Evaluation of cryotherapy in the management of epulis in dogs

Six dogs with clinically and histologically confirmed epulis were included in this study Five dogs had a localized smooth non ulcerated oral mass protruded from the margins of either lower or upper lips whereas in one animal ulcerated diffuse and areas of necrosis located at lower jaw was seen During physical examination mass was detected in the oral cavity originated from the gums darkly pigmented varied in sizes and foul smelling All tumours were histologically benign except one Fibromatous and acanthomatous epulis were observed In one case distant pulmonary metastasis was confirmed radiologicaly Nitrous oxide cryoprobe was used in benign cases to excise these tumours under general anesthesia Nanosomal docetaxel was used as chemotherapy in one metastatic case Complete healing without any postoperative complications was observed in cryosurgery No recurrence was observed after six months of cryoablation Chemotherapy in metastatic epulis cases was found unsatisfactory It may be concluded that cryosurgery can be used for treatment of benign epulis in canines