This website was created and is maintained by Amanda Arduengo. No photo shall be used without prior written consent from Amanda Arduengo. NO PHOTO MAY BE ALTERED BY ANY OTHER PERSON. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!
Dermoid Sinus
Dermoid Sinus is an inherited disorder prevalent in ridged dogs. The dermoid occurs in the embryo state. It is a microscopic tubule that forms to allow the spinal cord to be open to the outside. This is detected at birth by raising the skin of the neck along the middle and running your fingers down both sides of the fold. The tiny thread can be felt attaching the skin to the spinal column. This may also occur in the mid-line at the base of the tail. The tubule can become infected and require surgical removal. This surgery is very complicated, risky, and expensive to perform. All of our pups are health checked by a veterinarian a few weeks after birth for this condition. Our health guarantee provides for replacement of the puppy if by some chance DS is missed in your puppy.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord that usually starts in older dogs. The dog will start to lose coordination in the hind limbs. As the disease progresses the limbs become weak and the dog will encounter difficulty or be unable to stand. The course of the disease can take from 6 months to 1 year before the dog is paralyzed. The dog will eventually lose control of its bodily functions and the use of it’s front limbs. This is not a painful disease but a heart breaking one none the less. The DNA test for this labels dogs as being normal N/N, Carrier N/A, or at risk A/A. A dog labeled normal, or carrier are highly unlikely to ever develop DM. A dog labeled at risk may never develop DM either but the genes are there to do so. We are testing all our dogs for these markers and a lifetime guarantee against DM will be provided on all puppies.
Cardiac
All of our dogs are given a cardiac examination by a veterinarian specializing in cardiology. This exam is designed to listen for heart murmurs. This exam should be given throughout a dogs life, usually every 1-2 years. The results for our dogs have been normal thus far. We provide a lifetime guarantee against genetic heart abnormalities.
C.E.R.F
C.E.R.F. stands for Canine Eye Registry Foundation. C.E.R.F. is a formal eye exam performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist and recorded with the CERF. The exam is used to discover any heritable eye conditions that may exist. This exam should be done on dogs involved in a breeding program where heritable eye conditions may exist within the breed. Rhodesian ridgebacks are susceptible to cataracts and entropion. Cataracts can develop at an early age and causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy. Entropion is a congenital condition where the eyelid rolls inward causing the lashes to rub on the cornea. Both of these conditions can be corrected through surgery, however, we wouldn’t breed a dog that had these or any other heritable eye condition in their line. Same as with humans, age plays a major factor with cataracts. Our health guarantee against early life cataracts is for the first five years of the dogs life.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a deficiency in the thyroid hormone is caused by a congenital condition, inflammation of the thyroid, or cancer. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain without increased appetite, hair loss/excessive shedding, and a mentally and physically lethargic dog. This condition usually appears between 4 and 10 years of age. The disease can be easily managed through medication. We are in the process of testing all our dogs for any thyroid conditions and results will be posted as we get them.
Hip Displasia
Hip Displasia is a common condition found in large breed dogs. This condition gets worse with age and comes from an incorrectly formed hip joint. As the dog gets older the joint becomes looser, resulting in a need for hip replacement and reconstructed pelvis. This is extremely painful for the dog and costly to you. Dogs can usually adapt to life with a bad hip but will become arthritic and eventually crippled if not surgically corrected. Symptoms of a bad hip joint will be evident from the dog hopping instead of running smoothly, using hind legs in unison, or sitting with both legs to one side.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia is a hereditary degenerative disease of the elbow joints. It’s very similar to hip dysplasia and causes lameness and osteoarthritis if not treated with surgery. Our dogs have been certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to have either normal, good, or excellent hips and elbows. We can also go back in our pedigree to sires and dams that have also been certified normal, good, or excellent. This virtually eliminates the possibility that your dog will be affected with this condition. We have done everything genetically to prevent hip/elbow displasia, however, there are things that you, as the owner, need to do to insure your dog never has any problems with it’s joints. Do not run with your dog excessively until it has reached two years of age. It is perfectly fine to let the dog run in the back yard, in a field, at the park but no forced on leash runs until the dog is at least 1.5 years old. Do not run the dog more than half a mile until after a year, and no more than a mile after a year and a half. Finally at two years of age when the joints are fully developed can you run freely with your dog. Trails are also much better than hard concrete for running. Preventing your dog from becoming overweight, and carrying your dog down from the car, bed or whatever instead of letting the dog jump can help protect against future joint problems.
Because we care about the future of our breed and do the ethically required testing we are able to give our puppy owners a life time health guarantee for Degenerative Myelopathy, Cardiac murmurs, and Dermoid Sinus. As dogs get older it’s harder for any breeder to guarantee the dog will not be affected with certain conditions. The only thing we, as honest breeders, can do is minimize the possibilities of those conditions by testing our dogs and selectively breeding from healthy, proven dogs.
Our health guarantee for Hip/Elbow Dysplasia and Hypothyroidism will be for 5 years. We feel strongly that our dogs should never have any Hip/Elbow problems as long as their weight is maintained and a few precautions are adhered to. All OFA hip/elbow exams have come back either good or normal for several generations back and this reduces a puppies risk greatly. There is also no known thyroid issues in our line of dogs.
Generalized Demodectic Mange
Generalized Demodectic Mange is the result of the demodex canis, a microscopic mite, multiplying out of control. Most dogs have this mite in small numbers living in their skin. The population of this mite is kept in check by the dogs immune system. if the dog has a compromised immune system or genetic predisposition for a weakened immune system the mite runs out of control. Generalized demodicosis can affect a dog with patchy fur, skin infections, bald, scaly skin. Large patches of skin are affected, and sometimes multiple "polka dots" of lesions cover the dog. In some cases the entire body is involved. Bacterial skin infections are secondary making this a very itchy and often smelly skin disease. The approach to generalized demodicosis typically depends on the age at which the dog developed the disease.
ADULT ONSET-- Most demodicosis occurs in young dogs, under age one and a half. An older dog should not get demodicosis unless he or she has an underlying problem with the immune system. In such cases, demodicosis is considered a indication to seek a more serious hidden condition such as cancer, liver or kidney disease, or an immune-suppressive hormone imbalance. A more extensive medical work-up will be required.
JUVENILE ONSET -- Young dogs have inherently immature immune systems and are thus susceptible to the development of demodicosis without any sinister underlying diseases. As they grow up and their immune systems mature, they tend to naturally gain control of their mite infestation; in fact, 30-50% of dogs under age 1 year recover spontaneously from generalized demodicosis without any form of treatment. Usually treatment is recommended, though, to facilitate recovery.
Localized Demodectic Mange
occurs as isolated scaly bald patches, usually on the dog's face, creating a polka-dot appearance. Localized demodicosis is considered a common puppyhood ailment and approximately 90% of cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.
Any puppy sold by us will come with a 3 year health guarantee that covers generalized demodectic mange only.
Things no one can prevent, or guarantee against….
Bloat
This is a common problem in deep chested dogs which no amount of testing can prevent. It is merely mentioned here as a warning to future owners. Bloat is more than likely going to be a fatal condition if not acted upon quickly. Plus it can be very expensive to treat with no guarantee of a positive outcome. Bloat is the twisting of the stomach at the point where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Treatment is done by draining the stomach through a tube and surgery to untwist the stomach and restore circulation back to the stomach and small intestines. This is one place where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Feed your dog smaller meals more often and prevent the dog from drinking excessively after feeding. Also keep the dog from running, jumping and rough housing for about 1-2 hours after a meal.
Canine Cancers
Preventing cancer in canines is much like preventing it in humans. The potential carcinogens are the same and are either chemical, physical, viral, or inherited. Cancer in dogs affects the skin, bone, and other organs. Some are slow growing and some progress very rapidly. There are effective treatments for many types of cancers, and research is regularly identifying new ones. Early diagnosis and treatment provides for the most successful outcome.
General requirements of our Health guarantee for the first five years of life…
1) The dog shall maintain a healthy weight for it’s entire life.
2) The dog shall be given a corn free diet of at least 26% protein and 14% fat.
3) The dog shall be wormed every month, been given heart worm prevention every month, and given all vaccinations on schedule.
4) An annual veterinarian visit is required, and the records must be maintained by the owner and made available to Kalijamaa if a health issue should ever arise.
Dermoid Sinus is an inherited disorder prevalent in ridged dogs. The dermoid occurs in the embryo state. It is a microscopic tubule that forms to allow the spinal cord to be open to the outside. This is detected at birth by raising the skin of the neck along the middle and running your fingers down both sides of the fold. The tiny thread can be felt attaching the skin to the spinal column. This may also occur in the mid-line at the base of the tail. The tubule can become infected and require surgical removal. This surgery is very complicated, risky, and expensive to perform. All of our pups are health checked by a veterinarian a few weeks after birth for this condition. Our health guarantee provides for replacement of the puppy if by some chance DS is missed in your puppy.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord that usually starts in older dogs. The dog will start to lose coordination in the hind limbs. As the disease progresses the limbs become weak and the dog will encounter difficulty or be unable to stand. The course of the disease can take from 6 months to 1 year before the dog is paralyzed. The dog will eventually lose control of its bodily functions and the use of it’s front limbs. This is not a painful disease but a heart breaking one none the less. The DNA test for this labels dogs as being normal N/N, Carrier N/A, or at risk A/A. A dog labeled normal, or carrier are highly unlikely to ever develop DM. A dog labeled at risk may never develop DM either but the genes are there to do so. We are testing all our dogs for these markers and a lifetime guarantee against DM will be provided on all puppies.
Cardiac
All of our dogs are given a cardiac examination by a veterinarian specializing in cardiology. This exam is designed to listen for heart murmurs. This exam should be given throughout a dogs life, usually every 1-2 years. The results for our dogs have been normal thus far. We provide a lifetime guarantee against genetic heart abnormalities.
C.E.R.F
C.E.R.F. stands for Canine Eye Registry Foundation. C.E.R.F. is a formal eye exam performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist and recorded with the CERF. The exam is used to discover any heritable eye conditions that may exist. This exam should be done on dogs involved in a breeding program where heritable eye conditions may exist within the breed. Rhodesian ridgebacks are susceptible to cataracts and entropion. Cataracts can develop at an early age and causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy. Entropion is a congenital condition where the eyelid rolls inward causing the lashes to rub on the cornea. Both of these conditions can be corrected through surgery, however, we wouldn’t breed a dog that had these or any other heritable eye condition in their line. Same as with humans, age plays a major factor with cataracts. Our health guarantee against early life cataracts is for the first five years of the dogs life.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a deficiency in the thyroid hormone is caused by a congenital condition, inflammation of the thyroid, or cancer. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain without increased appetite, hair loss/excessive shedding, and a mentally and physically lethargic dog. This condition usually appears between 4 and 10 years of age. The disease can be easily managed through medication. We are in the process of testing all our dogs for any thyroid conditions and results will be posted as we get them.
Hip Displasia
Hip Displasia is a common condition found in large breed dogs. This condition gets worse with age and comes from an incorrectly formed hip joint. As the dog gets older the joint becomes looser, resulting in a need for hip replacement and reconstructed pelvis. This is extremely painful for the dog and costly to you. Dogs can usually adapt to life with a bad hip but will become arthritic and eventually crippled if not surgically corrected. Symptoms of a bad hip joint will be evident from the dog hopping instead of running smoothly, using hind legs in unison, or sitting with both legs to one side.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia is a hereditary degenerative disease of the elbow joints. It’s very similar to hip dysplasia and causes lameness and osteoarthritis if not treated with surgery. Our dogs have been certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to have either normal, good, or excellent hips and elbows. We can also go back in our pedigree to sires and dams that have also been certified normal, good, or excellent. This virtually eliminates the possibility that your dog will be affected with this condition. We have done everything genetically to prevent hip/elbow displasia, however, there are things that you, as the owner, need to do to insure your dog never has any problems with it’s joints. Do not run with your dog excessively until it has reached two years of age. It is perfectly fine to let the dog run in the back yard, in a field, at the park but no forced on leash runs until the dog is at least 1.5 years old. Do not run the dog more than half a mile until after a year, and no more than a mile after a year and a half. Finally at two years of age when the joints are fully developed can you run freely with your dog. Trails are also much better than hard concrete for running. Preventing your dog from becoming overweight, and carrying your dog down from the car, bed or whatever instead of letting the dog jump can help protect against future joint problems.
Because we care about the future of our breed and do the ethically required testing we are able to give our puppy owners a life time health guarantee for Degenerative Myelopathy, Cardiac murmurs, and Dermoid Sinus. As dogs get older it’s harder for any breeder to guarantee the dog will not be affected with certain conditions. The only thing we, as honest breeders, can do is minimize the possibilities of those conditions by testing our dogs and selectively breeding from healthy, proven dogs.
Our health guarantee for Hip/Elbow Dysplasia and Hypothyroidism will be for 5 years. We feel strongly that our dogs should never have any Hip/Elbow problems as long as their weight is maintained and a few precautions are adhered to. All OFA hip/elbow exams have come back either good or normal for several generations back and this reduces a puppies risk greatly. There is also no known thyroid issues in our line of dogs.
Generalized Demodectic Mange
Generalized Demodectic Mange is the result of the demodex canis, a microscopic mite, multiplying out of control. Most dogs have this mite in small numbers living in their skin. The population of this mite is kept in check by the dogs immune system. if the dog has a compromised immune system or genetic predisposition for a weakened immune system the mite runs out of control. Generalized demodicosis can affect a dog with patchy fur, skin infections, bald, scaly skin. Large patches of skin are affected, and sometimes multiple "polka dots" of lesions cover the dog. In some cases the entire body is involved. Bacterial skin infections are secondary making this a very itchy and often smelly skin disease. The approach to generalized demodicosis typically depends on the age at which the dog developed the disease.
ADULT ONSET-- Most demodicosis occurs in young dogs, under age one and a half. An older dog should not get demodicosis unless he or she has an underlying problem with the immune system. In such cases, demodicosis is considered a indication to seek a more serious hidden condition such as cancer, liver or kidney disease, or an immune-suppressive hormone imbalance. A more extensive medical work-up will be required.
JUVENILE ONSET -- Young dogs have inherently immature immune systems and are thus susceptible to the development of demodicosis without any sinister underlying diseases. As they grow up and their immune systems mature, they tend to naturally gain control of their mite infestation; in fact, 30-50% of dogs under age 1 year recover spontaneously from generalized demodicosis without any form of treatment. Usually treatment is recommended, though, to facilitate recovery.
Localized Demodectic Mange
occurs as isolated scaly bald patches, usually on the dog's face, creating a polka-dot appearance. Localized demodicosis is considered a common puppyhood ailment and approximately 90% of cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.
Any puppy sold by us will come with a 3 year health guarantee that covers generalized demodectic mange only.
Things no one can prevent, or guarantee against….
Bloat
This is a common problem in deep chested dogs which no amount of testing can prevent. It is merely mentioned here as a warning to future owners. Bloat is more than likely going to be a fatal condition if not acted upon quickly. Plus it can be very expensive to treat with no guarantee of a positive outcome. Bloat is the twisting of the stomach at the point where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Treatment is done by draining the stomach through a tube and surgery to untwist the stomach and restore circulation back to the stomach and small intestines. This is one place where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Feed your dog smaller meals more often and prevent the dog from drinking excessively after feeding. Also keep the dog from running, jumping and rough housing for about 1-2 hours after a meal.
Canine Cancers
Preventing cancer in canines is much like preventing it in humans. The potential carcinogens are the same and are either chemical, physical, viral, or inherited. Cancer in dogs affects the skin, bone, and other organs. Some are slow growing and some progress very rapidly. There are effective treatments for many types of cancers, and research is regularly identifying new ones. Early diagnosis and treatment provides for the most successful outcome.
General requirements of our Health guarantee for the first five years of life…
1) The dog shall maintain a healthy weight for it’s entire life.
2) The dog shall be given a corn free diet of at least 26% protein and 14% fat.
3) The dog shall be wormed every month, been given heart worm prevention every month, and given all vaccinations on schedule.
4) An annual veterinarian visit is required, and the records must be maintained by the owner and made available to Kalijamaa if a health issue should ever arise.
From the time your puppy is born until it arrives at your house you can rest assured it has been given all the attention, love, and care possible. We have given the sire and dam all the health testing we can to insure that their offspring are as healthy as possible. While Rhodesian Ridgebacks are some of the healthiest dogs around, if improperly bred, they can be prone to some conditions. Below are some of those conditions and how we go about reducing the chances of these conditions in our dogs.
Our dogs are tested for seven genetic defects, Dermoid Sinus, Degenerative Myelopathy, Cardiac, C.E.R.F., Thyroid, Hips and Elbows. These seven genetic defects are covered in our health guarantee along with Demodectic mange.