Health
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and does not suffer from any serious health conditions, so we may say Ridgebacks are generally healthy breed.
IMPORTANT!
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Call your vet if you notice any of these types of signs
Change in appetite or water consumption
Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth
Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking), hair loss
Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes
Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain
Lumps or bumps – regardless of size
Change in appetite or water consumption
Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth
Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking), hair loss
Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping
Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes
Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain
Lumps or bumps – regardless of size
Emergency
Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge
Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine
Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes
Bruises easily or bleeds a lot from a small wound
Dragging the hind toes and hind limb weakness
General reluctance to run or play
Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, jump, or “bunny hopping”
Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds
Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge
Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine
Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes
Bruises easily or bleeds a lot from a small wound
Dragging the hind toes and hind limb weakness
General reluctance to run or play
Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, jump, or “bunny hopping”
Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds
Genetic testing benefits progeny
Although hereditary diseases and are very well controlled nowadays through genetic testing, x-ray screening and careful and responsible selection of healthy individuals we pair (to minimize the possibility of health progeny problems), it is important to emphasize which diseases are specific to the breed.
There is not any evidence that DNA testing is 100% accurate.
But still...
When looking at DNA testing, we try to increase the chance that a puppy may or may not have that disease or trait.
If a dog is a 'Carrier', then it can live a perfectly healthy life, but it may or may not produce a puppy with that disease or trait breeder do not want.
But still...
When looking at DNA testing, we try to increase the chance that a puppy may or may not have that disease or trait.
If a dog is a 'Carrier', then it can live a perfectly healthy life, but it may or may not produce a puppy with that disease or trait breeder do not want.
DNA testing is something that responsible breeders do to avoid diseases and undesired conditions of their puppies.
There are three main categories in DNA testing - testing for a disease, and testing for a trait.
Genetic diseases
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this disease
so the progeny is not affected.
so the progeny is not affected.
Heamophilia
It is a rare blood disorder in which the blood is unable to clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.
Bleeding can be initiated from injury, trauma and surgery. Internal bleeding may occur in the organs.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this disease so the progeny is not affected.
Bleeding can be initiated from injury, trauma and surgery. Internal bleeding may occur in the organs.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this disease so the progeny is not affected.
JME (Junevile Myoclonic Epilepsy)
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
Affected dogs displayed frequent myoclonic jerks or twitches, which start to occur around 6 months of age. Owners of the affected dogs described the myoclonic jerks as severe startling or even resembling an electric shock. The myoclonic seizures can be triggered by visual stimuli, such as light flashes, a sudden incidence of light or flashing light on the sea waves.
Photosensitivity was recognized in 35% of dogs.
The twiches mostly occur when the dog is in the relaxed state, drowsy or when falling asleep or napping, also during sitting, standing or walking.
The myoclonic jerks were mostly limited to the trunk, proximal limb musculature, cervical musculature producing nodding movements of the head, and the face. The intensity can vary between events and affected dogs. After the seizure, the dogs seem confused and scared. Due to the seizures, sleep among those dogs was impaired. The frequency of the twitches can go up to 150 twitches per day.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this disease so the progeny is not affected.
Photosensitivity was recognized in 35% of dogs.
The twiches mostly occur when the dog is in the relaxed state, drowsy or when falling asleep or napping, also during sitting, standing or walking.
The myoclonic jerks were mostly limited to the trunk, proximal limb musculature, cervical musculature producing nodding movements of the head, and the face. The intensity can vary between events and affected dogs. After the seizure, the dogs seem confused and scared. Due to the seizures, sleep among those dogs was impaired. The frequency of the twitches can go up to 150 twitches per day.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this disease so the progeny is not affected.
DM (Degenerative Myleophaty)
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
Signs are due to the immune-mediated destruction of a part of the nerves in the spinal cord, leading to loss of these nerve fibres. The first sign is knuckling of the hind feet, and hind limb ataxia. Once the spinal cord damage progresses past this initial stage, the effectiveness (if any) of treatment is much diminished. Hence early diagnosis is vital. Following this initial stage, hind limb reflexes are affected, then weakness in the hind limbs develops, progressing to total paralysis. Once a dog shows these signs it will almost always respond poorly to therapy. Eventually destruction progresses from the middle of the spinal cord to the upper cord and brain stem, leading to forelimb weakness and eventually interference with the muscles of breathing, causing death. Treatment is with specific supplements and drugs aimed at interfering with the immune destruction in the spinal cord, to slow further nerve damage. The effectiveness of this treatment is variable, but is only of benefit if started as early as possible. Once nerves are lost, they will not be replaced. Degenerative myelopathy cannot be cured.
Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD)
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
A hereditary deafness clinically documented in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Affected dogs appear to have normal hearing in early postnatal development, but ultimately almost always lose it completely by the first year of life. It is an autosomal recessive inheritance.
Testing for traits
Dilution (D-Locus)
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
In Rhodesian Ridgebacks, dilution is manifested by cream grey/blue coloured hair compared to traditional red wheaten. The inheritance is autosomal recessive and be controlled thrugh genetical testing.
Puppies can easily be recognized because the fur colors are a lighter shade. They are born very silver or grey, but still have some red pigment in their coat. The Locus is known as the D locus and contains the melanophilin gene (MLPH). There are two allels at the dilute locus, which are called D (dominant, full pigmentation) and d (recessive, dilute pigment).
Coat color dilution is inherited as monogenic recessive trait and is displayed by dogs with the genotype dd, whereas dogs with the genotype DD or Dd show the normal coat color.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this trait so the progeny is not affected.
Puppies can easily be recognized because the fur colors are a lighter shade. They are born very silver or grey, but still have some red pigment in their coat. The Locus is known as the D locus and contains the melanophilin gene (MLPH). There are two allels at the dilute locus, which are called D (dominant, full pigmentation) and d (recessive, dilute pigment).
Coat color dilution is inherited as monogenic recessive trait and is displayed by dogs with the genotype dd, whereas dogs with the genotype DD or Dd show the normal coat color.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this trait so the progeny is not affected.
B-Locus (gene for "Livernose" Ridgebacks)
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
CONTROLLED WITH GENETIC TESTS
This gene is referred to as the B locus and is responsible for brown versus black coat colour with brown coat colour inherited recessive to black.
The three alleles of the Brown (B) locus are designated bs, bd and bc, a combination of any two of which will cause brown coat colour. This B locus is the trait for Brown or Liver Nose (bb), with only the recessive (bb) showing the Trait. A dog can be a carrier (Bb) without showing the Trait of Liver/Brown Nose, however they can have Liver/Brown Nose puppies if crossed with another carrier or actual Liver/Brown Nose dog.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this trait depending do they want to have livernose puppies or how many livernoses they will have in percentage per litter.
The three alleles of the Brown (B) locus are designated bs, bd and bc, a combination of any two of which will cause brown coat colour. This B locus is the trait for Brown or Liver Nose (bb), with only the recessive (bb) showing the Trait. A dog can be a carrier (Bb) without showing the Trait of Liver/Brown Nose, however they can have Liver/Brown Nose puppies if crossed with another carrier or actual Liver/Brown Nose dog.
By selecting DNA tested dogs, breeders control this trait depending do they want to have livernose puppies or how many livernoses they will have in percentage per litter.
Possible Dermoid Sinus
Dermoid Sinus, or D.S. is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth.
It is a tube-like, draining defect in the skin usually found somewhere along the spine. It is painful and occasionally life threatening if it is not surgically removed or corrected.The exact mode of inheritance is not known. It is thought to be polygenic (multiple genes), rather than simple dominant or recessive. There can be carriers, or individuals that produce more dermoid sinuses than their littermates, while other lines are relatively D.S. free. Affected Rhodesians should not be bred. Once when DS is surgically removed, the dog will live normal healthy life.
The Ridge gene is represented by 'R'. Dominant inheritance means that if a puppy has the ridge gene from both parents, homozygote (R/R). If a puppy inherited the ridge gene from just from one parent, the ridge is present on the puppy´s back and is called heterozygote (R/r). Then if a puppy does not have any ridge gene then it will be ridgeless (r/r). Ridgeless puppies are born to two heterozygotes (male and female dog with only one ridge gene). Statistically, in a litter of two heterozygotes there will be born 25% ridgeless puppies .
Again, this is all about chance, as genetics are not exact and you can always have a different result than planned for.
When pairing dogs:
R/R x R/R - have a much higher chance of producing puppies with Dermoid Sinus (no ridgeless puppies)
R/R x R/r - have normal chance of producing puppies with Dermoid Sinus
R/r x R/r - have low chance of producing puppies with Dermoid Sinus, but also high chance for ridgeless puppies (around 25%)
Video on detection of Sinus by Dr.Thomas Laube (Dr.Thomas Laube is an expert on removal of DS.- Germany)
Possible Thyroid Problems
Rhodesians are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. We’ll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.
Rhodesians are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. We’ll conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill.
Possible Bone and Joint Problems
Every responsible breeder will choose dogs with excellent xray results for breeding to avoid these issues on a progeny, but still....it can happen as well it can be gained if the owners are not careful with puppies in a intense growing age
Hip Dysplasia
Several factors contribute to the development of this problem. Some breeds are more likely to genetically inherit hip dysplasia. Environmental factors also play a role in the development of dysplasia including diet, weight gain and exercise.
Research has shown that the cause of hip dysplasia is related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disease is known to be an inherited condition and the genetics of hip dysplasia are extremely complicated.
Environmental factors such as overfeeding and excessive exercise can predispose a dog (especially growing puppies) to developing hip dysplasia.
Even we pair individuals with excellent x-ray results rated by the Veterinary University, the genetic bowl may always cook something unexpected.
Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia , an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.
Stiffness in your Rhodesian’s elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.
Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering!
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a potentially crippling disease of dogs leading to the development of irreversible and progressive arthritis in the elbow joint. Even with early surgical intervention many dogs have chronic pain and lameness. For many veterinarians and breeders, elbow dysplasia is a disease that is not only difficult to diagnose, but controversial when it comes to deciding on a dog’s suitability for breeding.
The single biggest misunderstanding when it comes to ED is that to be affected a dog must have clinical signs of lameness. Lame dogs are in fact the “tip of the iceberg” with the majority of dogs being asymptomatic carriers, which has caused the disease to spread to very high levels through some breeds.
Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a broad term used to describe Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP), Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) and Osteochondrosis of the humeral condyle (OCD). All three of these conditions are believed to be due to a failure of the conversion of cartilage to bone during skeletal maturation. The end result is a weakness in the affected area leading to a flap of cartilage (OCD) or fractures of pieces of bone, which are essential to the stability of the elbow joint.
The piece of bone floating in the joint is like a pebble in a shoe, causing inflammation and pain.
Significance of Elbow Dysplasia
The consequence of ED is the formation of Degenerative Joint Disease forms in a joint when there is instability in a joint or as a degenerative process with old age. As the cartilage becomes worn the underlying bone is exposed and because the cartilage cannot repair itself osteophytes (spurs) of bone form. Over time if the instability persists more bone is added leading to more arthritis.
Dogs with elbow dysplasia may have severe forelimb lameness or never show any clinical signs. There may be swelling (effusion) in the elbow joint, pain when the elbow is extended and the paw is often held with the foot rotated outwards.
Osteochondrosis OCD
Osteochondrosis (OCD) is a disease of the dog's musculoskeletal system, which primarily occurs in the area of the shoulder joints, but also in the elbow, knee and ankle joints. As a typical growth disease, its "field of activity" is limited to the immature skeleton of growing dogs. The most important symptom is the dog's lameness. If the dog's gait is untidy, less inclined to exercise or even avoiding certain movements altogether, and the joints are swollen, this can be a sign of OCD.
Eosinophilic panosteitis
Growing Rhodesians can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs.
It usually starts at around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, some vets will recommend pain medication, but we find it better not to use it. Painkillers will mask up the pain and dog will continue to burden his bones.
Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV )
The transition from the lumbar spine (pars lumbalis) to the sacrum (os sacrum) is referred to as lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV). With LTV, both the last lumbar vertebra (sacralization) and the sacrum (lumbarization) can be changed. It is not uncommon for affected dogs to have a malformed vertebra between the loin and the sacrum, a so-called switching vertebra or transitional vertebra. Dogs with an LTV may have a predisposition to back disease.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
The Cauda Equina Syndrome is based on a progressive narrowing of the nerve roots in the lumbar-sacrum area.
The disease usually affects dogs of large sporting breeds from middle age onwards. Not infrequently, the cauda equina syndrome goes unnoticed by the owner for a long time. The transition from the 7th lumbar vertebra to the sacrum is the most mobile part of the spine in the dog's back. The intervertebral disc between these vertebrae is therefore particularly stressed. The damaged intervertebral disc does not keep the vertebrae apart enough, it deforms, can bulge into the spinal canal and put pressure on the adjacent nerves. This pressure on the nerves is the cause of the clinical symptoms. Dogs with an L8 8th lumbar vertebra may be predisposed to back disease.
Any abnormality in the structure of joints is magnified if excessive running and jumping occur.
It is not necessary to treat your puppy as if it were disabled, but long sessions of running or repetitively chasing thrown objects, running on the beach or alongside a bike can be detrimental to joints.
Running + bike is NO GO before age of 2 years!
Possible Mast Cell Tumor
Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical.
Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical.
Possible Eye Problems
Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (surface of the eyeball). This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Rhodesian is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Operated dogs should not go in breeding.
Ectropion
Ectropion is always a lid malposition that only affects the lower eyelid. The upper and lower eyelids cannot be closed completely. The lack of protection of the lid conjunctiva leads to increased inflammation.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (surface of the eyeball). This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Rhodesian is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Operated dogs should not go in breeding.
Ectropion
Ectropion is always a lid malposition that only affects the lower eyelid. The upper and lower eyelids cannot be closed completely. The lack of protection of the lid conjunctiva leads to increased inflammation.
Possible Allergies
In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy and Rhodesians often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition.
In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy and Rhodesians often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition.
