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  Discussion on Lump on mandible below teeth roots
Author Message
Member:
galager

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 30, 2011 - 3:14 am:

Dr O:

Last night I noticed a hard, bony lump, fixed in place on the mandible below the teeth (see pic). It's not hot to the touch and doesn't seem to be painful. No lump on opposite side of mandible. The filly is 2 yrs old and had her last dental exam in April. At that time (20 months) all teeth were deciduous with the exception of the wolf teeth. The permanent M1 molar which erupts on average at about 12 months was not present. It is difficult to tell but it appears to me that the location of the lump is in the vicinity of M1. If this is a teething lump associated with the eruption of M1 what is the origin of the pressure causing the lump since this tooth is not deciduous, as opposed to the premolars where retained caps could be a problem. What are some other possible explanations for the origin of the lump? These are probably difficult questions without conducting a thorough examination. I expect to hear from my vet tomorrow. Thanks.

GeorgeImage of filly's head with mandibular lump
Member:
juliem

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 30, 2011 - 11:42 am:

I'll be interested in what Dr. O says too. I've noticed these on every two year old I've had, so think it's pretty normal and they resolve on their own.
Member:
galager

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 30, 2011 - 11:59 am:

Thanks for the comment, Julie. It's curious that I did not see any jaw lumps on my geldings when they were younger (now 5 and 4 years of age). This is one of the reasons I asked the question. Do you know when M1 erupted in your 2-year olds? I imagine it varies significantly from horse to horse. According to the AAEP guide, the average time of eruption of M1 is 9-12 months.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 30, 2011 - 7:11 pm:

Hello George,
these swellings are caused by increased activity of the cheek teeth alveolus as they grow the adult teeth that will replace the baby premolars.

Your anatomical placement of the first molar is a little misplaced. The swollen location corresponds to the 2nd premolar and you will see the adult push out the baby premolar in about 6 months from now. The molars, for which there are no baby teeth, start much further back than this. For a clear picture of this see the article associated with this discussion area. Compare the lateral and dv views of the dentition and I think you will see what I am talking about.
DrO
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