Expert: Jannie Balliett - 1/18/2010

Question
I just read about a boxer that had a growth in it's mouth. I have a little basset and cocker mix, she has, what the vet says, is the same thing the boxers get. Now it's red and smells like major infection. I switched her food to soft because she stopped eating.Now all she does is sleep. Any suggestions? My heart hurts for her. She is 11 years old, and all of a sudden she just slowed down.The vet want $600.00 to remove it. We were told we could get it lanced. Please let us know what you think.


Thanks, glenda


Answer
Here is a link to my original answer to a similar question:


http://en.allexperts.com/q/Boxers-3345/2009/1/Mouth-Growth-6-year.htm

(However, I have revised one issue: fecal matter in any sore (mouth sore) is due to him licking himself and/or eating poop which some dogs do and others do if they are needing certain minerals, just as they nibble on grass when they need to repair something in their systems; cats do it to produce enzymes for their stomachs.)

Since your dog is 11 years old, that is a senior at end of life stage. Health issues are going to be abundant now and seeing a vet more frequently helps.

Change her diet to a senior diet for inactive, older dogs. Be sure it does not have corn and corn glutens. It will be more low calorie since inactive and older, and easier on the digestive system. Use a soft, canned version for awhile in order to aid her eating less painful.

Have the vet lance it- you have no way around this. It must be done regardless. If you do not have the immediate fees to pay, ask your vet to arrange payments on the surgery for the dog's well-being.

Ask the vet to also examine the growth for cause and possible cure as to not reoccur and to verify it is benign and not malignant cancer.

Lancing is not the anser- removal and biopsy is.