Dermoid cysts formation is a complication of wound pinch grafting in a horse: A case report.
Authors: Pressanto Maria Chiara, Bombonato Cecilia, Foote Alastair K, Coomer Richard P C
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Dermoid Cyst Formation Following Pinch Grafting in Equine Wound Repair Pinch grafting has long been regarded as a reliable technique for accelerating epithelialisation of equine wounds, yet this 2024 case report highlights a rarely documented complication: dermoid cyst formation in the subcutaneous tissues at the graft site. An 8-year-old Arabian gelding that underwent pinch grafting for a delayed-healing metatarsal laceration subsequently developed self-mutilation behaviour two months post-grafting, with ultrasonographic examination revealing multiple cystic lesions within the wound bed and adjacent to the long digital extensor tendon. Surgical excision and histopathological analysis confirmed the lesions as dermoid cysts—likely arising from epithelial in-folding or sequestration during the pinch grafting procedure itself. Whilst dermoid cyst formation remains uncommon, this case underscores the importance of including this diagnosis in the differential list when equine patients develop post-graft complications such as pruritus or self-directed trauma, and suggests that careful technique and post-operative monitoring may help mitigate this risk. Practitioners should consider dermoid cyst formation when evaluating persistent or late-onset complications at skin graft sites, particularly where behavioural changes indicate underlying tissue pathology.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider dermoid cyst formation as a differential diagnosis when horses develop self-mutilation or complications weeks to months after pinch grafting
- •Monitor horses post-pinch grafting with regular ultrasound examination, particularly if behavioural changes or wound site irritation develops
- •Surgical excision of dermoid cysts is effective treatment and resolves associated self-mutilation behaviour
Key Findings
- •Dermoid cysts developed 2 months after pinch grafting procedure in a distal metatarsal wound
- •Ultrasonography identified cystic lesions in subcutaneous tissue adjacent to long digital extensor tendon
- •Surgical excision of dermoid cysts resolved self-mutilation behavior
- •Histopathology confirmed dermoid cyst formation as complication of skin-grafting procedure