Download forms (PDF file) to report data for this ongoing Rhodesian Ridgeback health survey, or to update a dog previously reported to the survey.

 In 1996, the Health and Genetics Committee of The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States conducted a nationwide health survey of its members. The purpose of this survey was to develop a better understanding of the health issues affecting our breed. This information is now used to help the committee prioritize these issues so that, through our partnership with the AKC/CHF (AKC Canine Health Foundation), we can establish funding for research that specifically pertains to Ridgebacks.

In 1999, the Health and Genetics Committee chose to promote research in the following areas: 1. Dermoid Sinus 2. Mast Cell Tumors, and 3.Thyroid Testing. With these areas in mind, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Donor Advised Fund (RRDAF) was established.

The original survey data, consisting of health information on 1263 Ridgebacks, has now become a perpetual database with statistics on 1763 dogs. (Note: the original survey data and information on the survey itself can be found on the RRCUS website). Of these 1763 dogs, 937 are female (395 or 42% are spayed, 542 or 58% are intact), 772 are male (281 or 36% are neutered, 491 or 64% are intact) and 54 (3%) did not indicate the sex of the dog (many of these were neonatal pups that were euthanized).  Black nosed Ridgebacks accounted for 88% of the total (1535 dogs) and 10% (183) were liver nosed (45 or 2% of the respondents did not indicate nose color). Thirteen hundred and twenty six of the dogs were still alive at the end of the survey; 437 had died or were euthanized. Six hundred and ninety six (52%) of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks alive at the survey’s completion reported no major health problems. No statistical relationship was found between number of dogs per disease/disorder category and color or between number of dogs per disease/disorder category and sex.

A complete listing of the survey results based upon the 15 disease/disorder categories can be found in

Tables IV-XIX.

The 10 diseases/disorders that affected the greatest number of Ridgebacks, based upon number of Ridgebacks affected per susceptible survey population were as noted in Table I.

Table I.  Incidence Of Diseases/Disorders

Table II lists the top 10 causes of death/euthanasia in Rhodesian Ridgebacks of all ages (i.e., the entire survey population).

Table II.  Causes of Death/Euthanasia (All Ridgebacks)

Since a large number of Ridgeback euthanasias/deaths occur in puppies (i.e., 255 of the 437 total deaths/euthanasias ), Table III looks at the top 10 causes of death/euthanasia  in dogs over 6 months of age.

Table III.  Causes of Death/Euthanasia (Ridgebacks Over 6 Months of Age)

Table IV.  Toxicological Disorders

Table V.  Infectious Diseases

Table VI.  Endocrine Diseases

Table VII.  Immunologic/Hematologic Diseases

Table VIII.  Oncological Diseases/Cancer

Table IX.  Dermatologic Disorder

Table X.  Gastrointestinal Disorders

Table XI.  Cardiopulmonary Disorders

Table XII.  Urinary Disorders

 Table XIIIA.  Reproductive Disorders (Female)

 Table XIIIB.  Reproductive Disorders (Male)

Table XIIIC.  Disorders of Neonates (Newborns)

Table XIV.  Neurologic Disorders

Table XV.  Musculoskeletal Disorders

Table XVI.  Ophthalmic Disorders

Table XVII.  Trauma

Table XVIII.  Behavioral Disorders

Table XIX.  Other

If you compare this updated survey with the original survey performed in 1996, you will see that little has changed since the initial data was collected. We simply have more Ridgebacks to support our earlier observations. Hypothyroidism continues to be our number one endocrine disease, and a statistically significant number (83%) of these dogs are spayed or neutered. Unfortunately, we cannot be certain from this data what occurred first (spaying/neutering vs. the diagnosis of hypothyroidism) but, in most cases, it appears that spaying/neutering occurred first. This supports observations in the veterinary literature of an increased frequency of hypothyroidism in neutered dogs.

Ridgelessness and dermoid sinuses continue to be our major dermatologic concerns, but we are not euthanizing these dogs quite as frequently. In the 1996 survey, 73% of ridgeless dogs were euthanized vs. 68% in the 2000 update; in 1996, 61% of Ridgebacks with dermoid sinuses were euthanized vs. 52% in the 2000 update. Allergic dermatitis is also of concern for Ridgeback breeders, including atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and occasionally flea allergy dermatitis.

Urinary incontinence remains a problem limited primarily to spayed females (74% of the affected dogs were spayed females, the remainder were males) supporting a diagnosis of  “spay” or “estrogen-responsive” incontinence.

The incidence of hip dysplasia has basically remained constant (2.7% in 1996 vs. 2.5% in 2000) but the incidence of elbow dysplasia in the susceptible survey population has almost doubled (.5% in 1996 vs. .9% in 2000). Keep in mind that these are very small numbers of affected dogs, but perhaps this is a trend we need to monitor.

Excessive aggression is still our primary behavioral concern. Although environment    and socialization opportunities can significantly impact a Ridgeback’s level of aggression, genetic influence on behavior cannot be ignored when making breeding decisions.

Mast cell cancer is without question the most frequent type of cancer seen in the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The RRCUS Health and Genetics Committee has prioritized mast cell cancer as an area of research. We have recently “combined forces” with the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America, and the Boston Terrier Club of America in sponsoring AKC/CHF research on the biology and genetics of canine mast cell tumors.

Lastly, it is sad to see that the number one cause of death in Ridgebacks over 6 months of age is a very preventable problem- hit by car.  It cannot be overemphasized to Ridgeback owners, and especially puppy buyers new to the breed, that the sighthound nature of these dogs can easily get them into trouble when allowed off lead in unsecured areas.

The RRCUS Health Survey will continue to serve as a perpetual database to monitor the health of our breed. Any RRCUS members (and non-member fanciers of the breed) interested in completing the survey may still do so. Those of you who have completed the survey are encouraged to update the information about your Ridgebacks’ health periodically as their health status changes. Survey forms can be obtained from the RRCUS website or by contacting Dr. Betsy Pethick at Parkway Animal Hospital, 1610, Old Apex Rd., Cary, NC 27513.