Mandibular Osteoma in a Haflinger Mare: Clinical and Pathological Features.
Authors: Maggi Raffaella, Mudimba Douglas, Marruchella Giuseppe
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Mandibular Osteoma in a Haflinger Mare: Clinical and Pathological Features — Editorial Summary An 11-year-old Haflinger mare presented with a slowly enlarging, pedunculated mass on the ventral mandible that was firm, non-painful and cold to palpation, leading clinicians to suspect a benign bone tumour. Radiographic imaging revealed a characteristic multi-lobular, mushroom-like radiopaque lesion arising from the mandibular cortex without marrow involvement, whilst histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoma by demonstrating bone trabeculae enclosed within a thick periosteum-like connective tissue layer. Equine osteomas, though relatively uncommon, typically develop in the paranasal sinuses and rostral mandible, and their pedunculated presentation can closely mimic other osseous pathologies such as ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia, making definitive diagnosis dependent on imaging and pathology. Surgical excision was performed for cosmetic purposes in this case, with the prognosis remaining favourable provided complete removal is achieved; however, success is ultimately determined by lesion location and size. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic imaging and histopathology in differentiating benign bone proliferations in the equine head, and emphasises that whilst osteomas carry a good long-term outlook, careful surgical planning is essential to minimise recurrence risk.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Mandibular osteomas present as slow-growing, firm, pedunculated masses on the ventral jaw; radiographic imaging is essential to confirm bone origin and rule out marrow involvement before surgical planning
- •Complete surgical excision offers good prognosis and is typically performed for cosmetic reasons or when the mass interferes with function; location and size determine surgical feasibility
- •Differential diagnoses including ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia must be considered, making histopathological confirmation valuable for accurate diagnosis and prognostication
Key Findings
- •11-year-old Haflinger mare presented with slowly growing pedunculated mass on ventral mandible that was firm, cold, and non-painful on palpation
- •Radiographic examination revealed radiopaque multi-lobular 'mushroom-like' lesion arising from mandibular cortex without marrow cavity involvement
- •Histopathological examination confirmed osteoma consisting of bone trabeculae covered by thick connective tissue resembling periosteum
- •Prognosis was good following complete surgical excision with no recurrence or complications reported