Received: 5 October 2018

| Revised: 5 January 2019

| Accepted: 11 January 2019

DOI: 10.1111/vop.12647

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Ocular dermoids in dogs: A retrospective study

Zachary Badanes | Eric C. Ledbetter

Department of Clinical Sciences, College

of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University,
Abstract
Ithaca, New York Objective: To describe clinical features of dogs diagnosed with ocular dermoids at
two veterinary teaching hospitals.
Correspondence
Eric C. Ledbetter, College of Veterinary Animals studied: Retrospective case series of 44 dogs (49 dermoids) with ocular
Medicine, Hospital for Animals, Cornell dermoids.
University, Ithaca, NY.
Procedures: Medical records of dogs evaluated by the Cornell University and
Email: [email protected]
University of Pennsylvania ophthalmology services were evaluated to identify dogs
with a clinical diagnosis of ocular dermoids between 2004 and 2018, and 2011 and
2018, respectively. Signalment, historical, and clinical details were recorded, includ-
ing dermoid location, concurrent diseases, treatment, histopathologic findings, and
outcome.
Results: A total of 49 ocular dermoids, involving 47 eyes, were diagnosed in 44
dogs. The mean ( standard deviation) age of the study population at the time of diag-
nosis was 1.19 years (1.85 years). Of the 44 dogs evaluated, 28 (63.6%) were male
and 30 (68.2%) were intact at time of diagnosis. Twenty‐two different breeds were
represented in the study, with mixed breed, French Bulldog, and Shih Tzu being the
most common. Twenty‐two dermoids were categorized as limbal (44.9%), 14 as eye-
lid (28.6%), eight as corneal (16.3%), and five as conjunctival (10.2%). Concurrent
ocular findings were noted in 29 of the 47 eyes (61.7%), including corneal pigmenta-
tion, epiphora, and conjunctival hyperemia. Nine dogs (20.5%) suffered from con-
current systemic disease, with the majority being cardiac in origin. A total of 34
dermoids (69.4%) were surgically excised with no recurrences.
Conclusions: Ocular dermoids are an uncommon condition in dogs. Concurrent con-
genital cardiac disease was relatively common in the dogs of this study. Surgical
excision of dermoids was curative.

KEYWORDS
canine, choristoma, cornea, dermoid, dog, limbal

1 | IN T RO D U C T ION in several locations, including the eyelids, conjunctiva (bul-

bar and palpebral), cornea, and nictitating membrane.4,10,11
A dermoid is histologically normal tissue that develops in In dogs and humans, dermoids are most often recognized at
an abnormal location during embryonic development.1,2 The the temporal limbal region, with extensions onto the cornea
composition of a dermoid can vary, but often contains all of or conjunctiva.3,4,7 Dermoids can also present as inclusion
the characteristics of normal skin; epidermis, dermis, seba- cysts within the orbit.9 Dermoids have been reported in many
ceous glandular tissue, fat tissue, hair, hair follicles, and blood species, including dogs,2-6,12 cats,7,13-16 horses,17 cattle,18-20
vessels.2-9 Ocular dermoids in domestic species can develop rabbits,21,22 pigs,23 sheep,11 guinea pigs,9,24 a camel,25 a rat,26

Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2019;1–7. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/vop © 2019 American College of Veterinary | 1

Ophthalmologists
2
|    BADANES and LEDBETTER

and a parrot.27 Although reports of bilateral dermoids in (ocular and systemic), histopathologic findings, dermoid
dogs, cattle, and humans are in the literature,2,8,18,19,28 they treatment, dates of re‐evaluation, and clinical outcome. The
most commonly present unilaterally.4,20 There are reports of collected data were compiled and summarized with descrip-
dermoids affecting both the right and left eye, although one tive statistics.
case series in dogs described a significantly greater propor- For dermoid location classification, any description of
tion of unilateral dermoids located on the right eye.4 Reports eyelid or limbal involvement of the dermoid placed them into
of ocular dermoids in humans are well documented, with de- those respective categories. Corneal and conjunctival der-
scriptions of dermoids dating back to 1742.28-30 moids were limited to these anatomic tissues, with no limbal
Dermoids are congenital abnormalities present at birth. or eyelid involvement.
Although a congenital condition, dermoids often go unno-
ticed until later in life when they have grown large enough
to be visualized, or when secondary complications become 3 | RESULTS
apparent.11,31 Epiphora, corneal pigmentation, corneal ul-
cers, blepharospasm, and keratitis are the most common Medical records of 44 dogs (47 eyes) with ocular dermoids
clinical signs that arise secondary to an ocular dermoid.6,7 were evaluated, including 33 dogs from Cornell University
Concurrent corneal diseases generally develop from the long (36 eyes) and 11 dogs (11 eyes) from the University of
hairs extending from the dermoid surface.4,32 Pennsylvania. The mean ( standard deviation) age of the study
Dermoids arise secondary to faulty differentiation of tis- population at the time of diagnosis for ocular dermoids was
sue during ocular development.32 A genetic predisposition 1.19 years (1.85 years). The sex distribution was eight cas-
has been described in dogs, cattle, and cats. Basset Hounds, trated males (18.2% of dogs with dermoid), 20 intact males
Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Dobermans, German Shepherd (45.5%), six spayed females (13.6%), and 10 intact females
dogs, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, and Welsh Corgis (22.7%). Twenty‐two dog breeds were represented in the der-
are breeds listed in previous literature with a proposed pre- moid study population, including mixed breed (n = 9), Shih
disposition.2-6 Ocular dermoids have been documented in Tzu (n = 5), French Bulldog (n = 4), Pug (n = 3), German
many cattle breeds as well, but a higher prevalence has been Shepherd dog (n = 3), Great Dane (n = 2), Miniature
noted in Herefords.18 Although rarely reported in cats, liter- Dachshund (n = 2), Standard Poodle (n = 2), and single dogs
ature suggests that a heritable component may exist in the of the following breeds or hybrid breeds: Bull Mastiff, Bull
Burmese13,15 and there appears to be a predisposition for Terrier, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Chihuahua, Field Spaniel,
the Birman breed.14 Dermoids have also been documented in Greater Swiss Mountain dog, Maltipoo, Mastiff, Nova Scotia
the domestic short hair.7,16 Duck Tolling Retriever, Rottweiler, Shetland Sheepdog, Toy
This study's purpose was to describe clinical features, in- Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier. Three of the French Bulldogs
cluding location, breed prevalence, presenting clinical signs, with ocular dermoids were from the same litter (three of three
treatment, and histopathologic findings of dogs diagnosed dogs in the litter affected by ocular dermoids).
with ocular dermoids at two referral veterinary medical teach- This study included a total of 49 ocular dermoids. Twenty‐
ing hospitals. In addition, the association of ocular dermoids six dermoids (53.1%) affected the right eye (OD) and 23 der-
with additional ocular diseases and systemic conditions were moids (46.9%) affected the left eye (OS). Three dogs had a
evaluated. single dermoid affecting both eyes (OU), and two dogs were
diagnosed with two separate dermoids on the same eye. Of
the 49 diagnosed dermoids, 22 were categorized as limbal
2 | M AT E R IA L S A N D ME T HODS (44.9%), 14 as eyelid (28.6%), eight as corneal (16.3%), and
five as conjunctival (10.2%) (Figure 1).
Medical records of dogs evaluated by the ophthalmology Of the 22 diagnosed limbal dermoids, all but one were
service at Cornell University Hospital for Animals between located on the temporal aspect of the globe. Two of these
December 1, 2004 and January 31, 2018 and dogs evalu- were recorded as dorsotemporal, one as inferotemporal, and
ated by the ophthalmology service at The University of the remainder were just recorded as temporal in location. The
Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital between November 1, one limbal dermoid not located on the temporal globe was
2011 and January 31, 2018 that displayed a clinical diagnosis present on the nasal limbus. Of the 14 diagnosed eyelid der-
of an ocular dermoid were identified. Information gathered moids, eight were located on the inferior palpebrae, one on
from the medical records included signalment, date and age the superior palpebrae, four at the lateral canthus, and the lo-
of diagnosis, dermoid location (conjunctiva, cornea, eyelid, cation of one was not recorded in the medical record. For the
limbus), eye affected, presenting complaint, concurrent ocu- eyelid dermoids where the orientation was specified, seven
lar diseases, concurrent systemic diseases, treatment being were temporal (including the four at the lateral canthus) and
administered at time of diagnosis including medications two were nasal. Seven of the eight corneal dermoids were
BADANES and LEDBETTER   
| 3

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

F I G U R E 1 Representative clinical
photographs of dogs with ocular dermoids,
including (A) limbal, (B) eyelid, (C)
conjunctival, and (D) corneal

TABLE 1 Number of dermoids in

Number of Concurrent ophthalmic examination
each anatomic location, along with the most
Dermoid location dermoids (%) abnormalities
common concurrent ophthalmic examination
abnormalities observed within each group Limbal 22 (45) epiphora (n = 8 eyes), corneal
pigmentation (n = 7), conjunctival
hyperemia (n = 4), corneal vasculari-
zation (n = 2), corneal ulcer (n = 1),
blepharospasm (n = 1)
Eyelid 14 (29) epiphora (n = 4 eyes), corneal
pigmentation (n = 3), corneal ulcer
(n = 2), fibrosis (n = 2), corneal
vascularization (n = 1), blepharos-
pasm (n = 1)
Corneal 8 (16) corneal pigmentation (n = 3 eyes),
conjunctival hyperemia (n = 2),
epiphora (n = 1)
Conjunctival 5 (10) corneal pigmentation (n = 1 eye),
epiphora (n = 1), conjunctival
hyperemia (n = 1), blepharospasm
(n = 1), corneal ulcer (n = 1)

located temporally and one ventrally. Of the five conjunctival 28 cases, nine were known to be diagnosed as a dermoid by
dermoids, two were located on the bulbar conjunctiva, one a referring veterinarian and three were informed of the der-
on the palpebral conjunctiva, and the location of two was not moid by the breeder. Other reasons for evaluation included
recorded. Of the conjunctival dermoids, the orientation was abnormal hairs (n = 3 dogs), corneal ulcer/opacity (n = 2),
recorded for four of the dermoids with three temporally and entropion/nasolacrimal duct occlusion, cloudiness/vision
one inferiorly. loss, trauma, eyelid defect, epiphora, previously removed
Dermoids were identified in dogs that presented to the oph- dermoid, and Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
thalmology service for a variety of reasons. The most com- or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) examination.
mon reason for initial presentation was a suspected dermoid Concurrent ocular findings were diagnosed in 29 of
or a haired mass growing on the eye (28/44 dogs). Of those 47 (61.7%) of the eyes diagnosed with an ocular dermoid,
4
|    BADANES and LEDBETTER

including corneal pigmentation (n = 14 eyes), epiphora and only one eye each received cyclosporine, erythromycin,
(n = 14), conjunctival hyperemia (n = 7), corneal ulcer tacrolimus, oxytetracycline, and tobramycin.
(n = 4), blepharospasm (n = 3), corneal neovasculariza- Systemic medications were administered post‐operatively
tion (n = 3), corneal fibrosis (n = 2), and once case each of in 26 of the 30 dogs undergoing surgical excision of an oc-
chemosis, distichiasis, entropion, eyelid agenesis, incipient ular dermoid. In three cases, a second, nonophthalmic, sur-
cataract, iris atrophy, nuclear sclerosis, pannus, persistent pu- gery was performed at the same time of dermoid excision.
pillary membranes, periorbital hair loss, retinal folds, scrolled Systemic medications included meloxicam (n = 12 dogs),
nictitans cartilage, and symblepharon (Table 1). Nine of the tramadol (n = 6), carprofen (n = 4), amoxicillin (n = 2),
41 dogs diagnosed with a unilateral dermoid(s) had a concur- Clavamox® (amoxicillin trihydrate‐clavulanate potassium),
rent ocular disease diagnosed in the contralateral eye. These (n = 2), fentanyl patch (n = 2), and only one dog each re-
conditions included corneal pigmentation (n = 2), anterior ceived cephalexin, famotidine, misoprostol, and trazodone.
synechiae, corneal neovascularization, eyelid defect, eyelid Fifteen eyes, each with only a single dermoid, did not
mass, indolent ulcer, iris atrophy, pannus, prolapsed gland of receive any surgical procedure. One dog that presented for
the nictitans membrane, retinal folds, scrolled nictitans carti- bilateral dermoids had surgical resection of just one dermoid.
lage, and uveitis. For eight of the 15 eyes with no surgical intervention, a top-
A concurrent systemic disease was diagnosed either at the ical lubricant was prescribed or recommended; no treatment
time of the dermoid diagnosis, or at a previous visit to either was noted for the other six eyes. Of the 32 eyes (30 dogs) that
Cornell University Hospital for Animals or the University underwent a surgical procedure to remove a dermoid, only
of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital, in nine of 44 dogs one eye (3.1%) was diagnosed with a new ocular condition
(20.5%). These conditions included cardiac disease (n = 6 prior to hospital discharge that was a presumed complication
dogs; heart murmur =4, atrial bigeminy, ventral septal de- of surgery or anesthesia; the one eye developed a superficial
fect), intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (n = 2), and only one corneal ulcer.
dog each suffered from adrenomegaly, alopecia, orthopedic Nineteen of the 30 dogs, (representing 21 dermoids and
disease, renal calculi, retained deciduous teeth, and one dog 19 eyes) who had surgery presented for a minimum of one
presented for trauma. recheck examination post‐operatively. Two of the 19 eyes
Of the 49 diagnosed dermoids, 34 (69.4%) were surgi- (10.5%) at recheck appointments had ocular findings that
cally excised; including 17 of 22 limbal (77.3%), 10 of 14 were not previously diagnosed or not consistent with the nor-
eyelid (71.4%), 4 of 8 corneal (50.0%), and 3 of 5 conjunc- mal healing process. One eye was diagnosed with a suture
tival (60.0%). For the limbal dermoids, the location of the reaction, and one eye had chemosis beyond what is expected
mass mandated what surgical procedure was performed; post‐operatively. Dermoid recurrence or regrowth was not
keratectomy only (8/17), conjunctivectomy only (1/17), or identified in any cases post‐operatively. For the 14 dogs (14
keratoconjunctivectomy (8/17). A portion of the limbus was eyes) who did not receive any surgical treatment, none of
surgically resected in all 17 cases above. Three of these pa- these cases returned for a recheck ophthalmic evaluation.
tients received a temporary lateral partial tarsorrhaphy fol- Histopathology reports were available for 11 of the 34 ex-
lowing dermoid excision. Sutures were placed to tack the cised dermoids. General descriptors of the examined tissues
conjunctiva to the underlying limbal sclera and to cover the included keratinized/nonkeratinized stratified squamous ep-
surgical defect in seven dogs. Eyelid dermoids (8 of 9) were ithelium, normal dermis and epidermis, haired skin, and fi-
excised with either a pentagonal or wedge resection tech- brous connective tissue. Many elements of normal skin were
nique. One dermoid did not contact the eyelid margin, so a histologically described within the submitted dermoid tissue
simple mass removal was performed. In addition, a conjunc- including blood vessels, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, apo-
tivectomy was performed in two cases. No surgery report was crine glands, epitrichial glands, and collagen. Cells noted
available for one eyelid dermoid. Corneal and conjunctival within the tissue samples include adipocytes, eosinophils,
dermoids were surgically excised with a keratectomy and fibroblasts, lymphocytes, macrophages, melanocytes, and
conjunctivectomy, respectively. plasma cells.
Of the 32 eyes (34 total dermoids) undergoing surgical
excision of an ocular dermoid, 31 received post‐operative
ophthalmic medications. Due to temperament, one dog was 4 | DISCUSSION
not prescribed any topical ophthalmic medications. In some
instances, these medications were administered for concur- Several case reports in dogs have been described in peer‐
rent ocular conditions. The ophthalmic medications admin- reviewed literature. In addition, there is one case series look-
istered include neomycin‐polymyxin b sulfates‐bacitracin ing at the surgical correction of ocular dermoids in 22 dogs.4
(n = 17), atropine (n = 13), ciprofloxacin (n = 4), neomycin‐ Ocular abnormalities generally involve more than just one
polymyxin b sulfates‐gramicidin (n = 3), ofloxacin (n = 2), embryonic tissue layer, reflecting the relationship between
BADANES and LEDBETTER   
| 5

the many parts of the eye.25 Dermoid formation occurs In this study, dermoids were classified by location into
during embryonic development, although the true pathophys- four categories: limbal, corneal, conjunctival, and eyelid. To
iologic mechanism still remains unknown.2,18,33 It is believed date, there is no universal classification for canine dermoids.
that abnormal invagination of ectoderm during gestation In humans, Ida Mann classified corneal dermoids into three
results in differentiated dermal tissue to form that incorpo- broad categories. Type one is a limbal or epibulbar dermoid,
rates surface ectoderm and neural crest‐derived tissue.2,3,8,20 that is generally located inferotemporally.3,30 Mann's first
Histopathology of dermoids shows elements of both ectoder- type, considered to be the most common, does not incorpo-
mal (keratinized epithelium, hair, nerves, muscle, sebaceous, rate the entire cornea.3,30 Mann's second type, the least com-
and apocrine glands) and mesodermal (fibrous tissue, fat, mon, is a corneal dermoid without involvement of Descemet's
blood vessels, cartilage) derived tissues.34 Elements of ecto- membrane or more posterior structures.3,30 Mann's third type
dermal and mesodermal tissue were identified on histological of corneal dermoid is one that involves the entire anterior seg-
examination of all excised dermoids in this report. ment.3,30 Zhong et al have recently proposed a visual scoring
Across animal species, the structures and elements found system for limbal dermoids in humans. Dermoids are divided
within ocular dermoids on histopathology are quite similar. into three different grades based on corneal involvement,
Dermoids contain elements normally found within the epi- surface shape, and area of conjunctival involvement.36 Other
dermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue layers. The outer terminology has been used to describe dermoid location, in-
surface of the dermoid contains stratified squamous epithe- cluding conjunctivo‐corneal and conjunctivo‐palpebral.2
lium, with varying amounts of keratinization.2-4,8 Dermal and There were a total of 22 different breeds diagnosed with
subdermal elements often found on histopathology include ocular dermoids in the current study. Ocular dermoids are
hair, hair follicles, collagen, blood vessels, adipose tissue, known to occur in several breeds, including chondrodys-
and apocrine and sebaceous glands.2-4,7,8 Of the previously plastic dog breeds such as Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and
listed tissues, not all are necessarily observed on microscopic Welsh Corgis.37 Other predisposed breeds include German
examination, and the ratio of each can vary between speci- Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinchers,
mens. This was noted in the histopathologic descriptions de- and Golden Retrievers.2-6,37 In the study by Erdikmen et al,4
scribed in this case series, as all the previously listed tissues 50% of cases were German Shepherd dogs. Of the eight
were observed, but to varying degrees. breeds that are listed as being predisposed in previous litera-
Ocular dermoids are generally characterized within the ture, only two were represented in this study (three German
choristoma group.2 By definition, a choristoma is histolog- Shepherds and two Dachshunds).
ically normal tissue in an abnormal location.2 Limbal, cor- In a previous canine ocular dermoid case series, 77% of
neal, and conjunctival dermoids clearly fit into the category the dogs diagnosed with ocular dermoids were females.4 In
of a choristoma. Although generally lumped into this group, two retrospective case series in humans, ocular dermoids
palpebral dermoids by definition are not choristomas, but were overrepresented in females.36,38 This contradicts the
rather hamartomas; mass composed of tissue normally found findings of the current study in which 63.6% of dogs were
in that area, but in a disorganized manner.2,35 This naming male. Although intact dogs were overrepresented in the study
system is further complicated as there are single “dermoids” population, this could be a consequence of ocular dermoids
that encompass both the conjunctiva and cutaneous portion being diagnosed in younger dogs, being that it is a congen-
of the eyelids. Although the precise nomenclature for these ital condition. In the present study, 35 of the 44 dogs were
lesions differs amongst ophthalmologists, the term dermoid under one year of age at time of diagnosis by a veterinary
is generally accepted for any location; cornea, conjunctiva, ophthalmologist.
limbal, palpebral, and any combination of these locations. Even within the limited peer‐reviewed literature, there
As stated by Balland et al,2 “the developmental abnormality are reports of dermoids affecting the right and left eye in-
and biologic mechanism causing the lesion are probably the dividually, as well as bilateral dermoids. In the previously
same.” In the present retrospective study, all ocular dermoids mentioned canine dermoid case series by Erdikmen et al, 17
were considered choristomas regardless of anatomic location. of the 18 unilateral dermoids were located on the right eye.4
Ocular dermoids have been reported to involve many oc- This is a stark contrast to the current study, in which only
ular structures, including the limbus, cornea, conjunctiva, 53.1% of total dermoids were diagnosed on the right eye, and
nictitating membrane, and palpebrae.7,11 In dogs, the most a more equal distribution of right vs left eyes was found.
common location is at the temporal limbus.3,7 This held true The majority of concurrent systemic diseases affecting
in the present study, as 44.9% of all reported dermoids were the study population were cardiac in origin. There are several
described as limbal. In addition, all but one of the 22 limbal other reports within the literature that describe this correla-
dermoids were located temporally. Of all dermoids in this tion. Goldenhar's syndrome in humans is a congenital dis-
study where orientation was specified, 88.4% (38/43) were ease characterized by developmental abnormalities to several
located on the temporal aspect of the globe. structures, including the eyes, ears, lips, tongue, and palate.39
6
|    BADANES and LEDBETTER

This condition has also been associated with cardiovascular dermoids.18 Joyce et al postulated that a Quarter Horse
abnormalities.29,40 Several animal species have also been stallion diagnosed with limbal dermoids, iridial hypopla-
reported to have been diagnosed with an ocular dermoid in sia, and cataracts passed these congenital defects onto his
conjunction with a cardiovascular disorder. Several Hereford offspring by an autosomal dominant gene.44 A report of 15
cattle with bilateral ocular dermoids were noted to have heart related Birman cats with epibulbar dermoids hypothesized
murmurs, with one later diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot that a multifactorial inheritance with a threshold phenome-
and another with a patent ductus arteriosus.18 A Guernsey non played a role in the transmission of ocular dermoids for
calf was also reported as having a congenital heart condition the breed.14 Christmas discussed ocular dermoids in sepa-
in addition to bilateral corneal dermoids.41 There is a case rate, but related, litters of Burmese kittens.15 In the present
report of a 5‐week‐old Dromedary Camel diagnosed with study, besides three French Bulldogs from the same litter,
bilateral corneal dermoids and a ventricular septal defect.25 there was no evidence that any patient had a known relative
Concurrent congenital ocular diseases have also been re- with ocular dermoids.
ported in this study and previous literature. In addition to one This study describes the clinical presentation of dogs
dog in the present study, there are reports of two other dogs diagnosed with ocular dermoids. Limitations to the present
diagnosed with ocular dermoids and iris‐to‐iris persistent pu- study include those typical of a retrospective study, includ-
pillary membranes (PPMs).3,4 In two of the three cases, the ing inconsistent and limited medical record data availability
PPMs were only present within the eye affected by the der- for some cases. Further research into the pathophysiologic
moid. The third dog had an unilateral dermoid and bilateral mechanism of, and possible risk factors for, dermoid forma-
PPMs. tion is warranted. Additional investigation into the hereditary
Surgical excision has generally been considered a curative nature and breed prevalence of this condition in dogs is also
treatment for ocular dermoids. The precise surgical proce- required.
dure is dictated by the location of the dermoid. In the few Ocular dermoid is a relatively uncommon condition di-
case reports, and the case series by Erdikmen et al, surgical agnosed in canine patients. In this study, complete surgical
excision has proven to be an effective treatment method with excision of an ocular dermoid, regardless of location, was a
only minor occasional post‐operative complications.2-6,12,42 curative procedure.
This finding is consistent with the current study. Dermoid
regrowth can be seen when not completely excised. One dog
in the current study presented for dermoid regrowth after ORCID
previous excision at another hospital, although this situation Eric C. Ledbetter https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1894-8839
might actually have represented dermoid persistence after an
incomplete excision. A canthotomy can occasionally be nec-
essary in order to fully expose the entirety of conjunctival R E F E R E NC E S
dermoids, although this was not required in any of the dogs 1. Oakman JH, Lambert SR, Grossniklaus HE. Corneal dermoid:
in the present report.4 A conjunctival graft may be required case report and review of classification. J Pediatr Ophthalmol
depending on how deep into the corneal stroma the dermoid Strabismus. 1993;30:388‐391.
is invading.4,6,12 Alternatively, a canine amniotic membrane 2. Balland O, Raymond I, Mathieson I, et al. Canine bilateral con-
graft can be used following a keratectomy for dermoid exci- junctivo‐palpebral dermoid: Description of two clinical cases and
sion. Corneal amniotic membrane grafting has been demon- discussion of the relevance of the terminology. Case Rep Vet Med.
2015;2015:1‐6.
strated to enhance corneal healing, while limiting corneal
3. Brudenall DK, Bernays ME, Peiffer RL Jr. Central corneal
scar formation.12 Unfortunately, it can be difficult to deter- dermoid in a Labrador retriever puppy. J Small Anim Pract.
mine the extent of stromal invasion by the dermoid prior to 2007;48:588‐590.
surgery. 4. Erdikmen DO, Aydin D, Saroglu M, et al. Surgical correction
Ocular dermoids in the past have generally been con- of ocular dermoids in dogs: 22 cases. Kafkas Uni Vet Fak Derg.
sidered a congenital, but not hereditary, disease in many 2013;19(Suppl‐A):A41‐A47.
species.42 However, recent reports in humans, dogs, cattle, 5. Jhala SK, Nisha J, Patil DB, et al. Removal of dermoid cyst in a
and cats have shown that there could be a hereditary pat- German Shepard Dog. Veterinary World. 2010;3:339.
6. Lee JI, Kim MJ, Kim IH, et al. Surgical correction of corneal der-
tern to this condition. In one study, four puppies from the
moid in a dog. J Vet Sci. 2005;6:369‐370.
same litter, along with the sire, were all diagnosed with
7. LoPinto AJ, Pirie CG, Huynh T, et al. Dorsally located corneal
ocular dermoids.4 In humans, bilateral dermoids involving dermoid in a cat. JFMS Open Rep. 2016;2:1‐4.
the limbus for 360 degrees, referred to as ring dermoid syn- 8. Roh YS, Gi DB, Lim CW, et al. Asymmetrical ocular dermoid in
drome, was shown to be autosomal dominant.43 Autosomal native Korean cattle. J Anim Plant Sci. 2014;24:976‐978.
recessive and polygenic inheritance were observed in a 9. Wapple O, Allgoewer I, Schaeffer EH. Conjunctival dermoid in
group of Hereford cattle, in which almost all had bilateral two guinea pigs: a case report. Vet Ophthalmol. 2002;5:245‐248.
BADANES and LEDBETTER   
| 7

10. Gelatt KN. Pediatric ophthalmology in small animal practice. Vet 29. Mansour AM, Barber JC, Reinecke RD, et al. Ocular choristomas.
Clin North Am. 1973;3:321‐333. Surv Ophthalmol. 1989;33:339‐358.
11. Lawson DD. Corneal dermoids in animals. Vet Rec. 30. Mohammad AA, Kroosh SS. Huge corneal dermoid in a well‐
1975;97:449‐450. formed eye: a case report and review of the literature. Orbit.
12. Kalpravidh M, Tuntivanich P, Vongsakul S, et al. Canine amni- 2002;21:295‐299.
otic membrane transplantation for corneal reconstruction after 31. Moore PA. Feline corneal disease. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract.
the excision of dermoids in dogs. Vet Res Commun. 2009;33: 2005;20:83‐93.
1003‐1012. 32. Glaze MB. Congenital and hereditary ocular abnormalities in cats.
13. Koch SA. Congenital ophthalmic abnormalities in the Burmese cat. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract. 2005;20:74‐82.
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1979;174:90‐91. 33. Dailey EG, Lubowitz RM. Dermoids of the limbus and cornea. Am
14. Hendy‐Ibbs PM. Familial feline epibulbar dermoids. Vet Rec. J Ophthalmol. 1962;53:661‐665.
1985;116:13‐14. 34. Golubovic S, Latkovic Z, Horvatic‐Obradovic M. Surgical treat-
15. Christmas R. Surgical correction of congenital ocular and nasal ment of large corneal dermoid. Doc Ophthalmol. 1995;91:25‐32.
dermoids and third eyelid gland prolapse in related Burmese kit- 35. Kafarnik C, Calvarese S, Dubielzig RR. Canine mesenchymal
tens. Can Vet J. 1992;33:265‐266. hamartoma of the eyelid. Vet Ophthalmol. 2010;13:94‐98.
16. Labuc RH, Jones BR, Johnstone AC. Congenital dermoid in a cat. 36. Zhong J, Deng Y, Zhang P, et al. New grading system for limbal
N Z Vet J. 1985;33:154‐155. dermoid: a retrospective analysis of 261 cases over a 10‐year pe-
17. Gornik KR, Pirie CG, Beamer GL. Unilateral choristoma of riod. Cornea. 2018;37:66‐71.
the nictitating membrane in a horse. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 37. Priester WA. Congenital ocular defects in cattle, horses, cats and
2015;246:231‐235. dogs. J Vet Med Assoc. 1972;160:1504‐1511.
18. Barkyoumb SD, Leipold HW. Nature and cause of bilateral ocular 38. del Rocio Arce Gonzalez M, Navas A, Haber A, et al. Ocular der-
dermoids in Hereford cattle. Vet Pathol. 1984;21:316‐324. moids: 116 consecutive cases. Eye Contact Lens. 2013;39:188‐191.
19. Vestre WA, Brightman AH. Bilateral ocular dermoids in a calf. 39. Bogusiak K, Puch A, Arkuszewski P. Goldenhar syndrome: current
Bovine Pract. 1980;1:17‐18. perspectives. World J Pediatr. 2017;13:405‐415.
20. Brudenall DK, Ward DA, Kerr LA, et al. Bilateral corneoconjunc- 40. Nijhawan N, Morad Y, Seigel‐Bartelt J, et al. Caruncle abnormali-
tival dermoids and nasal choristomas in a calf. Vet Ophthalmol. ties in the oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum. Am J Med Genet Part
2008;11:202‐206. A. 2002;113:320‐325.
21. Styer CM, Ferrier WT, Labelle P, et al. Limbic dermoid in a New 41. Croshaw JE Jr. Bilateral corneal dermoid in a calf; a case report. J
Zealand White rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Contemp Top Lab Am Vet Med Assoc. 1959;135:216‐218.
Anim Sci. 2005;44:46‐48. 42. Horikiri K, Ozaki K, Maeba H, et al. Corneal dermoid in two labo-
22. Wagner F, Brügmann M, Drommer W, et al. Corneal dermoid in a ratory Beagle dogs. Exp Anim. 1994;43:417‐420.
dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi). Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci. 43. Mattos J, Contreras F, O’Donnell FE Jr. Ring dermoid syndrome: a
2000;39:39‐40. new syndrome of autosomal dominantly inherited, bilateral, annu-
23. Brightman AH, Everitt J, Bevier G. Epibulbar solid dermoid chori- lar limbal dermoids with corneal and conjunctival extension. Arch
stoma in a pig. Vet Pathol. 1985;22:292‐294. Ophthalmol. 1980;98:1059‐1061.
24. Gupta BN. Scleral dermoid in a guinea pig. Lab Anim Sci. 44. Joyce JR, Martin JE, Storts RW, et al. Iridial hypoplasia (aniridia)
1972;22:919‐921. accompanied by limbic dermoids and cataracts in a group of re-
25. Moore CP, Shaner JB, Halenda RM, et al. Congenital ocular anom- lated Quarterhorses. Equine Vet J. 1990;10:26‐28.
alies and ventricular septal defect in a dromedary camel (Camelus
dromedarius). J Zoo Wildl Med. 1999;30:423‐430.
26. Nichols CW, Yanoff M. Dermoid of a rat cornea. Vet Pathol. How to cite this article: Badanes Z, Ledbetter EC.
1969;6:214‐216. Ocular dermoids in dogs: A retrospective study. Vet
27. Leber AC, Bürge T. A dermoid of the eye in a blue‐fronted Amazon Ophthalmol. 2019;00:1–7.
parrot (Amazona aestiva). Vet Ophthalmol. 1999;2:133‐135.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12647
28. Henkind P, Marinoff G, Manas A, et al. Bilateral corneal dermoids.
Am J Ophthalmol. 1973;76:972‐977.