Rostral mandibulectomy for treatment of an ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in a cow.

A 1-year-old polled Hereford heifer was admitted with a mass of the rostral mandibular area that had been observed 17 days earlier. Cytologic examination of fluid aspirated from the mass revealed normal blood. Radiography revealed an expansile, osteolytic mass involving the rostral portion of the mandible. Mineralization of the soft-tissue component was evident. Rostral mandibulectomy was performed to remove the mass in its entirety. The histologic diagnosis was ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. One year after surgery, cosmetic appearance of the mandible was acceptable, and there was no evidence of tumor regrowth. Radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and thermocautery have been recommended in conjunction with surgical excision to prevent tumor regrowth in the oral cavity. Tumor regrowth was not a factor in long-term prognosis in this cow.