Figure 1

Part of every physical exam includes an exam of the oral cavity (at least on those patients that allow access to the mouth without biting!). Not only are the doctors looking for overall dental health, but also looking for any abnormal growths or masses. Gingival or gum masses can be the simple overgrowth of tissue known as benign hyperplasia overlying this dogs upper second premolar (figure 1).

Figure 2

Or they can be much more serious as figure 2 which shows a malignant melanoma of a dog's mouth demonstrates.

Any oral gum abnormality warrants a biopsy in order to make a definitive diagnosis and determine a treatment plan.