The Rhodesian Ridgeback's history as a South African working dog makes it a strong and devoted companion for modern families. Despite the Ridgeback's size---females can top out at 70 lbs., while males can exceed 85 lbs.---this dog is easy to train and affectionate with family members. If you're considering adding a Ridgeback to your family, be alert to an autoimmune thyroid condition that can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including vestibular, or nervous system, dysfunction.
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Significance
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Autoimmune thyroid disease in Ridgebacks, also known as autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis, produces the majority of hypothyroidism found in this breed. This genetically transferred form of hypothyroidism creates a deficiency of the hormones generated by the thyroid gland in the neck. Hypothyroid symptoms emerge between ages 4 and 10 and can include sluggish movement, decreased mental alertness, weight changes, dull coat, dry skin patches and hair loss. In addition, some hypothyroid dogs can develop what is called vestibular dysfunction, which manifests as a head tilt or loss of balance. If your Ridgeback presents with vestibular symptoms your vet will work carefully to determine if the underlying cause is indeed hypothyroidism, as several other serious illnesses can cause head tilt and gait problems.
Diagnosis
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After assessing your Ridgeback's physical symptoms, your veterinarian will order blood tests to check your dog's levels of thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Your vet may also check for circulating antithyroglobulin antibodies to confirm autoimmune thyroiditis as the cause of your dog's low hormone production. Confirming a diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis will be essential to medication choices and followup, as other diseases, including thyroid cancer, can cause hypothyroidism.
Treatment
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Since autoimmune thyroiditis interferes with the thyroid gland's ability to produce sufficient hormones for growth and metabolic functioning, treatment addresses the hypothyroidism. Vets typically choose levothyroxine. a compound of T4, as the thyroid hormone replacement for this condition. T4 comes in pill form and can be easily added to a dog's food. This medication will be needed the rest of your dog's life, and your vet will be careful to get the initial dosing right. You and your vet will know the medication is working properly when your Ridgeback's physical symptoms begin to resolve, including any vestibular difficulties, usually within several months of initiating medication.
Followup
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You'll be asked to return to your vet's office several times a year for followup blood tests to make sure your dog continues to receive the proper dose of thyroid medication. Do not be surprised if the dosing is changed early in treatment or over time; balancing your dog's thyroid hormones is an essential job for your vet, as proper metabolic function affects the long-term health of your Ridgeback. Remember that in most cases your dog will need thyroid medication for the rest of its life. Do not stop giving your dog medication without consulting with your vet.
Breeding
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When choosing a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from a breeder, be sure to discuss autoimmune thyroid disease as well as other conditions often found in this breed. If the breeder is not familiar with hypothyroidism in Ridgebacks, keep looking for a professional who is well versed in the health of these animals. If your new Ridgeback comes from a breed-specific rescue organization or shelter, have a full workup done with your vet to screen for thyroid functioning.
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