| Rottweiler Health Issues |
| Hip Dyplasia Canine Hip Dysplasia (HD) is a potentially debilitating, developemental disorder affecting the hip joint of the dog. It is probably one of the most important inherent genetic disorders to screen for. OFA ranks Rottweilers as 29th on their list of percentages of dysplasia. Out of the 86,551 rottweilers surveyed 20.5% were dysplastic. This is considerably down from what it used to be, but it is still relatively high. This estimation is probably not accurate as this only reflect those dogs that were submitted to OFA, the reality is probably closer to 30 - 40% of rottweiler as being dysplastic. HD is a progressive arthritc condition that is evident in dogs as young as 6-7 months, but the true effects don't became apparent until the dog is older. Affected dogs could possibly become very lame and painfull and the corrective surgery can cost in excess of $3500 or more. OFA claims to have a 95% accuracy at 24 months of age in diagnosing HD. It is imparative that all rottweilers be screened for HD. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow Dysplasia (ED) is a progressive, potentially crippling disease, that leads to arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in the elbow joint in dogs. There are three conditions that lead to the formation of DJD. They are Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP), Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), and Osteocho9ndrosis of the humeral Condyle (OCD). All three are believed to be caused by the failure of the conversion of cartilage to bone durring the maturation process resulting in an instability in the joint. OFA ranks rottweilers as #2 on their data base for ED. Out of 10,148 rottweilers being surveyed, 40.9% have ED in varying degrees. Again, like HD, this estimation is not accurate because it only reflect those radigraphs that were submitted. The number is probably closer to 50% or more. eye diseases The most common problem seen in rottweilers is retinal atrophy, degeneration, or dysplasia which results in the eventual loss of vision. The second is cataracts which also results in the eventual loss of vision and is noted by a normally clear lens turning cloudy or grey. There are two major eye lid deformities that effect rottweilers and are considered to be disqualifications in all rottweiler breed standards and unfortunately are seen quite regularly. The first in Entropia, the rolling IN of the eye lid, and the second is Ectopion, the rolling OUT of the eye lid. Both of these deformities are very painful and requires surgery to correct. heart diseases The most common defect noticed in rottweilers is Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS), a congenital heart disease. Affected dogs are at risk of developing heart valve infections, congenital heart failure, even dealth. Dogs that are mildly affected can live very normal lives, but a dog that is severely affected may never see it's second birthday. Another common disorder seen in rottweilers is heart murmurs. A heart murmur is the abnormal sound caused by irregular blood flow patterns into, through, or out of the heart. These murmurs can be "innocent" murmurs, that never lead to any health problems, or Pathologic murmurs that are present at puppyhood and are caused by congenital birth defects such as SAS and Patent Doctus Arteriosus (PDA). Some birth defect are inherited, some are not. The majority of murmurs are not apparent at birth and develop with age. These types of acquired murmurs are associated with leaky heart valves. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is the lack of production of thyroid homone by the thyroid gland. It is considered to be an inherited disease amongst rottweilers and once diagnosed, is usually permanat. It is easily treated with supplemental thyroid homones. This disease is easily detected with a simple blood test. Affected dogs may appear lethargic and sloww, they may gain unusual amounts of weight, and coat changes may be notices. In rottweilers you may notice that previously clearly defined markings become sooty, even turn completely black. The coat may appear dull and thin and profuse shedding is common. Males my exhibit low sperm cout and sex drive and females may have irregular heat cycles. Von Willebrand's Disease Von Willebrand's Diesease (VWD) is a hereditary bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia and is diagnosed through blood screening. |
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