INTRAOSSEOUS EPIDERMOID CYSTS IN THE TERMINAL PHALANX OF THE DOG

Out of 1057 amputated canine toes with tumours, tumour-like or other l esions, 17 cases were histopathologically diagnosed as epidermoid cyst s of the terminal phalanx (EP). They were accompanied by osteolysis, r eactive bone formation and chronic inflammation of phalanx 3. Extensio n of reactive changes to the phalangeal joint and phalanx 2 was less f requent. Various breeds were involved. There was no breed predispositi on. The average age was 10.8 years; the male-female ratio 2.4:1. Nine EP were located on the forelimbs, 4 on the hindlimbs. In 4 cases locat ion was unknown. Toes 4 and 5 were most frequently affected. A traumat ic origin is suspected.