If you have a Rottweiler or want to have one, it’s better to know about some of their health issues. Many dogs show life expectancy of 8 to 11 years. So, the best way to safeguard your Rottweiler puppy is to educate yourself on their common health problems.
In this post, we will briefly describe those health problems and their symptoms that you can expect in the dog’s life.
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16 Common Rottweiler Health Issues
The most frequent health problems in Rottweilers have to do with their bones. In large breeds hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, and osteosarcoma are a few examples of that. Additionally some are viral illnesses, particularly parvovirus. Old age Rottweilers may also experience eye issues such as retinal atrophy and entropion.
Hip Dysplasia:
Canine hip dysplasia is a distortion where the femur head doesn’t fit as expected into the hip attachment causing debilitation and loose hip joint. Rottweilers are one of the varieties which are more prone to canine hip dysplasia. As it is a genetic disease mixed breed dogs lives a healthy life compared to purebred dogs. Physical therapy along with NSAID’s is usually used to relief pain.
Symptoms:
- Decreased activity
- Avoids jumping or running
- Less motion
- Lameness
- Bunny hopping gait
- Loose joint
Osteochondritis Dissecans:
Usually, when a puppy grows, the soft ligament on the bone end grows too and changes into a hard bone.
If that cartilage grows quickly, it cuts the veins, and a lack of blood breaks the ligament further. If a torn piece of ligament moves inside the space, it is called Osteochondritis Dissecans.
It usually develops between 6 and 9 months of age in any joint of the body. (Elbow, knee, etc.)
Symptoms:
- Lameness, worsens after exercise
- Joint stiffness
- Less movement
- Difficulty in bearing weight
- Joint clicking
Osteosarcoma:
A bone cancer (malignant) that causes lump formation in the front legs near the shoulders, wrists, and knees. Older and giant breed dogs are more prone to bone cancer.
Symptoms:
- Swollen elbow joint
- Limping
- Sudden leg fracture
- Loss of appetite
- Lumps on dog’s joints
Panosteitis:
Panosteitis is an inflammatory condition that influences the leg bones. It starts on one leg and goes to the other leg. Affected puppies show signs.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Reduced energy
- Sudden lameness in one or more legs
- Painful to touch
- Vomiting
Entropion:
When an eyelid rolls inside the eye, causing eyelashes to rub against the eyes, affecting the vision of your fur ball.
It is also a genetic condition. The risk increases with age.
Symptoms:
- Red, weepy eyes
- Eye discharge
- Squinting
- Swoolen eyes
- Eye rubbing
Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy occurs when receptors in the retina (the innermost part of the eye) degenerate, it causes gradual vision loss. Vision impairment depends on those receptors’ degeneration level.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Difficulty following hand commands
- Repetitive bumping into objects
- Cataract formation
Retinal Dysplasia:
It happens when the retina is weak or has abnormal growth, it is unable to properly transfer the visual signals to the brain.
Symptoms:
- Varying degrees of visual impairment
Sub-aortic Stenosis:
Sub-aortic stenosis is a condition in which the area under the aortic valve narrows, causing the heart to work harder to maintain the blood supply.
If the fibrous structure is found inside the aortic valve, it is called valvar aortic stenosis (VAS), or if it is above the aortic valve, it is known as supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS).
Symptoms:
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath (in severe cases only)
- Lack of excercise
- Weakness
- Coughing
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):
In this case, the heart muscles become weak and the heart becomes fragile. The blood inflates the heart just like a thin balloon.
Symptoms:
- Exercise intolerance
- Enlarged abdomen
- Coughing
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty breathing
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV):
It occurs when a dog eats a larger meal quickly or exercises after eating. The intake twists the stomach and blocks blood supply to the stomach, pushing the diaphragm upwards.
Symptoms:
- Drool
- Act restless
- Swollen abdomen
- Try to vomit
- Anxious
Parvovirus:
Parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious infection. It affects the dividing cells, especially those of the digestive system and bone marrow. Affecting the dog’s immune system and digestive system.
Pups younger than 6 months of age are more prone to this. Vaccines are given to save pups.
Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Bloating
Folliculitis:
Folliculitis is a skin condition that happens when microorganisms or parasites attack the small hair follicles (openings through which hair develops).
Symptoms:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Hair loss
- Pigmented spots
Hypothyroidism:
When the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone due to some genetic conditions or growth issues, it affects the metabolic rate of dogs.
Large breed dogs with an age range of 4 to 10 years are more affected.
Symptoms:
- Sudden sluggish metabolism
- Cold intolerance
- Reduced energy
- Excessive shedding
- Skin dark pigmentation
Other Health Issues Dental Disease:
Periodontal disease, fractured teeth, gingivitis, tooth abscess, calculus, tartar, and plaque.
Infections:
Both viral and bacterial infections can occur in Rottweiler.
- Parvo virus
- Canine distemper
- Rabies
- Kennel cough
Obesity:
If we use body weight as a guide, dogs who weigh 10–20% above their ideal body weight are considered overweight and those that weigh 20-30% over their ideal weight is considered obese. [1]
Interesting fact: Research has shown a correlation between the overweight status of the dog and the dog owner. [2]
What Problems are Rottweilers Prone To?
Both bacterial and viral infections like parvo, rabies, and distemper affect them. To avoid such infections, vaccinations are done based on the condition of your pet.
Do Rottweilers Have Behavior Problems?
Rottweiler owners who do not train their pets properly or socialized them from an early age show behavioral problems. Rottweiler owners should do proper training of their pets to avoid such problems.
Do All Rottweilers Get Hip Dysplasia?
In general, mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. This is because purebred dogs have a limited gene pool and may be prone to certain genetic diseases. Around 22% of Rottweilers are prone to have hip dysplasia. [3]
Final Words on Rottweiler Common Health Problems
Rottweilers, like all breeds, are prone to specific health issues. Some common ones include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, cancer, bloat, and certain genetic conditions. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks and keep your Rottweiler in good health.
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Reference List:
[1] German, A. J. The growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats. Journal of Nutrition (2016)
[2] Linder et al. Is There a Correlation Between Dog Obesity and Human Obesity? Preliminary Findings of Overweight Status Among Dog Owners and Their Dogs. Front Vet Sci (2021)
[3] Kirberger, R M. Phenotypic hip and elbow dysplasia trends in Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers in South Africa (2007–2015): Are we making progress? J S Afr Vet Assoc. (2017)
