Health Issues:

Hip/elbow dysplasia, Dermoid Sinus (see below), some thyroid problems,
Canine Papillomas (Click here for more information)

by Elizabeth Akers

The Dermoid Sinus is a genetic condition found primarily in the Rhodesian Ridgeback. I have read that it is found also in the Thai Ridgeback and has been seen in some other breeds as well. The Dermoid Sinus is a neural tube defect—it is a hollow tube extending from muscle, the spinal cord or the vertebra up to the surface of the skin. Although the tube is often extremely narrow, it does contain hair, sebaceous glands and other attributes of the outer skin itself. As it is open to the surrounding environment at the surface of the skin, dirt and debris can accumulate inside the tube thus causing infection or an abscess. If the Dermoid Sinus is grounded in the spinal cord, it is my understanding that the dirt and debris travelling down the tube can enter the spinal fluid thereby causing such conditions as myelitis, encephalitis or meningitis. Some, but not all, Dermoid Sinuses can be surgically removed. Not all veterinarians are adept at this surgery so care should be taken to have the condition accurately diagnosed and treated. Dermoid Sinus are not always easy to find, they are rarely visible to the eye, and are sometimes confused with a vaccine reaction if there is a telltale lump on the dog's neck. Dermoid Sinus are found along the ridge line from head to tail although rarely has it been found in the actual ridge area on a ridged dog.

For more information on the condition please click here for an article written by Diane Jacobsen.
Click here to visit a site devoted to Dermoid Sinus in the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

WARNING : The following photographs are graphic

First aid kit
for dogs

Vet Wrap
Gauze Sponges
Sterile Gauze
Waterproof Tape
Band Aids
Thermal Emergency Blanket
A Clean Sock
Telfa Pads
Plastic Bags
Garbage Bags
Ice Pack
Hot Pack
Hemostat
Thermometer
Tweezers
Scissors
Pliers
Tongue Depressors
Dosing Syringes or Eye Droppers
Q-Tips
Betadine
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Ear Wash
Boric Acid Eye Wash
Hydrogen Peroxide
Isopropyl Alcohol
Saline Solution
KY Jelly
Buffered Ascriptin (remember, Tylenol, Aleve and Advil cannot be given to dogs)
Benadryl
Nail Trimmers or Dremel
Muzzle