Figure 7-41.

Fibromatous Epulis, Left Mandible, Molar Teeth, Dog.

This growth is an epulis (fibromatous type); however, epulides are often grossly indistinguishable from gingival hyperplasia. Epulis is a term used to designate a growth of the gingiva that is firm, periodontal, and usually solitary, in contrast to gingival hyperplasia. This distinction is not just an academic exercise because, although all epulides are considered benign, one form, acanthomatous ameloblastoma, is locally invasive. It invades bone and can be quite destructive.

(Courtesy Dr. J. King, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University.)