DERMOID CYST

Boxer skin problems are well documented in various magazines and on various websites these days. As the Boxer is well known for its overriding health problems, it is important to find out all about the skin problems that the breed faces in order to make sure that you know enough to spot problems as and when they occur as well as being able to prevent them as far as possible.

Dermoid cysts are developmental abnormalities that are often congenital and hereditary. Most commonly reported in Boxers, Kerry Blues, and Ridgebacks. A small group of skin cells, these cysts can be shown as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions (groups) along the dorsal midline (backbone), or on the nose, tail or tongue. In 'simple' cyst form, they are benign but will need to be removed in order to make sure that they do not turn to a more complex cancerous stage at a later date.

The word "dermoid" means skin like and the word "sinus" means channel, recess or cavity. The dermoid sinus is a sinus, which connects the skin with the outer covering of the spinal cord in the vertebral canal or other structures in the area. It is commonly found in nasal area, tongue and area around the tail. It is recognized by a tuft of hair protruding from each sinus and is sometimes complicated by infection (swelling and pain). Other common names used to describe a dermoid sinus include dermoid cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, hair cyst and African cyst.