Dermoid Sinus
Dermoid sinuses are malformations of the skin as a result of a genetic defect. In the area of the dorsal line, a tube-like invagination of the skin develops which varies individually in depth and opening and, in extreme cases, extends from the surface to the spine.
The dermoid sinus in itself is clinically insignificant, but promotes the development of infections with the corresponding secondary diseases.
Animals of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed are particularly affected, as the hereditary disposition for DS seems to be coupled with the disposition for the 'ridge'.
General information
The diagnosis can already be made in the puppy on the basis of a clinical examination. The only appropriate therapy is complete surgical removal, which has a positive prognosis. As a rule, breeding of these animals is not permitted.
The reports on the frequency of occurrence of DS vary greatly depending on the studies. According to Müller-Forrer, 1984, 20.1% of the puppies in the Swedish population had DS, whereas in the German population only 3-4% of the living puppies are reported to be afflicted with DS (personal communication).
Literature
- Müller-Forrer, E. (1984) Zur Zucht des Rhodesian Ridgeback in Schweden, Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Dissertation Universität Zürich
- Hillbertz, S. et al., (2007) Duplication of FGF3, FGF4, FGF19 and ORAOV1 causes hair ridge and predisposition to dermoid sinus in Ridgeback dogs. Nat Genet 39, 1318-1320 (2007); https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.2007.4