Rhodesian Ridgeback: dermoid sinus, a malformation linked to the breed's ridge
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
The ridge of reversed hair that defines the Rhodesian Ridgeback isn't just a striking trait: it shares its genetic basis with a well-characterised congenital malformation, dermoid sinus. Find all our health pointers in the dog care and grooming section.
Contents · 4 sections
What the landmark Swedish study shows
A study by Salmon Hillbertz, Isaksson, Karlsson, Hellmén, Pielberg, Savolainen, Wade, von Euler, Gustafson, Hedhammar, Nilsson, Lindblad-Toh and Andersson, published in 2007 in Nature Genetics, identified a 133-kilobase genetic duplication involving the FGF3, FGF4, FGF19 and ORAOV1 genes as the cause of both the dorsal ridge and the predisposition to dermoid sinus (original study). Dermoid sinus is a skin-lined tubular tract that forms along the spine during embryonic development and that, depending on its depth, can connect to the meninges and lead to serious infections.
What this means in practice
- A routine back check, running a hand along the midline, is recommended in puppies from the first weeks to catch any sinus early.
- Early surgical removal is generally advised once a sinus is found, before any infection or neurological complication develops.
- A breeding consideration, since the genetic link between the ridge and the malformation makes it impossible to select against one without risking the other.
Monitoring a Rhodesian Ridgeback day to day
Any discharge, swelling, or localised sensitivity along the back, especially in a young dog, calls for a swift veterinary opinion. Surgical costs linked to removal can be significant, and dog health insurance taken out early can help cover them. Find the full breed profile on the Rhodesian Ridgeback page and browse all our guides on the dog hub.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a dermoid sinus?
No, only some dogs carrying the mutation actually develop a sinus; a hands-on check catches it early.
Is dermoid sinus always dangerous?
It depends on how deep it runs: a shallow sinus mainly carries a local infection risk, while a deep one can reach the meninges.
Could breeding eliminate this malformation?
That's difficult, since the same genetic mutation also produces the breed's signature ridge, tightly linking the two traits.
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This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.