Rottweilers are anytime one of the best pets you can ever own. Although these dogs look strong and sturdy from its outer apperance, they aren’t actually so! Hence, it is always said to go for a reputed breeder while choosing a Rottweiler dog as that is the only way through which you can lower its risks of being affected to hereditary diseases. Well, that’s not just enough! You should go for a rottweiler only when you are sure of the fact that you will take enough care of your dog all through the years it lives!
Rottweiler Health Problems in Rottweiler Dogs
Orthopedic Disorders
Rottweiler dogs are extremely prone to orthopedic dogs. Before I purchased a Rottweiler, I did a lot of research on my part, and today, I would mention all those common diseases here in detail.
Are you wondering about ways through which you can make your dog get rid of such bone-related complications, is to take ample care of its diet. Make sure that it doesn’t fall deficit of any nutrient all its life right since its early childhood. Also, once you find it showing up some trouble, do not keep it ignored by any chance. The earlier you get its treatment done, the higher is its chance of getting well.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is basically a malformation of the elbow. This is quite similar to hip dysplasia. Just like hip dysplasia, OFA will certify the dogs for elbow dysplasia on a pass or fail basis. Based on this certification and report, the responsible breeders will test their breeding specimens for this disorder and decide whether or not they should proceed with the breeding process.
Hip Dysplasia: This is basically a genetic disorder in rottweiler dogs. It is a common occurrence in both the large and giant dog breeds. It occurs when the hip bone and socket bones do not adhere with one another. This happens since they are supposed to cause severe pain and debilitation in your dog.
Purchasing a rottweiler from a reputed dog breeder will reduce your dog’s chances of getting this problem. This is because responsible dog breeders are usually known for breeding their dog specimens only after they have received a clearance for OFA, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
One can go for a diagnosis only after reviewing the hip x-rays. Also, one should classify the hips under the following categories: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild Dysplasia, Moderate Dysplasia, or Severe Dysplasia. In case you have any doubt in this regard, it is rather better to avoid getting your rottweiler from there.
Panosteitis: Panosteitis is actually a disorder that affects large breeds. It may exist for even 18 months. The causes of this disease are still not deciphered, and veterenarians are conducting research on it even now. However, it is said that this disease can be caused due to genetics, nutrition, or even bacteria as well. The Panosteitis-affected dogs generally develop lameness and it typically shifts from one leg to the other. In certain severe cases, the dog may even suffer from fever.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): This is generally a disease that affects the bone cartilage of growing dogs. The symptoms of this health complication is quite similar to that of arthritis. Multiple joints are generally affected in this case. The general causes may be vary from one dog to another, and there are several parameters deciding in this context. It depends on the dogs’ genetics, its rapid growth as seen in most of the large breeds, and hormone imbalances, as well as on the nutrition as well.
Non-Orthopedic Conditions
Although rottweilers are more prone to orthopedic complications, there could be some other issues too!
Von Willebrand Disease: It is a hereditary disorder and is somehow similar to hemophilia, that is experienced in humans. Unlike hemophilia, it is not sex-linked and can affect both the sexes of rottweilers.
A dog suffering from this disease will have a reduced ability to clot the blood. Also, the affected dogs will experience prolonged and significant bleeding. It may even lead to minimal trauma such as a broken toenail and more.
Sub Aortic Stenosis: It a cardiac problem with a genetic link. It can occur due to a structural defect. Such dogs tend to have additional tissue that prevents the heart from pumping the blood as it is supposed to!
Eye Disorders: Entropian and Ectropion are two defects of the eyelids. Apparently, it seems as if the eyelid is either rolling inward or outward. Some other troubles include Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Cataracts too!
Hypothyroidism: Research says that affected dogs have low thyroid levels. Thus, they tend to exhibit a variety of symptoms such as being lethargic, a dull coat with thinning hair, an energy loss and irregular heat cycles mostly in the female rottweilers. Proper medication can help your dog deal with this though!
Bloat: Rottweilers have deep-chests and thus, they tend to be more prone to developing bloat. Although it is often ignored, it is actually a life-threatening condition where the stomach swells. This happens due to the presence of gas and/or fluids within the stomach.
Your canine friend may develop bloat due to numerous issues. Some of them include overeating, drinking water after strenuous exercise or after eating or eating after vigorous exercise.
The dogs who are affected will tend to show several symptoms. They may pace, retch without being able to vomit, drool and appear restless as well. This is basically a medical emergency where time plays a vital role in deciding whether or not things will get well.
Cancer: Bone cancers (osteosarcomas) are quite common among the rottweilers. Studies recommend that spaying and neutering at an early age and the incidence of bone cancer are interlinked. Hence, one needs to delay spaying in rottweilers till the time it becomes a little more mature.
No matter how serious a disease gets, love and care can always heal your dog from all sorts of ailments!
