To ensure your Rhodesian Ridgeback lives a long and healthy life, you must exercise them regularly, feed them well, and love them unconditionally. Thankfully, Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t particularly prone to fatal health conditions and are considered a generally healthy breed.
In this article, we’ll further explore common health concerns that can affect the African Lion Hound.
Compared to other big dogs, Ridgeback dogs don’t tend to develop fatal health issues. Still, several minor health issues could affect their well-being, including elbow and hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, degenerative myelopathy, and hypothyroidism. Luckily, all of these can be treated.
Ridgebacks can also develop gastric dilatation-volvulus – also known as bloat – which can prove fatal if not attended to in enough time.
To give you a better idea of how to identify and treat common Rhodesian Ridgeback dog health issues, here’s a closer look at the main ones.
Joint dysplasia is common in all dogs, particularly bigger breeds like Ridgebacks. The cause of elbow dysplasia is the varying growth rate of the dog’s elbow, manifesting in front leg lameness, difficulty walking, or even swollen elbows.
A vet will perform a physical examination and either suggest weight loss, prescribe medication, or perform surgery.
This form of dysplasia is caused by the hip and thigh bone failing to connect properly. Signs of this include limited movement or a swaying gait. There are several means of alleviating the pain for Ridgebacks, including joint supplements and physical therapy.
Dermoid sinus is a skin condition affecting a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy as early as 5 weeks old. It is identifiable as a tunnel-like opening between the spinal column and the skin, which can protrude and damage and cause infections in the surrounding tissue. Affected dogs should be taken to a vet immediately, where surgery can be performed.
Hypothyroidism is a growth deficiency related to a limited amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Besides growth issues, hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss, weight gain, and, worst cases, epilepsy. DNA tests can be carried out by your vet, after which oral medication will most likely be prescribed.
Although more common in German Shepherds, degenerative myelopathy can also affect Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. This neurological disease causes the dog to lose coordination in the hind legs. Once identified, a vet recommends appropriate exercises and a diet plan.
Gastric dilation-volvulus is when a Rhodesian Ridgeback’s stomach twists too tightly and makes it impossible for it to belch or remove trapped gas. This can be deadly as it affects the dog’s blood supply if not treated quickly enough. Common signs of gastric dilation-volvulus include restlessness, excessive drooling, quick heart rate, and exhaustion.
There are also several preventive measures for this disorder, including reducing the speed at which your dog eats their food, reducing the speed at which it drinks water, and leaving a break between meal times and exercise.
Given the common health risks affecting a Rhodesian Ridgeback adult dog, you should get yours insured. For all the health problems listed in this article, there are reliable health treatments that pet insurance will help you cover.
When insuring your Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, ensure the insurance policies cover them into old age. Several health concerns, particularly degenerative myelopathy, won’t affect this dog breed until later in life. So, ensure the insurance policy covers your pup for their entire lifetime.
Additionally, use price comparison sites and consult the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club (NSW) for more information. Breed clubs will have a lot of experience finding appropriate pet insurance for this particular dog breed, so they will be able to offer you vital advice.
The average lifespan of a Ridgeback is between 10 and 12 years. This breed can easily reach a grand old age, even when suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia, dermoid sinus, or hypothyroidism.
Ridgebacks are generally healthy puppies but, like other dogs, are prone to several health issues that can impair their well-being. As a Ridgeback owner, you should familiarise yourself with elbow and hip dysplasia, dermoid sinus, hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy, and gastric dilation-volvulus. And, of course, remember to get all the appropriate puppy vaccines and stay up-to-date with them.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.