A case of mandibular dentigerous cyst in a german shepherd dog.

The dentigerous cyst is the most common type of odontogenic cyst in humans. The World Health Organization classification also includes gingival cysts of infants (Epstein pearls), odontogenic keratocysts, eruption cysts, periodontal lateral cysts, gingival cysts of adults and odontogenic glandular cysts Odontogenic cysts are not well documented in small animals. In dogs, dentigerous cysts, as well as the more common odontogenic cysts, are underreported because they often cause no clinical signs apart from tooth loss. The vast majority of cases of dentigerous cysts described in the literature in dogs are in small breeds, particularly brachycephalic breeds. The reason for this predisposition is not clear, but mandibular and gingival conformation probably represent an important predisposing factor. The case described is of particular interest because it occurs in a German Shepherd.