Question Details
Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma (plus SCC) In A Dog
by munznum - June 25, 2025    View Case Report
Patient is an 11 yr old F-S Goldendoodle with 1 year history of rostral mandibular mass with aggressive growth. Excisional biopsy and pathology in March 2025 confirms acanthomatous ameloblastoma with dirty margins and bone invasion. Within the mass was a focus of SCC with clean margins. A partial mandibulectomy was suggested, but the client does not want surgical heroics.

Tongue: red/lavender
Pulses: reasonably broad with some tone but a bit slippery
Coat: lanolin quality
Temp: cool seeking

So, with the SCC and damp heat signs, I'm leaning toward Si Mao San. Though I saw Steve or Erin advocating for modified Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang for managing acanthomatous ameloblastomas (though signs don't fit quite as well) and possibly adding Xiao Chai Hu Tang. Both appear to have merit. Please advise.

Thanks,
Michael
Replies
by naturevet
June 26, 2025
Hi Michael,

I like your idea of Si Miao San to start with, coupled with diet change to a real food diet. The latter may be a pain in the owner's eyes, but is critical, both to counter the possible Damp Heat underlying the lesion (given the lanolin coat, slippery pulse, and purple red tongue) but also because of the fact that it appears real food diets may increase the prognosis for tumor control using natural means significantly.

The rapid growth tells us we need to move blood away from the tumor, which SMS does. Modified Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang would push it towards it, so I'm not thinking that is the correct way to go.

Sometimes a mixed effect of being anti-inflammatory while promoting normal circulation is needed to address tumors. If that turns out to be the case, for oral tumors, I try Qing Ying Tang. But to start with, I would use Si Miao San, as well as Hoxsey and Boneset (because of the likely bony involvement and its reputation in other Damp Heat tumors like osteosarcoma). You can find both of those easily at A Time to Heal Herbs

Let us know how it goes!

Steve
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