Rhodesian Ridgeback health: what owners should know

Dermoid sinus is the breed's signature congenital issue: a tube-like opening in the skin along the spine that can become infected. Breeders check each puppy at birth and should explain how any affected puppies were handled. The breed is also predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy and a form of juvenile epilepsy that now has a DNA test. Good breeders score hips and elbows, test thyroid function and use the DNA tests available.

Keep your Ridgeback lean, give joints time to mature, and learn how the skin along the ridge normally feels. See your vet for any swelling, discharge or small hole along the spine, twitching or seizure-like episodes in a young puppy, or weight gain with a dull coat and low energy. A swollen belly with unproductive retching is an emergency.