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Elbow Dysplasia and Certificates for the Heart, Thyroid, Patellas and Eyes
Elbow Dysplasia is the genetic malformation of the elbow joint of some dogs. It can range from mild to severe, and its incedence is on the rise in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Many breeders have recently started testing their dogs by having x-rays taken, and then having them read by the Orthopedic Specialists at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Numbered Pass/Fail certificates are sent for each dog tested, and prospective puppy buyers should ask about them, and if they are available, to see them just like certifications for Canine Hip Dysplasia.
The OFA also sends certificates for testing the Heart, Thyroid, and Patellas. More information is available from the OFA's website.
CERF or the Canine Eye Registry Foundation issues certifications that a dog's eyes have tested free from diseases such as PRA (Progressive Retinal Atropy, which leads to blindness), hertiable cataracts and other genetically transferred eye diseases. Although Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not seem to have any inherited eye problems, some breeders are visiting Canine Eye Specialists for their own piece of mind.
