Midlands and 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.
This is a serious emergency condition that Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be
susceptible to, and it is a killer. It is worth taking the time and trouble
to educate yourself, and if nothing else learn how to recognise the symptoms
so should the situation arise you can get your dog prompt veterinary
treatment and hopefully avoid a disaster.
For more information on the condition:-
http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm
For information for about feeding bowls which encourage slower eating
http://www.brake-fast.net
www.dogpausebowl.co.uk
Canine Herpes Virus (CHV) can cause fading puppy syndrome, upper
respiratory disease (kennel cough) and abortion and stillbirths in dogs.
There is a vaccine available which cannot prevent infection but if given
during pregnancy can significantly improve fertility rates and reduce puppy
death. Even bitches that already have the virus can be successfully
vaccinated
More information at
www.2ndchance.info/herpesvirusdog.htm
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
This is a serious condition spread from dog to dog by sand fly bites
during the warmer summer months. The disease is prevalent in the
Mediterranean but the problem is now spreading to the UK.
For more information:-
www.leishmaniasis.info/
www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/dogs/health_leishmaniasis.html
Xylitol (Perfect Sweet) is a sugar alternative present in sugar free
chewing gum, some sweets especially mints, and some baked goods. Although a
healthy option for human consumption it is extremely toxic to dogs and if
ingested can be fatal.
For more information:-
www.vetblog.co.uk/vetblog/chewing-gum-poisoning-xylitol-orbit-in-the-dog
www.stmarysvets.co.uk/infoa8html#Xylitol
Not many owners are aware that grapes and raisins are harmful to their
dog. Most dogs adore grapes but they are in fact toxic to them and should
never be offered, or left in a bowl where a dog can help itself to them.
For more information:-
www.stmarysvets.co.uk/infoa8.html#Grapes
www.fentonvets.co.uk/Poisoning.html
There has been a recent rise in the number of cases of canine lungworm.
It is one of the many types of worms that can be easily prevented. Not all
worming preparations successfully treat lungworm infection so seek advice
from your veterinary surgeon to ensure you use an effective product.
For more information:-
www.lungworm.co.uk
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce
enough hormone. The main function of the thyroid gland is to regulate the
body’s metabolism. When the gland is under active many of the body’s
functions slow down.
For more information:-
www.2ndchance.info/doghypothyroid.htm
www.thyroid-info.com/articles/dog-hypo.htm
Chocolate contains theobromine which can be extremely toxic to dogs.
Toxic doses vary according to the size of the dog and the cocoa solid
content of the chocolate.
Cocoa bean mulch, a by-product of chocolate manufacture, is made from cocoa
beans shells. It is a favourite with gardeners but just like chocolate it
contains theobromine. Dogs are attracted to it’s sweet chocolate smell but
if ingested it can be fatal.
For more information on chocolate poisoning
http://vetblog.co.uk/vetblog/chocolate-poisoning-in-the-dog
For more information on the dangers of cocoa bean mulch
www.wellpets.co.uk/index.php?view-pageView&docid=100050154
Many plants are poisonous to dogs, and puppies are especially inquisitive
and want to “taste” everything they can get in their mouths so are
particularly vulnerable.
For more information on poisonous plants:-
http://www.ttlntl.co.uk/2/Health/poisonplants.htm
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/information/atozofdogs/p/poisonoussubstances/poisonousplants/