Topking Health
HEALTHY BREED
Thai Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but the Thai Ridgeback can develop hip dysplasia and may be prone to a skin condition called a dermoid sinus.
Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dog can still live a good life. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the health testing the parents had before the litter was born. Before you buy a puppy, be sure to check the OFA website (www.ofa.org) to verify the health test results that the breeder has given you. All you need is the sire and dam’s registration number or the dog’s OFA or CHIC number. If you need help, call OFA directly at 573-442-0418 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time.
OBESITY
Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Thai Ridgeback at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life.
HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary defect of the hip socket. It can be mild, causing little or no pain, or it can lead to severe lameness. Thai Ridgebacks with hip dysplasia may move slowly or avoid jumping. Depending on the severity of the condition, weight loss, medication, or surgery can help relieve pain.
Thai Ridgebacks that will be bred should have their hips X-rayed and graded by a veterinary orthopedic specialist at 2 years of age. Ask the breeder to show written evidence that a Thai Ridgeback puppy’s parents have hips that have been rated as fair, good, or excellent by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing.
"With a Thai Ridgeback around
You will always have a reason
to begin and end your day with a smile"
-Topking
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DERMOID SINUS
Dermoid sinus is a genetic skin condition that can appear as single or multiple bumps on the middle of the back. It is the result of incorrect development of the neural tube. Infection of a dermoid sinus can result in serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and myelitis.
REPUTATION
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Avoid any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in their lines.
