How is dermoid sinus treated in dogs?
Christopher Pierce
Updated on February 26, 2026
Treatment: Dermoid sinuses that discharge significantly, become infected, or cause neurological signs should be treated with surgical excision by an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon. If the sinus connects to the vertebrae or lining of the spinal cord, more aggressive surgery may be required.
What is a dermoid sinus in a dog?
Dermoid sinuses are congenital abnormalities (present from birth) that consist of hollow tubular indentations of the skin that penetrate down into the tissue below. They create problems because they are prone to infections. They occur along the dorsal midline (centre of the back of the dog.
What is a nasal dermoid sinus?
[2] Commonly, nasal dermoid sinus cyst (NDSC) presents as a firm, non-compressible, non-pulsatile masses or a ‘furuncle like’ lesion on the midline of the nose. They are usually present at birth and may appear anywhere along the nasal midline from the glabella to the nasal tip.
Are Dermoids in dogs genetic?
Dermoid sinus is a thought to be a genetic skin condition in dogs. It is also known as pilonidal sinus. However, unlike pilonidal sinus in humans, the dermoid sinus in dogs is a neural tube defect.
Is dermoid sinus painful?
Treatment of Dermoid Sinus in Dogs If left untreated, the sinus can become infected repeatedly causing your dog pain and discomfort. Some concerns with surgery are related to the healing process and the potential for reoccurrence of the DS.
Can dogs get dermoid cysts?
These cysts are also prone to secondary bacterial infection. Sebaceous cysts are common in dogs but unusual in cats, with the exception of ‘stud tail’ on the upper side of the tail. Dermoid cysts are complex congenital cysts that form long before birth. Dermoid cysts are rare.
Why do Ridgebacks have Ridgebacks?
Where did this unique trait come from? The Rhodesian Ridgebacks ridges were obtained from its ancestors a long, long time ago. These ancestors were then bred with various dogs of mainly European descent to create the Rhodesian Ridgeback we know and love today.
Is dermoid sinus hereditary?
Causes of Dermoid Sinus in Dogs There are no known causes of this disorder, however, it is hereditary in certain breeds and is present at birth.
What is a dermoid sinus?
A dermoid sinus, also known as a pilonidal sinus, is a tubular skin defect caused by incomplete separation of the skin and the nervous system during embryonic development. The sinus can be found at any point along the back or neck, but most commonly affects the neck or upper spine.
Where is the dermoid sinus on a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
The sinus can be found at any point along the back or neck, but most commonly affects the neck or upper spine. The depth of the defect varies, the tube: Dermoid sinus is most common in Rhodesian ridgebacks, in which it is congenital and heritable.
What is the prognosis for a dog with a dermoid sinus?
The prognosis for dogs with dermoid sinus is very good if no neurological signs are present. Failure to remove the sinus entirely results in redevelopment of the sinus which may require a second surgery to search for remnants of the tube that were left behind.