A study on surgical management of benign oral tumours (odontoma) in buffaloes: a series of eight cases

Outcome of Odontoma in Buffaloes

Abstract

Oral tumors in bovines are generally rare and mostly benign, particularly involving the lower mandibular incisors. This study focuses on eight cases of oral tumours in female buffaloes, documenting their clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, surgical management and follow up. The buffaloes were aged between 3 to 10 years and were presented with outgrowth on lower jaw from 1 month to 2 years. Clinical examination and radiography revealed involvement of anterior mandible, often with calcification. Histopathological analysis was done in 3 buffaloes, which reported; chronic active inflammation, myxoma, and fibroma durum.

       The odontoma’s were surgically resected using a wire saw or surgical blade under sedation (Xylazine or midazolam) and mental nerve block in 6 buffaloes. Silk sutures were applied for mucosal apposition and to stop bleeding followed by bandaging. Post-operative care included antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. Post-operated follow up at 15 days and 4 months was done. One buffalo showed development of a large growth in the same region within 15 days of surgery, which was histologically diagnosed as chronic active inflammation and was suspected for hematoma or abscess but the owner did not bring the buffalo for further investigation.

       The study recommends surgical resection of odontoma in buffaloes for a favourable outcome. Mucosal closure of wound with sutures helps in healing.