Rhodesian Ridgeback

I have recently watched a video about how purebred dogs suffer from their congenital defects in my class. I felt really sad and angry after finishing the video clip because it is heartbreaking to see so many dogs suffering from all different kinds of illnesses. I think it is unfair that these puppies are born with these illnesses. I decided to write you a letter and hopefully you can take some actions to help these dogs.

One example that I learned from the video is the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Purebred Rhodesian Ridgebacks suffer especially from dermoid sinus. If a Rhodesian Ridgeback has dermoid sinus, then it will have very little pinprick sized holes on the surface of its skin. Even though these holes are too small that people can hardly noticed, they burrow right into Rhodesian Ridgebacks’ spinal cords and brains. These holes are deadly because lethal infection can travel through them and damage their spinal cords and brains. Another example that I learned from the video is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel suffers from syringomyelia. If a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has syringomyelia, then its skull will be too small for its brain. The brain will be pressed and as a result the neural system will be damaged. It will cause a burning pain headache and a light touch even items of clothing will bring discomfort to these animals.

Purebred dogs not only have illnesses that cause them sick, but their physical appearances will also be affected. For example, the purebred German Shepherd will not have full coordination or control. When they walk, the German Shepherd’s hooks will move from side to side. Similarly, the English bulldogs also changed their physical appearances greatly throughout these years. Their skulls become a lot longer and rounder which make them look totally different from years ago. These changes will cause the dogs to fall apart and, what’s more terrifying, the number of genetic problems is still increasing.

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