HEALTH ISSUES in the Thai Ridgeback

 "Mother Nature" has bred The Thai Ridgeback Dog for centuries therefore only the strongest survived and the strong and healthy dogs reproduced. For these reasons, the Thai Ridgeback Dog is a very healthy animal overall. The number of Thai Ridgeback Dogs in this country is very limited at this time, we do know there are currently less than 60 living in Canada. Our information is based on the dogs we have here and the knowledge that other breeders around the world have shared with us.

Dermoid Sinus Cyst

More common than the other two is the Dermoid Sinus Cyst. A dermoid Sinus (DS) is categorized as a "neural tube fusion defect". During the embryo stages, the neural groove deepens and joins to form the new spinal cord and spinal column, the skin also fuses in the midline and the spinal column and the skin become separate. When this process partially fails, a DS forms. In these cases, a tube or sinus forms from the spinal column to the skin. They can be either open to the skin or closed. These tubes are lined with hair and when the natural shedding of the coat takes place, the hair inside of these tubes often is not expelled. The result is an infection due to a build up of hair and oils leading to abcesses. At this point it is a painful and potentially dangerous situation for the dog.

Dermoid Sinuses are often found on the midline of the neck, back and tail along the spinal column and is usually detected at birth. This is a congenital problem, meaning the puppies are born with this condition. Once removed from a dog it no longer poses a threat or causes any discomfort.

Studies have shown that we could possibly decrease the number of dogs afflicted with Dermoid Sinus by providing supplements of folic acid to mothers during pregnancy. At Urban Legends we give our females Folic Acid before they are bred and thoughout the pregnancy.

For more information click below to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Dermoid Sinus sites.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Second is Canine Hip Dysplasia(CHD). There are only a few dogs in North America diagnosed with this condition and those have been imports,  there have also been a few cases in other parts of the world. This disease is a rare occurence in the Thai Ridgeback.

Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease that affects mostly large breed dogs. This disease causes weakness and lameness to the rear quarters, and eventually leads to painful arthritis. This arthritis has several names; degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthritis.

Several factors work together to cause this disease. A combination of a dog genetically inclined to get this disease interacting with environmental factors that bring about the symptoms. Many variables affect the degree of lameness. They include caloric intake, degree of exercise, and weather. Ensuring that the parents of a puppy have been X-rayed and given passing score will also decrease the chance of hip dysplasia developing in a dog. Urban Legends dogs are hip and elbow scored before they are bred. We do not breed dogs who do not have passing scores

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

excess calcium in the diet of puppy food for large breed dogs,

along with obesity,

high protein

high calorie diets,

lack of or too much exercise.

For anyone not familiar with Canine Hip Dysplasia, you can find more information on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals(OFA)site.

Patellar Luxation

The third is a condition that has occurred in 2 or 3 dogs in the US therefore, it should be noted. Patellar luxation is a dislocation of the kneecap that is genetically influenced. Dogs with this deformity usually are affected by the time they are 5 to 6 months of age. The most notable finding is a knock-knee stance, the hocks will point out and the toes in. The dog may also show signs which include difficulty in straightening the knee, pain in the stifle, and a limp. Treatment will depend on the severity or grade of the deformity. If greater than a Grade I or II, surgery to deepen the groove and/or realign the tendons may be necessary. Diagnosis is quick, painless, and does not require anesthesia. The veterinarian will manually palpate the patella to check for dislocating or slipping.