Dermoid Sinus is a serious congenital condition primarily seen in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, although it can occasionally affect other breeds. It is a tubular defect that arises during embryonic development when the skin and nervous system fail to completely separate. This results in "noodle-like" tissue formations that abnormally connect the upper layers of the skin to deeper structures, such as muscles or even the spinal cord.
Detecting Dermoid Sinus can be particularly challenging, even for experienced veterinarians, as the condition is not always visible externally and may require careful examination or imaging to identify. If left untreated, the sinus can lead to complications such as infections, abscesses, and pain, significantly affecting the dog’s health and quality of life.
Dogs affected by Dermoid Sinus, including those that have undergone surgical removal of the condition, have traditionally been excluded from breeding programs to prevent passing the condition on to their offspring, as it is highly heritable. However, with the introduction of a new DNA test for Dermoid Sinus, breeders now have the ability to make informed breeding decisions by ensuring that new born puppies are not at high risk of developing Dermoid Sinus.
