sia was induced with 2·0 mg/kg ketamine (Narketan; Vétoquinol) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane (Isofluran; Baxter) in oxygen after intratracheal intubation. A caudorostral incision, 10 cm in length, was made over the top of the swelling, and the entire fistulous canal was bluntly dissected and removed. The cavity of the fistula was lined with a mucous membrane-like tissue and had cornified papillae, similar to those seen in the oral cavity of cattle (Fig 3a). Two small salivary ducts ran from the base of the fistula toward the parotid gland. At the base of the fistula there was another canal, which ran across the temporal process of the zygomatic bone to a cavity near the parietal bone. Hard, tooth-like structures in loose tissue could be palpated in this cavity.To improve orientation, intraoperative radiographs were taken with cannulae marking the surgical field. This allowed optimal preservation of the functional anatomical structures during surgery. One firmly seated tooth, located in the frontal bone, was removed using an elevator. Both salivary ducts were ligated with absorbable polyglactin suture material (Polysorb 0; Syneture). The approach to the parietal bone was widened, and several loose teeth and parts of teeth were removed from the cavity (Fig 3b). Radiography and palpation of the cavity were carried out to ensure that no teeth remained. A drain (Easyflow; Ulrich) was placed, and the soft tissues were apposed with absorbable suture material (Lactomer Polysorb 2; Syneture) in a simple interrupted pattern. The subcutaneous tissue was closed in a simple continuous pattern with absorbable suture material, and the skin was closed with metal staples.Postoperatively, the calf received 7 mg/kg amoxicillin subcutaneously for four days and 1·1 mg/kg flunixin meglumine intravenously for three days. There was marked swelling at the surgical site one day after surgery, but no secretion was evident. Two days after surgery, a small amount of saliva-like secretion oozed from the surgical incision. The drain was removed three days postoperatively, and the secretion decreased progressively over the next three days. The calf was discharged, and the owner was advised to monitor the surgical site. The metal staples were removed 10 days postoperatively. One month after the surgery, the owner reported that there was no secretion from the surgical site and that, although the site was somewhat sensitive, the calf was in good general health.Two further follow-up telephone calls and a clinical examination two-and-a-half years after surgery revealed that the animal had developed normally and was healthy. At the time of the clinical examination the animal was in milk production having calved once. A scar at the surgical site was clearly visible (Fig 4), but the initial sensitivity at the site had resolved. There had been no further secretion from the area.This dentigerous cyst was similar to that characteristically observed in horses, with an oral mucous membrane and sevVeterinary Record (2005) 156, 580-582