Do Thai Ridgebacks have a lot of health problems?
Thai Ridgebacks are hardy and mostly very healthy due to their long and diverse genetic history. However, like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health conditions that can affect dogs in general.
- Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. It occurs when the hip has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly.
- Elbow dysplasia: This condition often results in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Thai Ridgeback, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.
- Dermoid sinus cyst: A genetic skin disorder caused by a neural tube defect. The neural tubes are meant to drain dead cells, tissues, and hair from the body. When the tubes are not formed correctly, they present as a bump or series of bumps along your dog’s spine. There is usually a mild discharge coming out from the bumps and they may become infected.