Disease Description: Similar to a dermoid cyst but usually larger. Seen in Rhodesian ridgebacks.

Inherit Mode: Various modes of inheritance have been suggested including dominant with incomplete penetrance, or recessive. It is possible that there is an inherent deficiency in the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed in the absorption or utilization of folic acid (a B vitamin), that leads to this defect.

Disease Symptom: Dermoid sinus is present from birth, although thecondition isusually not noticed until later. The tracts contain debris from theskin - sebum (waxylubricating substance), dead skin cells, and hair - and commonlybecome infected andpainful. If the tract extends to the spinal canal, infection may causemeningitis ormyelitis, resulting in various neurologic signs such as local orgeneral spinal pain,stiffness, or weakness (depending on the location of the sinus).

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: You or your veterinarian may notice firm painfulswellings in themiddle of your dog's back, from which there may be some exudate. Acord of fibrous tissue(the tract) can usually be felt under the skin. Your veterinarian willtake x-rays using acontrast dye to determine the extent of the tract.

Treat Method: In an affected dog, the only successful treatmentis surgicalremoval of the the whole tract, which may be a simple procedure or itmay be fairlycomplicated if the tract extends into the vertebrae and spinal canal.Incomplete removalresults in recurrence. There is evidence that suggests folic acidsupplementation ofbreeding bitches (both before and during pregnancy) can reduce theoccurrence of thiscondition (see below). For the veterinarian: Meningitisor myelitis aretreated as appropriate. Laminectomy may be necessary to removeportions of the tract fromwithin the spinal canal.

Breeder Advice: Affected dogs and their close relatives should notbe bred. Breedersmay want to consider folic acid dietary supplementation of breedingbitches (see referencebelow).

Disease Description Source: Link