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.

Dermoid sinus type VI associated with spina bifida and tethered cord syndrome in a French Bulldog.

A 4-mo-old French bulldog was presented with acute onset pain and reluctance to move. A tubular structure arising in the dorsal thoracic midline and extending from a cutaneous orifice into deeper tissues was palpated on physical examination. Computed tomography with sinography revealed a dermoid sinus associated with spina bifida at the level of T3-T4. On surgical exploration, the dermoid sinus was found to communicate with the dura. Histology confirmed the diagnosis and classification as a type VI dermoid sinus. The pain response and hyperesthesia were suspected to be the result of tethered cord syndrome. Complete resolution of clinical signs was appreciated post-surgery, with the patient still free of clinical signs 3 mo later.

Surgical correction of a sacral meningomyelocele in a dog.

A 15 wk old male unilateral cryptorchid German shepherd dog weighing 18 kg was referred for a nonhealing cutaneous lesion dorsally at the level of the sacrum, urinary incontinence, and a deviated tail. MRI revealed spina bifida and meningomyelocele continuous with the skin surface. Surgical correction of the meningomyelocele involved closure of the open meningeal defect, transection of the abnormal spinal nerves to the skin surface, and closure of the skin defect with a good outcome. Histopathology confirmed a meningomyelocele. This case report describes the MRI findings, surgical procedure, and proposed pathogenesis of spina bifida and meningomyelocele in a dog.

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.

Imaging diagnosis--split cord malformation.

The features of a calf with a split cord malformation are described. Clinically, there was severe cervicothoracic kyphoscoliosis and an interscapular dermal sinus associated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Using magnetic resonance imaging, complete duplication of the spinal cord at the cervical intumescence was detected. There was associated syringohydromyelia, multiple cervicothoracic vertebral malformations resulting in kyphoscoliosis and rachischisis, herniation of the cerebellar vermis, meningoencephalocele, and calvarial defects.

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.

Duplication of FGF3, FGF4, FGF19 and ORAOV1 causes hair ridge and predisposition to dermoid sinus in Ridgeback dogs.

The dorsal hair ridge in Rhodesian and Thai Ridgeback dogs is caused by a dominant mutation that also predisposes to the congenital developmental disorder dermoid sinus. Here we show that the causative mutation is a 133-kb duplication involving three fibroblast growth factor (FGF) genes. FGFs play a crucial role in development, suggesting that the ridge and dermoid sinus are caused by dysregulation of one or more of the three FGF genes during development.

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.

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.

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.

Atypical dermoid sinus in a chow chow dog.

A case of multiple dermoid sinuses in the dorsal cervical and craniothoracic regions in an adult chow chow dog is described. One sinus did not open on the skin surface. This is the first reported case of the condition in this breed and the first time absence of the sinus opening on the skin is described. The use of the term pilonidal sinus to describe this condition is challenged.

Tethered spinal cord and an intradural lipoma associated with a meningocele in a Manx-type cat.

An 8-month-old neutered male Manx-type cat was evaluated because of clear fluid that had been draining from a skin mass dorsocaudal to the sacrum for 1 week. Neurologically, the cat had poor postural reactions and poor withdrawal reflexes in the hind limbs. Ultrasonography of the dorsal sacral area revealed a 3-cm-long hypoechoic tract extending from the skin mass cranioventrally to the area of the sacrum. The tract appeared to contain a circular mass. Results of myelography and computed tomography helped to confirm the diagnosis of a meningocutaneous tract containing a mass. Surgical exploration was performed and the tract was excised. Histologic changes were similar to those in human beings with tethered spinal cord syndrome and an intradural lumbosacral lipoma. Surgery was indicated in this cat to prevent progression of neurologic signs associated with tethered cord syndrome and to prevent problems associated with loss of CSF through a fistulated meningocele.

[Dermoid sinus in a Rhodesian ridgeback. Case report]. / Dermoid-Sinus beim Rhodesian Ridgeback. Fallbericht.

The dermoid sinus, which occurs mainly in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, is discussed. One case of infected dermoid sinus in the sacrococcygeal region of a female Rhodesian Ridgeback is described. Although the dermoid sinus communicated with the subarachnoid space, the dog walked normally and had no neurologic deficits. The radical excision of the dermoid sinus was only possible by removing the laminae of the second and third sacral vertebrae. Surgical dissection was successful.

Neuroradiographic diagnosis and surgical repair of tethered cord syndrome in an English bulldog with spina bifida and myeloschisis.

A 3-month-old English Bulldog had excretory incontinence and sensory deficits in the distribution of pudendal nerves. Noncontrast radiography, myelography, and computed tomography revealed spina bifida beginning at L7, an expanded subarachnoid space caudal to L7, and a taut, thick filum terminale. Microsurgical exploration of the lumbosacral spine confirmed the presence of a tethered cord, and the filum terminale was transected. The spinal cord immediately migrated cranially about 1 cm. Although some sensory improvement was evident during a 2-week postoperative period, the dog was euthanatized. Postmortem examination confirmed spina bifida and atrophy of sacral nerve roots and perineal muscles, thoracic hemivertebrae, and hydrocephalus.

Unusual case of spina bifida in a Friesian cross calf.

A case of spina bifida in a Friesian cross calf is described. The case was unusual as the calf was alive and ambulatory. There was no locomotor disturbance but a small skin defect was present in the thoracic region with anomalies of the thoracic vertebral laminae 9 and 10 and the associated ribs. Radiographic studies and post mortem findings are reported to indicate the extent of the lesion.

Inheritance of spina bifida in Icelandic lambs.

A congenital neural tube defect, spina bifida, detected in Icelandic sheep was examined and compared with similar defects reported in humans and other animals. Pedigree analysis of 29 affected lambs in two neighboring flocks showed that 27 of these cases from the sire's side and 25 from the dam's side, can be traced back to a ram (no. 1) that was one of the foundation sires of the flock at Skriduklaustur where most of the affected lambs were born. Among the exceptions, two on the sire's side and one on the dam's side can be traced back to ewe no. 323 used at Skriduklaustur; another three affected animals can be traced through the dam's side to ewe no. 35 also used at Skriduklaustur, and to ewes E1 and E301 used at Eyrarland farm. All of the four ewes appear to be related to ram no. 1, although information on their parentage is not available from the flock record. The occurrence and frequency of this condition in the two flocks indicate that spina bifida is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait in Icelandic sheep.

Spina bifida in a German shepherd puppy.

A case of spina bifida in a German shepherd puppy is described. The puppy, which was dead when delivered by caesarian section, had an obvious cleft in the skin and soft tissues overlying an area of kyphosis in the lumbar region. Radiographic examination and bone staining techniques revealed an extensive bony defect with a failure in approximation of the vertebral laminae dorsally from T3 to Ca5.