GUM-CHEWER SYNDROME - SELF-INFLICTED SUBLINGUAL AND SELF-INFLICTED BUCCAL TRAUMA

Gum-chewer syndrome consists of chronic inflammation of the sublingual or buccal mucosa. The syndrome is often accompanied by signs of pain and behaviors that seem as if the dog is chewing gum or attempting to spit something out of its mouth. The condition often goes unrecognized and often results in pain for the patient; however, the condition responds well to surgical excision of the lesion. Because sublingual lesions very likely result from behavioral abnormalities, such as excessive barking or panting, the lesions may recur; recurrence of buccal lesions has not been observed.