Midlands & Northern Rhodesian Ridgeback Club
The First Rhodesian Ridgeback Club to Gain Championship Status in the UK
The First Rhodesian Ridgeback Club to Gain Championship Status in the UK
We try to keep our members informed of any health issues we feel they might find useful. These include articles in our news letters and any seminars that will inform and keep us up to date with any developments. Past club news letters have included articles on Dermoid Sinus (Journal of Small Animal Practice (1993) 34, 356-358), Hereditary Skeletal Conditions of RR's (Hip Dysplasia), False or Pseudo Pregnancy in the Bitch, OCD & Vitamin C it's role in Stress Management, Bone Metabolization, HD, and Skin Diseases & Coat Condition.
The dermoid sinus is a genetic skin related disorder and is present from birth in the puppies DNA. The Dermoid Sinus is a tube of skin that joins the outer surface of the skin (not always present) to the spinal cord (not always that deep, 4 levels of depth). It may or may not contain hair follicles or be lined with hair. As the hair sheds on the outer coat of the pup, so does the hair inside this tube. The body's natural response to dead material is to flush it out and thus the serum builds up and expels the debris. Not all of the dermoid sinuses are true tubes. Some are not hollow and the serum and debris cannot drain. In these cases an abscess forms and the resulting swelling that accompanies can rupture the skin. This results in a very painful situation for the pup. At its worst it is life threatening.
The Sinus is generally found on the midline of the neck, back, and tail along the spinal column. Although rarely found in the ridge there have been several cases noted.
The Sinus is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present at birth. The affected pups can be operated on to remove the Sinus which should be performed before sending them to their new homes. The affected pups are pet stock only and should not be considered as breeding material.
It is recommended that two experienced breeders
examine any litter before sale.
Hip Dysplasia is a condition which can occur in any breed, especially the larger breeds. It is thought to be partly hereditary but many other factors need to be considered. Hip scoring of parents and ancestors is desirable. How puppies are reared may have an impact on the state of their hips as an adult. Puppies should not be allowed too much free play, especially with mature dogs. A good nutritious diet which doesn't promote too rapid a growth should be fed to puppies and they should not be allowed to become fat.
Bloat is a condition which can occur in large deep chested dogs, such as Ridgebacks. The causes are not really known but it is brought on by the stomach "flipping" over and consequently blocking the digestive tract in both directions. Once this occurs, due to trapped wind, the stomach and therefore the abdomen becomes distended i.e. bloated.
The distension of the stomach can be accompanied by restlessness, non-productive vomiting, retching, salivating and rapid shallow breathing.
This condition is extremely dangerous, life threatening, and IMMEDIATE veterinary treatment is required. It can kill within a matter of hours.
There are no definitive reasons why bloat occurs but the following is thought to help prevent the condition.
While water should be available at all times, intake should be limited immediately after feeding.
There are diametrically contradictory views over other points:-
It is considered that the majority of dogs that survive bloat are very likely to suffer a reoccurrence of the condition. However, there is a procedure involving the "tacking" of the stomach to the abdominal wall which is thought to improve the chances of preventing reoccurrence
Canine herpes manifests itself mainly as a reproductive problem. In fact, most infected dogs show no symptoms of sickness at all. Instead the infection reveals itself in the pregnancy of a bitch as re-absorption of the litter, abortion, still birth, or death of puppies within a few weeks of life. More information at www.canineherpes.com
The Phyllis Croft Foundation for Canine Epilepsy
Mrs M James, Secretary PCFCE
77 Upland Road
Billericay
Essex
CM12 0LD
Tel: 01277 630145
email
pcfce@btopenworld.com