Surgical treatment of a five‐structure dentigerous cyst in a Warmblood filly

Abstract

SummaryThis article describes a unilateral extracranial dentigerous cyst containing five dental structures in a 3‐year‐old Warmblood filly that caused drainage from below the left pinna and behavioural changes due to pain. Initial diagnosis was made using radiographs and further diagnostic imaging in the form of computed tomography was used for effective surgical planning. This highlighted the proximity of the cyst to the calvarium. All the structures were surgically removed using an osteotome and mallet. During surgery, a defect was made in the calvarium leading to a small haemorrhage, which was successfully controlled. The external auditory canal was accidentally entered during the procedure; closure was achieved and no postoperative infection was experienced. The structures were histologically confirmed to be dental in origin. On telephone and photographic follow‐up, the horse showed excellent cosmetic results, with no neurological or motor deficits and complete resolution of clinical signs.