What is Gingival Hyperplasia?
When pet owners think of the dental conditions they need to be concerned about in their dogs and cats, most will likely think of gingivitis. But, gingival hyperplasia is a condition that presents with symptoms similar to gum disease and it’s one that might catch pet owners off guard.
It’s a condition that is more common in dogs than cats, and more common among certain breeds, such as mastiffs, retrievers, bulldogs, boxers, collies, and great danes. For owners of those breeds especially, it’s important to understand how to treat gingival hyperplasia in dogs, what gum overgrowth looks like, and how dog dental cleanings can lead to better outcomes.
Gum Overgrowth in Dogs
Gingival hyperplasia is a condition that involves gum overgrowth. The most common symptoms include swollen gums, red gums, and gum tissue that can obstruct the visibility of the teeth. Sometimes the swelling can appear so extreme that it almost looks like a tumor.
The definitive cause of gingival hyperplasia isn’t exactly known, however, some medications are known to trigger its development. Those medications include cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers, and phenytoin derivatives.
Most often, pet owners suspect gingival hyperplasia based on the appearance of their dog’s gums.
Treating Gum Overgrowth
Once a pet owner suspects that their cat or dog is experiencing gingival hyperplasia, veterinarians are tasked with diagnosing it and developing a treatment plan for it. If the condition can not be definitively diagnosed by clinical appearance, a veterinarian may order a biopsy to rule out oral cancer following a thorough oral examination.
To treat the condition, a veterinarian will suggest the removal of the excess tissue. That procedure is known as gingivoplasty. If the condition is connected to medication use, and the pet owner discontinues its use after the procedure, the condition may not return. However, if it isn’t related to medication, it’s possible that the condition will flare up again and require additional surgeries.
Affordable Pet Dental Cleaning
At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we offer gingival hyperplasia surgery. Since we specialize in surgical procedures, we don’t handle the diagnosis of the condition but can act as complementary support for you and your animal when surgery is needed.
Treatment for gingival hyperplasia requires anesthesia; during that procedure, our specialists typically perform a dental cleaning simultaneously. The excess gum tissue has a way of trapping food and debris, which can lead to unwanted decay.
Once the surgery is complete, pet owners would work with their veterinarian to manage medication adjustments and set up follow-up care should it be needed.
At Dr. Kelly’s, we recommend that pet owners seeking surgery for a dog or cat with gingival hyperplasia establish a regular routine for dental cleanings moving forward. Professional cleanings allow for a pet to establish healthy dental hygiene and allow the veterinarian to keep an eye on gum health.
In addition to professional cleanings, which Dr. Kelly’s offers, it is recommended that pet owners conduct dental cleanings at home.
Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria, East Mesa, Queen Creek, and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures, and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services or to schedule an appointment.