Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dogs quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Although lacking a ridge causes no health problems, dogs with this cosmetic defect should not be used for breeding. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. Entropion. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. * Appearance stays the same Its well worth a read if you find yourself in this position as sometimes the not knowing is more scary that the information itself. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Rhodesian Ridgeback causes a wobbly, drunken gait. JavaScript is disabled. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. We call this skin allergy atopy, and Rhodesians often have it. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. It is thought to be polygenic (multiple genes), rather than simple dominant or recessive. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. Rhodesian Ridgebacks were named for the characteristic ridge of hair along their backs. Treatment generally includes avoiding the allergen, as well as the use of topical and oral steroids, antihistamines, fatty acid supplements and soothing lotions and shampoos. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. * Fixed to underlying or surrounding tissues Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), and redness in the whites of the eyes. Brushing your dogs teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. Your Rhodesian counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. It is a tube-like, draining defect in the skin usually found somewhere along the spine. Of course! Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Lymphocytic thyroiditis, also called hypothyroidism, is not a skin disorder, but one of the most obvious symptoms is loss of fur and thickening or darkening of the skin. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. Affected nails will be brittle or soft and easily breakable. 2022 Fruitville Veterinary Clinic. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. Dermoid Sinus, or D.S. is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). Yikes! Rhodesian Ridgebacks are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. * Do not spread other than locally This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. Well conduct diagnostic testing to assess his blood clotting time before we perform surgery. The thyroid glands rest on both sides of the neck alongside the windpipe. If it is not infected, the sinus is a small, dark hole in the skin, sometimes described as looking like a single vampire bite mark. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Growing Rhodesians can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs, a condition called eosinophilic panosteitis, pano or eo-pan. Second edition. They are strong-willed and mischievous, but easily trained by a calm and confident leader and with positive reinforcement. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Rhodesian Ridgebacks and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. Available from: http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/breed-specific-concerns/?breed=rhodesian-ridgeback. If your dog has the condition and has developed an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg(s), rehabilitation exercises may be required. Your dog is special! You may have also noticed these characteristics: Is it all worth it? 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! It is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. Entropion. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Home She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Shell feel better, and so will you! http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/surgery/biopsy-explained/?inf_contact_key=a167b618c6cd306410899e151697002d634fca3fd5c859068f8a6bc33ce58940. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Rhodie live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Rhodesians. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, herage, and other factors. She looks a bit like an elephant dog!! Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. Here is a brilliant article written by a vet for the website theveterinaryexpert.com. You may have also noticed these characteristics: Is it all worth it? Well conduct a blood screening test annually to screen for the disease. * Change in appearance Drug therapy and radiation is sometimes also used, either in cases where surgery is not possible or in conjunction with surgery. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. * Well demarcated edges (clearly defined) Your email address will not be published. Newark, DE 19713 We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. Hypothyroidism is not a breed-specific problem. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, herage, and other factors. * Appear and grow slowly Not for copy, distribution or publication without the prior consent of Rhodes 2 Safety. They are strong-willed and mischievous, but easily trained by a calm and confident leader and with positive reinforcement. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (surface of the eyeball). Tumors, both benign and cancerous, can look like anything. Tumors on the skin often are first seen as small, pink bumps. Well take X-rays when he is young to ensure that we identify problems early because symptoms can worsen with age, weight, and sometimes activity. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Gough A, Thomas A. Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy is a disorder of the toenails more common in Rhodesians. 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, 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, Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, jump, or bunny hopping, Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds. The thyroid glands rest on both sides of the neck alongside the windpipe. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (surface of the eyeball). Heritable deafness has been noted in some Rhodie bloodlines, so if his ears are healthy and hes still ignoring you, a more thorough hearing workup may be needed, including brainwave analysis, if indicated. Your Rhodesian counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. They sound very strange. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy and easy to keep, having fewer genetic issues than many purebred dogs. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. It affects Rhodesians more frequently than other breeds. Shes your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. This red swelling on the skin surface is a cancer known as a Mast Cell Tumor. (302) 737-8100, Open: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-8:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday Closed, BluePearl Pet Hospital Untreated, the dermoid sinus often becomes infected, and then it appears as a small lump or abscess in the skin. Email:staff@lumspondanimalhospital.com, VCA Newark Animal Hospital Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Rhodesian Ridgeback needs help. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. * Do not re-grow after surgical removal, Some features of MALIGNANT (dangerous) tumours:- During his life, if he develops symptoms of any back problems, well rule out any other causes, such as a slipped spinal disc or arthritis and may prescribe medication, acupuncture, or rehabilitation. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. By knowing about health concerns specific to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. What Causes Black Spots in Hair Follicles of Dogs?. Often multiple feet are involved, with very sore toes, giving rise to lameness, especially if his claw splits or tears. It usually starts at around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Thats when the naughty stuff starts. Well look for this condition upon examination; if your pal exhibits pain when the area is squeezed or palpated, well take X-rays to diagnose the problem. Canine Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. AAHA Press; 2011. Heres the article: http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/surgery/biopsy-explained/?inf_contact_key=a167b618c6cd306410899e151697002d634fca3fd5c859068f8a6bc33ce58940, Your email address will not be published. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Pain medication may also be needed and occasionally the condition is severe enough to warrant surgical claw removal. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. Dermoid Sinus, or D.S. It is a serious disease that may causeor worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. * Can spread and cause disease in other areas of the body Ackerman L. The Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. 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, 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, Leg stiffness, reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, jump, or bunny hopping, Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Chances are that you chose her because you like Rhodies and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: However, no dog is perfect! Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. * Loose & moveable Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. If monitored lumps appear to be growing, most vets will opt to remove them unless anaesthesia poses special risks for the individual patient (perhaps if they are old, overweight or have breathing difficulties), Some features of BENIGN (non-dangerous) tumours:- In advanced cases, the eye may look enlarged or swollen like its bulging. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest herskin and ears. My OH's parents have a 13 yr old ridgy who is still going strong he is slow and covered in fatty lumps and skin tags and sometimes doesn't fancy a walk but he is still happy so chin up they can live longer than the books tell you!

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