Maxillary Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma in Dog: Case Report

Abstract

This report aims to describe a case of acanthomatous ameloblastoma in the central region of the left maxilla in a dog that had a history of sialorrhea and hyporexia. A 12-year-old Shih Tzu dog weighing 5 kg was treated at a veterinary clinic specializing in veterinary dentistry. The animal had an increase in volume in the left maxilla caused by a pink mass with irregular contours. The animal had difficulty eating and was progressively losing weight. Imaging tests revealed a neoplastic growth and displacement of the teeth affected by the tumor mass, without bone involvement. In the histopathological examination the gingival cells were polygonal in shape with broad, eosinophilic cytoplasm, with distinct borders and evident desmosomal junctions, arranged in a palisade or perpendicular to the basement membrane, being compatible with acanthomatous ameloblastoma. The treatment of choice was surgical removal. In the postoperative evaluation the dog presented dehiscence of the suture and underwent reintervention to perform a new suture. In the immediate postoperative period, the animal remained active. Although adult dogs, of medium to large size, are the most affected by this type of tumor, this work demonstrates that small breeds can also develop the disease. The location of the tumor reported here also differs from that commonly reported in the literature. The full recovery of patients affected by acanthomatous ameloblastoma will depend on the ability to perform an appropriate clinical-surgical approach, seeking excision of the tumor with free margins and correct postoperative follow-up.