Heterotopic Polyodontia: Diagnosis and Surgical Removal of a Dentigerous Cyst Comprising 2 Dental Structures in a 14-Year-Old Horse.
Abstract: A 14-year-old American Paint Horse mare was referred for further evaluation of a firm mass with an associated draining tract at the base of the left ear suspected to be a dentigerous cyst. Approximately three months prior, the draining tract had been excised under the presumed diagnosis of an abscess with no improvement. Physical examination revealed a firm mass palpable at the base of the left ear with a draining tract that did not elicit any pain response on palpation. Digital radiographs revealed a 6x11cm mineral mass in the left temporal region. Medially, there were two projections that extended into the left temporal bone. Cone beam computed tomography (CT) showed mild thinning of the temporal bone separating the mass and the brain at the conical extension of the caudal aspect of the mass. Both structures were isolated and elevated using a combination of osteotomes, mallet, and bone rongeurs under general inhalant anesthesia with radiographs to determine complete removal. Although histopathology was declined, gross examination of both structures resembled adult molar teeth. At eight months postoperative, the owners reported that the surgical site was healed and no discharge was present. Dentigerous cysts should remain a differential for a mass with an associated draining tract at the base of the ear in horses. Practitioners should strongly consider CT when feasible for additional diagnostics in similar cases. Although benign and removal poses risk, dentigerous cysts can be surgically excised with a positive outcome.
Publication Date: 2021-05-25 PubMed ID: 34032162DOI: 10.1177/08987564211018522Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study presents a case of a 14-year-old horse that had a firm mass with a draining tract at the base of its left ear which turned out to be a dentigerous cyst containing two adult molar teeth. The cyst was identified and surgically removed to the owners’ satisfaction.
Case Presentation
- The study revolves around a 14-year-old American Paint Horse mare that was referred for evaluation due to the presence of a firm mass with a draining tract at the base of the left ear. Initially, the mass was thought to be an abscess but did not improve after the draining tract had been physically excised.
Physical Examination and Diagnosis
- Upon physical examination, the mass was not painful and was associated with a draining tract.
- Through digital radiographs, the mass was identified as a 6x11cm mineral mass in the left temporal region of the horse with projections extending into the left temporal bone.
- Further investigation via cone beam computed tomography (CT) revealed a mild reduction in the thickness of the temporal bone separating the mass and the brain.
Surgical Intervention and Postoperative Outcome
- The cyst was surgically approached using a variety of tools and was eventually isolated and elevated with the help of osteotomes, mallet, and bone rongeurs under general inhalant anesthesia. Radiographs were used to ensure complete removal of the structures.
- Although full examination of the surgically removed structures was not carried out, visually, they resembled adult molar teeth, suggesting a dentigerous cyst.
- Eight months after surgery, the horse was reported to have healed without any problems, and there was no discharge from the surgical site.
Conclusion and Recommendations
- Dentigerous cysts should be examined when a firm mass with a draining tract is identified at the base of the ear in horses. CT scan could provide additional, valuable diagnostic information.
- Although benign and pose a risk during surgery, dentigerous cysts can be surgically excised with a positive outcome.
Cite This Article
APA
Platt JP, MacDonald DG, Selberg K, Jackman BR.
(2021).
Heterotopic Polyodontia: Diagnosis and Surgical Removal of a Dentigerous Cyst Comprising 2 Dental Structures in a 14-Year-Old Horse.
J Vet Dent, 38(1), 30-33.
https://doi.org/10.1177/08987564211018522 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Pioneer Equine Hospital, Oakdale, CA, USA.
- Pioneer Equine Hospital, Oakdale, CA, USA.
- Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
- Pioneer Equine Hospital, Oakdale, CA, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
- Dentigerous Cyst / diagnosis
- Dentigerous Cyst / surgery
- Dentigerous Cyst / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Molar
- Temporal Bone
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Citations
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