RE: Dermoid Sinuses in Ridgeback Puppies

Jessica Walker — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 17:48:06 GMT

Thank you very much for your detailed reply- really helpful!

RE: Dermoid Sinuses in Ridgeback Puppies

Samantha Lane — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:21:01 GMT

Hi Jessica,

obviously advanced imaging would be ideal in the cases but I understand that it's not possible. The risk with just going in surgically is that they may extend deeper than you expect and extend to the dura or vertebrae. If you don't remove all of the sinus it will redevelop and require repeat surgery.

I would usually do a GA and probe the sinus plus perform a contrast fistulogram if advanced imaging is not possible. This can under-estimate the depth of the sinus as they are often plugged with debris and keratin but hopefully would give you an idea of how deep they are extending and if this goes close to the vertebrae.

If there is only mild discharge and no neuro signs they can be monitored and bathed but there is a risk that an abscess may form at a later date and I'm sure the breeder wants to do something before they go to their new homes.

If they are relatively shallow and no neuro signs are present then you could attempt removal of these as long as the owners accept the risks of recurrence if incompletely excised or that they may extend further than expected and injury to the spinal cord/GA death due to respiratory arrest is a possibility.

If there is any concern about the depth then referral to a neurologist would be recommended.

It goes without saying that these dogs shouldn't be bred from (and the owners advised not to breed from parents too)

I hope that helps,

Sam