Multiple dermoid sinuses of type Vb and IIIb on the head of a Saint Bernard dog

Abstract

Dermoid sinus, a congenital malformation of neural tube development, has been reported in humans and several animal species including dogs. It is typically found in the dorsal midline and commonly occurs in the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. A case of multiple dermoid sinuses in the fronto-occipital region is described. An 11-month-old, intact female Saint Bernard dog was presented with a 2 day history of discharge from a large irregular subcutaneous mass in the fronto-occipital region. The dog was otherwise healthy. The dog had two circular skin lesions (approximately 4 × 4 and 4 × 2 cm diameter) surrounded by multiple irregular elevated masses. The masses had multiple small openings on the skin surface with tufts of hair protruding from the apertures. The masses were surgically removed, and the diagnosis of multiple dermoid sinuses was confirmed by histological examination. Histopathological examination showed multiple, variably sized, spherical to tubular cysts expanding the dermis and subcutis. Cysts were filled with hair shafts and lamellar keratin and were lined by a stratified squamous epithelium. Sebaceous and apocrine gland adnexal structures were also observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of multiple dermoid sinuses of two different types in the head of a Saint Bernard dog.

Nasal dermoid cyst with intracranial extension in a cat

“…5 Clinical signs are also expected when the cyst becomes infected, particularly when in contact with the dura mater. 23,30…”

Triple dermoid sinus in sacro-caudal region in Rhodesian Ridgeback dog.

“…Dane piśmiennictwa dotyczące zatoki skórzastej są liczne, jakkolwiek duża część publikacji pochodzi sprzed wielu lat. W nowszych publikacjach uwagę zwracają niosące wiele informacji tabele podsumowujące dotychczasowy dorobek wielu lekarzy weterynarii (14,22) lub tylko własny (1,11) w dziedzinie rozpoznawania i leczenia zatok skórzastych w różnych miejscach ich lokalizacji i u różnych ras psów i kotów. Wspomnieć należy, że poza psami to zaburzenie występuje także u innych gatunków zwierząt, na przykład wspomnianych wyżej kotów (11), ale także u bydła (2), owiec (20) kóz (7) i wielbłądów (19).…”

Computed tomography findings and surgical outcomes of dermoid sinuses: a case series

“…1,2 Dermoid sinuses occur most commonly in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 1 but isolated cases have been reported in other breeds such as Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers and Saint Bernard's. [2][3][4] The mode of inheritance has been investigated in the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Dermoid sinuses are closely associated to the ridge phenotype, [3][4][5][6] but the ridge gene is not exclusively responsible for the presence of a dermoid sinus and other genetic factors also play a role.…”

“…[2][3][4] The mode of inheritance has been investigated in the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Dermoid sinuses are closely associated to the ridge phenotype, [3][4][5][6] but the ridge gene is not exclusively responsible for the presence of a dermoid sinus and other genetic factors also play a role. The exact mode of inheritance is still unknown.…”

“…The invaginated skin contains hair follicles and skin glands, which may form an abscess and cause pain . Dermoid sinuses occur most commonly in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but isolated cases have been reported in other breeds such as Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers and Saint Bernard's …”