Spinal dermoid sinus in a Burmese cat with paraparesis

A 2-year-old, male, Burmese cat was evaluated for chronic progressive hindlimb weakness, ataxia and urinary incontinence. Radiographic examination, myelography and magnetic resonance imaging defined congenital vertebral anomalies and a space-occupying intradural, extramedullary mass. A dermoid sinus was subsequently identified dorsal to the affected spine. Surgical excision of the tract necessitated a dorsal laminectomy and removal of a 1-cm diameter intradural dermoid sinus 'cyst' that contained hair and sebaceous debris. The cat recovered hindlimb function after surgery and remains asymptomatic 50 months after surgery except for a persistent inability to urinate voluntarily.     

Dermoid sinus removal in a rhodesian ridgeback dog

A three year old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog with a history of a small draining tract in the dorsal cervical area, was found to have a dermoid sinus on surgical exploration. The affected tissue was removed and histopathology done. The sinus is an inherited condition in this breed of dog, with surgical correction and neutering of affected individuals the treatments of choice to reduce the incidence of the dermoid sinus condition in the next generation.     

Dermoid sinus and spinal malformations in a Yorkshire terrier: Diagnosis and follow-up

An unusual case of a Yorkshire terrier with a dermoid sinus associated with multiple spinal/costal malformations is described. The dog presented with ataxia and pain in the dorsal thoracic region. Diagnostic characterisation of the lesions was obtained with radiography, myelography and computed tomography. After surgical removal of the sinus, the dog showed marked clinical improvement over a two-year period.     

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts in the dog

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and morphologic characteristics of nasal dermoid sinus cysts in the dog. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Six client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records (1995 to 1999) of 6 dogs that had a discharging sinus in the midline of the nose removed surgically were reviewed for signalment, physical examination, surgical and histopathologic findings, and outcome. RESULTS: Three golden retrievers, 1 springer spaniel, 1 cocker spaniel, and 1 Brittany spaniel with a history of intermittent discharge from a small opening in the midline on the bridge of the nose at the junction between the nasal planum and the skin were identified. The condition was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy, and previous surgical excision had been unsuccessful in 3 dogs. None of the dogs had any other congenital defects, and all dogs responded to complete surgical excision of the tract and cyst. On histopathologic examination of excised tissue, there were adnexal structures along a tract lined with stratified squamous epithelium, consistent with a developmental abnormality of ectodermal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The lesions were diagnosed as nasal dermoid sinus cysts, similar to the congenital condition described in humans. Nasal dermoid sinus cysts are rare developmental defects related to abnormal development of the pre-nasal space and may extend into the cranial vault causing cerebral abscesses or recurrent meningitis. Complete surgical excision has a good prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is a new condition that should be added to the surgical differential diagnosis for a discharging sinus over the external nares in dogs.     

Dermoid sinus and spina bifida in three dogs and a cat

This case series describes four cases of concomitant dermoid sinus and spina bifida in a Chinese crested dog, two Swedish vallhunds and a Burmese cat. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography, computed tomography fistulography and pathology. Two dogs that showed abnormalities during neurological examination underwent magnetic resonance imaging. One of them had imaging findings interpreted as syringohydromyelia. All the dogs underwent surgery and the outcome was considered good in all the cases. Based on clinical and pathological examination as well as diagnostic imaging findings, two of the dermoid sinuses were classified as type IV, and two of them showed a previously unreported type of dermoid sinus. This new type is suggested here as type VI.     

Type IV dermoid sinus,intramedullary dermoid cyst and spina bifida in a Cane Corso

A 1-year-old male Cane Corso was presented for progressive hindlimb neurologic deficits, with a history of suspected recurrent meningitis. Physical examination and advanced diagnostic imaging findings were suggestive of a thoracic dermoid sinus extending into the dura mater, and spina bifida. After initial medical treatment, the lesion was surgically excised, and the presence of an intramedullary cyst in continuation with the dermoid sinus was confirmed, requiring partial durectomy and myelotomy for removal. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue confirmed the diagnosis of a dermoid sinus associated with an intramedullary dermoid cyst. After surgery, the dog temporarily declined neurologically but then showed progressive neurological improvement. This report describes presentation and successful surgical treatment of a type IVa dermoid sinus associated with an intramedullary dermoid cyst and spina bifida in a dog.     

True dermoid cyst in a Rhodesian ridgeback

A case of a true dermoid cyst in a Rhodesian ridgeback is described. The mass was located in the dorsal cervical midline at the level of the first cervical vertebra, and was resected surgically. In contrast to other types of dermoid sinus described in the literature, the mass did not have a tract connecting it to, nor an opening on to, the surface of the skin. A diagnosis of true dermoid cyst was made.     

Dermoid sinus at the lumbosacral junction in an English springer spaniel

A dermoid sinus was identified in a springer spaniel that presented with hindlimb neurological deficits. The sinus was continuous with the dura mater at the level of the lumbosacral junction. The presence of hair and debris adjacent to neural tissue had elicited a myelitis. A dorsal laminectomy was required to allow complete surgical resection of the sinus. The dog's neurological status improved after treatment and this improvement was maintained over a five-month follow-up period.     

Nasal dermoid sinus in an American cocker spaniel

An American cocker spaniel was presented for a subcutaneous mass and draining tract located between its eyes. Contrast radiography and surgical excision showed communication of the tract with the left frontal sinus and rostral cerebral dura, respectively. A dermoid sinus was diagnosed by a combination of gross and histologic findings.     

Inheritance of dermoid sinus in the Rhodesian ridgeback

OBJECTIVES: TO define the mode of inheritance of dermoid sinus. METHODS: A chi-squared analysis was performed on data from 46 litters produced between 1990 and 2001. Data were corrected to avoid bias in the segregation ratio. RESULTS: In data from 57 litters (n=492), 82 dermoid sinus positive offspring were observed. The frequency of affected offspring in the Swedish Rhodesian ridgeback population is estimated to be between 8 and 10 per cent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bias in heredity pattern may be caused by undetected dermoid sinus type V. Improved clinical diagnosis of all dermoid sinus types is therefore crucial.     

Autosomal dominant mutation causing the dorsal ridge predisposes for dermoid sinus in Rhodesian ridgeback dogs

OBJECTIVES: To define the mode of inheritance of the dorsal ridge and investigate if the ridge predisposes to the congenital abnormality dermoid sinus in the Rhodesian ridgeback. METHODS: Segregation analysis was performed, including 87 litters (n=803) produced in Sweden between 1981 and 2002. Data were corrected to avoid bias in the segregation ratio. Chi-squared analysis was performed including 402 litters (n=3598) for the evaluation of a possible genetic correlation between the ridge and dermoid sinus. RESULTS: The ridge is inherited in an autosomal dominant mode and predisposes for dermoid sinus. The frequency of ridgeless offspring in the Swedish Rhodesian ridgeback population is estimated to be 5.6 per cent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rhodesian ridgeback dogs that carry the ridge trait are predisposed to dermoid sinus.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of type 1 dermoid sinus in two Rhodesian ridgeback dogs

Two cases of type 1 dermoid sinus in Rhodesian ridgebacks are described, with emphasis on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and delineation of the lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in identifying fluid-filled structures, fibrous capsules, and sinus tracts, but was not able to identify the termination of the tracts.     

Dermoid cyst of the spinal cord associated with ataxia in a cat

A young adult Balinese cat developed complete hindlimb paralysis which persisted for six weeks. Clinical findings suggested a lesion compressing the spinal cord and this was confirmed at necropsy. A dermoid cyst was present at the level of the third thoracic vertebra. The cyst was lined by stratified squamous epithelium and contained desquamated keratinised material and hair fragments. Sebaceous glands and hair follicles were present in the connective tissue wall. This is the first report of a dermoid cyst in the spinal cord of a cat. The lesion is considered to be a congenital anomaly.     

C-arm fluoroscopy for the removal of an intraorbital foreign body in a cat

This report describes the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and minimally surgical intervention of a cat with an intraorbital foreign body. A spayed female cat of unknown age was presented with a recurrent cutaneous sinus tract of the left suborbital region. The cat had not vocalized at all since the adoption. A sharp-edged radiopaque foreign body was visualized on dental radiography. Computed tomography outlined the length of the foreign body from the intraorbital soft tissue to the pharynx. The foreign body was removed under the guide of C-arm fluoroscope with minimal skin incision. The surgical site healed completely on the 11th postoperative day, and the cat vocalized normally after healing.     

Nasal dermoid cyst extending through the frontal bone with no sinus tract in a Dalmatian

A Dalmatian was presented with a subcutaneous swelling in the dorsal midline between the eyes. No opening in the skin was identified at the dorsal nasal planum and there was no discharge. Positive contrast sinography showed contrast material filling a cyst that extended to the frontal bone. At surgery, the cyst had a tubular shape and was embedded in a fibrous dermal tissue strand running into the bony nasal septum. The nasal dermoid sinus cyst was surgically removed by limited dorsal rhinotomy, followed by excision of the remaining strand from a bony recess in the lamina perpendicularis ethmoidalis. It is proposed that this nasal dermoid cyst that extends through the frontal bone with no sinus tract is classified as a type V subtype c.     

Use of posaconazole in the management of invasive orbital aspergillosis in a cat

Orbital infection with Aspergillus fumigatus was diagnosed in a Persian cat that was presented with chronic third eyelid protrusion and exophthalmos. Evidence of nasal, sinus, or disseminated aspergillosis was not detected in this cat. Complete surgical excision of diseased tissues was not possible during orbital exenteration, and infection subsequently extended into the tissues of the oral cavity. Oral therapy with itraconazole and parenteral therapy with amphotericin B were ineffective in resolving the infection. Oral therapy with a novel triazole, posaconazole, was curative.     

Dermoid sinus in a golden retriever

A case of dermoid sinus is reported in a golden retriever. The skin lesion was characterised by a fistulous tract in the dorsal cervical region. Surgical dissection revealed a cyst connected by a fibrous cord to the seventh cervical vertebra.     

Dermoid sinus in a Rhodesian ridgeback

A dermoid sinus was identified in a Rhodesian ridgeback dog. Diagnosis was by physical examination, contrast radiography, gross and microscopic evaluations. Surgical resection of the lesion was curative.     

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

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.     

Bilateral parieto-occipital dermoid sinuses in a Rottweiler

Bilateral dermoid sinuses were identified on the parieto-occipital region of a Rottweiler. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination after successful complete surgical resection. The dermoid sinuses were independent with separate tracts. This unusual parasagittal location can be explained by craniofacial development: dermoid sinuses on the head could occur along the lines of embryological fusion and not only in the sagittal plane. A hypothesis of an origin at the level of the suture between the parietal and interparietal bones is possible in this case.