[lovsthosebigdogs]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

A word of warning .. I was giving my small 10-pound dog (Biggins) antlers to chew on, to minimize the need for teeth cleaning. He is 12 years old. Unknown to me, Biggins developed an abrasion on the roof of his mouth (I assume from chewing the antlers which he loved). It turned into a large tumor, bright pink, which is pushing through his teeth, and is very invasive. I took him to a Vet and then to a Speciality Clinic with high-tech Vets and the latest equipment. The Surgeon removed the tumor (cost $2,000).

Bad news: Within five days, the tumor had grown back. Good news: They were able to send all the original tumor to Pathology and it definitely isn't cancer. It is a weird form of scar tissue which just keeps growing back. Now we just watch it and wait to see what happens. They can try prednisone or other steroids to shrink the tumor, but steroids come with a whole set of lousy side effects. Right now, my little dog's appetite is good, and he is happy. At the dog park, DDRR, he is acting like a two-year old puppy.

Barefoot, so very glad it isn't cancer. What a scare. I bought very large antlers for my big dogs and they ad no interest. I was kinda sorry I spent all that money (almost $75) but after hearing your story with Biggins I should count myself lucky that they had no interest. Hope that nasty tumor stays away for good and Biggins makes a swift and uneventful full recovery.