Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Dentigerous Cyst
Synonyms: Follicular Cyst, Ear Fistula, Ear Tooth, Heterotopic Polyodontia, Temporal Cyst or Odontoma
Summary
Dentigerous cysts are firm non-painful bumps that usually develop near the base of the ear, but can also be found in other locations on the head. They are more commonly seen in young horses.
They result from imperfect embryonic development, the failure of closure of one of the branchial pouches. The result is dental tissue and cystic lining (fluid producing tissue) ending up in an abnormal location.
These cysts may be loose or firmly attached to the underlying bone, and many contain one or more teeth (dental tissue). They usually ooze dark golden, amber or pale, pus-colored discharge. The discharge may emanate from the base of the ear or pinna (upright part of the ear itself), or it may come from further down the side of the face or behind the jaw.
Ultrasound and radiography (x-ray) may be used to determine the nature and depth of the condition, whether there is bone or dental tissue within the cyst, and whether the cyst is attached to underlying bone.
Treatment is surgical removal of the cyst but removal of the dental tissue and any bone growth must be done with care.
They result from imperfect embryonic development, the failure of closure of one of the branchial pouches. The result is dental tissue and cystic lining (fluid producing tissue) ending up in an abnormal location.
These cysts may be loose or firmly attached to the underlying bone, and many contain one or more teeth (dental tissue). They usually ooze dark golden, amber or pale, pus-colored discharge. The discharge may emanate from the base of the ear or pinna (upright part of the ear itself), or it may come from further down the side of the face or behind the jaw.
Ultrasound and radiography (x-ray) may be used to determine the nature and depth of the condition, whether there is bone or dental tissue within the cyst, and whether the cyst is attached to underlying bone.
Treatment is surgical removal of the cyst but removal of the dental tissue and any bone growth must be done with care.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good with surgical excision, but any surgical approach must be very cautious. Some of these are attached firmly to the skull.If bone or dental tissue is broken loose from the skull, it can result in life-threatening fracture.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is the cyst attached to underlying bone and, if so, will this make removal risky?
- How successful is surgical treatment?
- Are there any other treatments you might recommend?