Oral tumors are common in dogs and cats and their incidence increases with age. Presenting complaints can include a visible mass detected by the owner, bloody or increased saliva, pawing at the face, loose teeth, gingival proliferation or bleeding, facial deformity, weight loss, gagging, dropping food out of the mouth, and less commonly, enlarged mandibular lymph nodes or salivary glands or exophthalmos. Different histologic tumor types have similar appearances (with the exception of black tumors, which are almost always melanomas). A thorough oral exam should be part of every physical exam; this includes lips, cheeks, tongue/sub lingual region, salivary glands, palate, teeth, and tonsils. Oral cavity tumors may also extend into the pharynx, nasal cavity, and retro-orbital space. In fractious animals, sedation may be required for a thorough oral exam. In addition, oral examination is recommended on any anesthetized/intubated patient.
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