The American Pit Bull Terrier is a very hardy dog breed with few breed-specific diseases. It suffers from the same diseases as other dog breeds, but to a lesser extent. The main reason is that since ancient times this dog has been bred for the despicable activity of dog fighting. Currently prohibited, but in many places continues clandestinely.
As a consequence of the brutal activity for which the pit bull terrier has been bred, the strength and physical toughness of the dog have been given priority by the breeders of this breed. Obviously, both physical virtues can only be achieved by dogs that are not prone to disease.
If you continue reading this post, on our site we will tell you the most common diseases among pit bull terriers.
Hereditary diseases
The diseases of genetic origin or hereditary are, of long, the most common among dogs of this breed. Normally these diseases appear in poorly raised animals. Dogs suffering from this type of disease should never be used for breeding as they will transmit these genetic problems to their puppies. In addition, on our site we do not in any way encourage the breeding of dogs due to the large number of abandoned animals that exist.
- Displacement or dislocation of the patella In this condition, the patella slips out of place or becomes stiff. It is cured by surgery but it is an expensive and painful treatment for the dog. It can be generated if we exercise too intensely with our pit bull terrier dog.
- Hip dysplasia. Hereditary anomaly that causes lameness and pain in the dog. The femur does not fit snugly in the hip socket. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common diseases in large dogs.
- Cleft lip This malformation of the palate can be mild or severe. If it is mild, it has no importance beyond aesthetics; but if it is serious it causes a lot of suffering in the poor animal. It can be repaired surgically, but the affected animal, its siblings and parents, must not reproduce.
Skin diseases
The pit bull terrier sometimes suffers skin diseases like any other breed of dog. It is advisable to check his coat regularly to make sure that he does not suffer from any of these problems:
- Atopy This disease is an allergic response of the dog's skin to some type of allergen (dust, pollen, human dander, feathers, etc.) It is characterized by severe itching that causes the dog to scratch a lot and damage the skin and lose hair in the affected area.
- Dermodicosis. Ailment caused by the Canis demodex mite, present to a greater or lesser extent in all dogs. However, an inherited deficiency in its immune system can seriously affect the Pit Bull Terrier.
Degenerative diseases
The pit bull terrier is subject to some degenerative disease. These are the most common diseases of pit bull terrier dogs but also in other terrier-type breeds:
- Hypothyroidism This disease is caused by failure of the thyroid gland. Its symptoms usually appear with age (4 to 10 years), but it can also be from birth (congenital hypothyroidism), which would be a hereditary disease. Puppies with this alteration soon die. The symptoms of the disease in adult dogs, due to the failure of the endocrine system, are a generalized weakness of the dog and heart problems.
- Ichthyosis Serious degenerative disease that causes thickening of the skin on the paw pads of the dog, and a scaly and greasy appearance. This causes a lot of pain to the dog when walking. It is recommended to put down affected dogs to avoid pen alties. It can be of hereditary origin.
Pit bull terriers have a more sensitive skin than other breeds, for this reason it is advisable to use specific and anti-allergen shampoos.
Dietary deficiencies
The pit bull terrier can sometimes suffer dietary deficiencies due to lack or poor absorption of some trace elements.
Zinc-sensitive dermatitisThis lack of zinc causes the appearance of scabs, itching, peeling and loss of hair around the eyes and nose in the dog. The cause is a poor absorption in the intestine of zinc. With zinc supplements the disease is controlled.
Fungal diseases
Pit bull terriers if they live in places with excess humidity can develop fungal diseases (caused by fungi).
Fungosis. Skin problem caused by fungi. It happens when there is an excess of baths to the dog, or when it lives in a humid and poorly ventilated place. The veterinarian will administer the appropriate therapy depending on the type of invading fungus.
If you have been wanting to know more about dog diseases, in addition to this post about the most common diseases in pit bull dogs, do not hesitate to continue browsing our site and learn about all diseases of dogs.
