What Vets Should Know About Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Prepared by the Health & Genetics Committee of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
http://rrcus.org/rhodesianridgebackhealth//whatvetshouldknow.html
Dermoid sinus/cyst
Reputable breeders palpate their puppies for dermoid sinus, a congenital defect in which a tube-like structure usually has an opening in the skin. This condition is very similar to a pilonidal sinus/cyst in humans. As in the human’s pilonidal sinus, the dermoid sinus will become repeatedly infected if not surgically removed. Some dermoids, however, are difficult to detect, such as those on or near the tail. Unfortunately, many backyard breeders and puppy-millers do not screen their puppies for dermoids, and may not even know what they are.
Most dermoid sinuses are relatively easy to remove by a competent veterinary surgeon, but some can be a surgical challenge. We strongly recommend consultation with a colleague experienced in dermoid-sinus surgery.
Additionally, veterinarians should be aware that some dermoids, particularly those on or near the tail, can consist of a closed sac where you do not feel the “noodle-like” presentation of the “classic” neck derm
Vaccination sites and microchip placement
Because there is a risk of confusing inflammation at the site of a vaccination with a dermoid sinus, veterinarians should avoid administering vaccines on the dorsal midline of a Ridgeback. It is strongly recommended that vaccinations be administered lateral to the midline AND that the exact location be annotated in the health record for future reference. Similarly, make a special written note in your files of where you implant a microchip on a Ridgeback, so that this does not raise false alarms about a possible dermoid.
Hypothyroidism
According to our most recent health survey , heritable thyroid disease is the number-one reported health problem in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This is an autoimmune hypothyroidism. It is common to see an elevated TGAA (thyroglobulin autoantibodies) long before actually clinical signs of hypothyroidism develop. As a matter of fact, breeders and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals use the full thyroid profile, T-4 by dialysis AND the all important TGAA test to screen breeding stock.
In the event of elevated TGAA autoantibodies with otherwise normal thyroid labs, the dog is said to have “compensating autoimmune thyroiditis” and should be removed from a breeding program after repeat labs confirm the same findings. Regular thyroid testing is STRONGLY recommended as this dog WILL become clinically hypothyroid at some point in its life and it should be monitored closely. As you know, the early signs of hypothyroidism can be very subtle – i.e., mild temperament changes, actively level changes, etc. Please counsel the owner accordingly.
Ridgebacks who exhibit the classic signs of hypothyroidism – unexplained weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, darkened skin – should have a full thyroid panel performed, and be treated accordingly
Proper weight
A Rhodesian Ridgeback – puppy or adult -- should be lean and trim, with a defined tuck-up and no layer of subcutaneous fat. If you unfamiliar with the breed, you might think that a Rottweiler-type silhouette is appropriate – it is not! A male Ridgeback weighing more than 100 pounds, and a female weighing more than 80, is likely overweight. A 120-pound Ridgeback is an obese Ridgeback!
Temperament
Some veterinarians report that Ridgebacks are uncooperative or head-shy during routine exams. While this is a stable, tolerant and even-tempered breed, it is important to remember that Ridgebacks are naturally aloof with strangers, and many do not respond well to being forced into situations over which they have no control. In short, do not expect the Ridgeback to demonstrate a Labrador retriever’s willingness to be poked and prodded.
Positive reinforcement – especially with treats! – is the best way to build a good relationship with your Ridgeback patients.
Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy
SLO is an autoimmune disease that can cause severe nail problems in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. Consider SLO if a Rhodesian Ridgeback presents with loss of nails from more than one paw, with all nails possibly being lost eventually. Other symptoms include: pain, distorted/twisted claws, receding quicks, claw splitting (usually down the back of the claw), and lameness.
* It is Extremely important that you have a vet that is familiar with Ridgebacks and these particular issues * if you don't please either switch to a vet that does know this breed or educate them with these and other resources available through OFA, AKC and RRCUS.
Why We choose not to remove dew claws...
DEW CLAWS- The removal of a dog’s dew claw is controversial, and illegal in some countries. Active dogs that have had their dew claws removed are prone to developing arthritis at the carpal joint, sometimes sufficiently severe.
The removal of dew claws is also something that was started because those who show dogs felt it made the dog look cleaner. They were only concerned with the appearance of the dog rather than the impact it may have on the dogs health and welfare. A dew claw is comparable to a thumb on a human and classified as a vestigial digit, but it’s not a dead appendage. The dew claw touches the ground, having the dew claw gives the dog an advantage when running and performing agility exercises. However, removal of the dew claws has the potential of causing a negative impact and cause instability, especially when running.
The more compelling argument against removing dew claws from dogs, though, is that there is evidence that the dew claws serve a purpose. The fact is that dew claws on the front legs are attached to functioning tendons. The tendons are attached to muscles. So, if you remove the dew claws, there will be muscles in your dog’s legs that will atrophy due to lack of use. The dew claws actually work to prevent excessive torque on the leg. If the dew claws aren’t present, the leg can twist over and over, and ultimately the dog can become lame.