Equine maxillofacial intraosseous cystic lesions: a retrospective study of 17 cases.
Authors: Kelley Jennifer L, Rawlinson Jennifer E, Bell Cynthia M
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Maxillofacial Intraosseous Cystic Lesions Intraosseous cystic and pseudocystic lesions affecting the equine maxilla and mandible remain poorly characterised in the literature, with most evidence limited to isolated case reports that lack comparative analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic features, and treatment outcomes. Kelley, Rawlinson and Bell conducted a retrospective review of 17 cases to establish a comprehensive clinical framework, documenting presenting signs, radiographic and advanced imaging findings, histopathologic diagnoses, therapeutic approaches, and patient outcomes. The cohort demonstrated considerable heterogeneity in lesion type, location within the jaw bones, and clinical manifestations—ranging from incidental imaging findings to severe complications including facial deformity, dysphagia, and secondary infections—highlighting the variable nature of maxillofacial cystic pathology and the necessity for individualised diagnostic protocols. Treatment modalities included conservative management, enucleation, and more extensive surgical intervention, with outcomes correlating to lesion characteristics and surgical timing. These findings provide equine practitioners with evidence-based guidance for recognition, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and treatment planning of these challenging lesions, whilst emphasising the importance of early detection and tailored surgical intervention to optimise patient welfare and minimise long-term morbidity.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Maxillofacial cystic lesions in horses are rare but can cause significant clinical disease; this study consolidates features to help practitioners recognize and differentiate them
- •Understanding imaging findings and histopathologic characteristics will help guide diagnostic approach and treatment planning for suspected cystic masses
- •Treatment outcomes and clinical management strategies from this case series can inform decision-making for equine patients presenting with maxillofacial lesions
Key Findings
- •Retrospective analysis of 17 cases of equine maxillofacial cystic lesions with varied clinical presentations and histopathologic diagnoses
- •Clinical signs, imaging findings, histopathologic features, and treatment outcomes were described for intraosseous cystic masses
- •Study provides comparative features of different types of cystic lesions in equine maxilla and mandible previously only documented in individual case reports