Rhodesian Rigeback Medical Conditions
by Leanne Gosset
        There is no such thing as the genetically perfect breed of dog, but research indicates that major medical conditions are extremely rare in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  This lack of medical abnormalities is possibly due to several factors:
a) The extremities and severity of the natural climate of this breed necessitated an extremely sound animal - only the strong survive.
b) Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a relatively rare breed in the United States - less dogs, less problems, less statistics.
c) Not a popular breed with pet shops and puppy mills - since breeding has remained for the most part in the hands of experienced show breeders ... breeding has been limited to breeding of only quality animals.

        Rhodesian Ridgebacks have been reported with Hip Dysplasia.  There are however, serious efforts under way to keep this problem under control.  Prior to purchasing a Ridgeback you should be sure that both the dam and the sire are OFA certified.  For more information regarding Hip Dysplasia please see : Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia.

        The second medical condition of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is that of Dermoid Sinus.  This condition occurs when there is a tube of skin tissue trapped within the dogs body (in association with the spinal tract).  These trapped tubes usually become inflammed and infected.  The pup can experience a great deal of pain, and at its worse can be a life threatening situation.  For further information about Dermoid Sinus please see : Medical Index/Dermoid Sinus.

        The final medical condition is that of a "ridgeless" Ridgeback.  Actually this is not a medical problem, it is however a genetic fault.  There are some Rhodesian Ridgebacks that are born with short ridges or no ridges at all.  Ridgebacks are born with their ridges.  The ridge will not develope as the dog matures.  Dogs exhibiting shortened ridge or the absence of a ridge should be spay or neutered.


Return to Rhodesian Ridgeback Directory
Return to Bark Bytes Home
copyright and disclaimer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from Bark Bytes, Inc.