The third most common site for cancer is the oral cavity. In young animals, problems can involve tumors that affect the teeth directly. Odontomas are tumors that evolve from the tooth bud and, fortunately, are benign and if properly excised by a specialist will not return. If left in the mouth, they can grow and become locally damaging. Unfortunately, most oral cancers are malignant which means they will not only grow locally but also can often spread or metastasize to other locations.
Early detection offers the possibility of complete recovery.
However, if the tumor has been present for a longer period of time and has aggressively invaded surrounding tissue, the oral surgeon often can only be palliative in his approach. We do not know at present what causes cancer in our pets. Pet owners that are proactive in their approach to their pet s oral hygiene often can make early detection and cure of cancer possible. As you can see from this brief cataloging of dental disease in our pets, there is no magic hard biscuit available that will clean our animal s teeth and prevent oral disease. Our pet s teeth, like our own, can be damaged and thus require regular appropriate care.