Scout's family veterinarian had previously biopsied the tumor, which was diagnosed as an acanthomatous ameloblastoma, a non-malignant but locally invasive tumor.

After an intra-oral radiograph was taken to evaluate the extent of bony involvement of the tumor, the section of the mandible containing the tumor and adjacent teeth was surgically removed. The lower lip was repositioned and the soft tissues were sutured together.

Scout stayed overnight in the hospital, receiving intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and analgesics. After eating soft food for breakfast with minimal assistance, was discharged the day after surgery with a transdermal fentanyl patch for continued pain control at home. He adapted quickly to the new conformation of his mouth, returning to his normal eating and playing habits within a week of surgery. (Of course, he wasn't allowed access to hard chew toys for several weeks, to prevent injury to the surgical site.)

This surgery is expected to cure Scout's tumor, allowing him to live a full life with minimal effect on his ability to eat and play.

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