veterinarians with surgical treatment, which leads to better outcomes long term,” Dr. Schmit says, “and radiation has improved such that we can very finely target the tumor and reduce side effects of the radiation itself.
“Additionally, new drugs have been approved, and clinical trials provide access to promising new treatments. Here at the University of Illinois, we currently have clinical trials for cats with oral tumors, which looks at radiation in combination with anticancer drugs, and for dogs with oral tumors using immunotherapy.”
Rapid Action Is Crucial
Another misconception regarding oral tumors is that they grow rapidly. While some do, Dr. Schmit says many tumors had been growing for long periods before they were detected. The rate of growth depends on how aggressive the tumor is.
With malignant tumors, treatment success links to how early they were found and whether they spread. “The biggest thing is, as soon as you see a change, get in to see your veterinarian,” Dr. Schmit emphasizes. “Time is crucial to success in treatment of oral tumors.”
So don’t wait for National Pet Dental Health Month (next February) to monitor your pet for signs of oral tumors. Oral health care should be a year-round priority. Staying informed and proactive can help ensure a long, happy life for our pets.
If you have questions or detect a problem with your pet’s mouth, please see your local veterinarian.
By Julia Bellefontaine
