Description: A rare skin disorder that is caused by a defect in the development of the neural tube. It is a genetic disease that starts during embryonic development where the neural tube that later on develops into the spinal cord fails to separate from the skin. The failure to separate often results in the formation of a cyst-like structure beneath the skin, known as a Dermoid Sinus. Clinical manifestations include single or multiple openings on the back which may have protruding hairs, cyst-like swellings on the back, draining tracts on the skin of the back, meningitis, myelitis, pain in the spine, rigidity, and fever as a consequence of secondary bacterial infection. A battery of tests will be conducted by your veterinarian including a blood test, urinalysis, radiographs, fistulogram, myelogram, computed tomography, and surgical exploration. Lesions found to have an open connection with the spinal cord are often surgically excised. However, when nervous signs are present, your dog may be left with permanent defects even with corrective surgery.

Breeds Commonly Affected: Rhodesian Ridgeback