Symptoms : Difficulty chewing, bad breath, sometimes bloody saliva.

Causes and effects : Growths on the gums most commonly take the following forms.

• Epulis : Hard, bony overgrowth of the gums that can become so big that the dogs bite its own flesh and can no longer chew roperly.
• Papilloma : Wart-like growths on the lips and the mucous membrane, usually in young dogs (caused by a virus).
• Maglinant tumors : Growths in the mouth, on the jaw, and on the lips. Occur primarily in old dogs. Often metatasize.

Epupils and papilloma have to be removed by the vet. These masses are generally not malignant but do sometimes recur in the same place. If a malignant growth has broken open, the vet decides after a biopsy whether surgery makes sense or not. If the cancer already spread to the nearby lymph nodes or lungs, it is too late for surgery.

Follow up care : To help the wound heal, irrigate it regularly with a camomile solution (use a syringe without the needle, available from the vet or drug store).

Susceptible breeds : Epulis are relatively common in breeds with short muzzles, especially boxers. Watch out for malignant tumors in cockers, boxers and pointers.

Cataracts are the most widespread hereditary disorder in dogs. Most breeds are susceptible, but cataracts are most prevalent in poodles, spaniels, golden and labrador retrievers, schnauzers, bull terriers, and collies.