The Rottweiler is a very popular dog breed, but unlike smaller breeds, their life expectancy is somewhat shorter. The current life expectancy of rottweiler dogs is 9 years on average, being located in a range that goes from 7 years to 10 years of life.
For this reason it will be very important to study the main rottweiler diseases and to be alert at all stages of its life, from puppy to senior dog.
In this article on our site you can learn about the most common diseases in Rottweiler dogs. Keep reading and discover the common diseases and ailments of the rottweiler.
1. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common among rottweiler dogs, especially as they get older This disease presents various degrees: from mild affectations that do not they prevent a normal life for the dog; even serious cases that totally incapacitate the dog. It can also occur due to intense and excessive physical exercise for the condition and capacity of the dog that produces an abnormal conformation of the joint. It is recommended that dogs that suffer from it perform specific exercise for dogs with dysplasia.
two. Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is also a common disease, of genetic origin or caused by excess weight, physical exercise or a poor diet. Both diseases cause pain and lameness in the dog The vet can provide some relief from these degenerative disorders, which are often hereditary. Elbow dysplasia is often associated with arthritis that can lead to osteoarthritis, especially if not treated properly.
3. Cruciate ligament rupture
Cruciate ligament rupture is a very serious he alth problem that usually affects the hind legswhich, as a consequence, show instability and limp. It can be treated with a surgical intervention (if the lameness is not very marked) and the dog can lead a completely normal life. However, the prognosis is not so good if the dog also suffers from osteoarthritis.
4. Aortic stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a congenital condition that causes the aorta to narrow. It must be treated, as it can lead to the death of the dog. It is very difficult to detect this heart problem but we can identify it if we observe extreme exercise intolerance and some syncope. Cough and an abnormal heart rhythm can indicate aortic stenosis. Go to the vet immediately to have your dog perform an EKG.
5. Von Willebrand syndrome
Von Willebrand syndrome is a genetic disease that causes prolonged bleeding from the nose, stool, urine, and even under the dermis that usually caused by trauma or surgery.
Rottweiler dogs suffering from Von Willebrand syndrome have a normal prognosis for life except for the fact that they may suffer from occasional bleeding due to the aforementioned causes. In larger cases, bleeding will be frequent.
It must be treated with specific drugs that the veterinary specialist must prescribe.
6. Gastric torsion
Gastric torsion is a common syndrome in large dogs such as the Rottweiler. It occurs when the ligaments of the stomach cannot support the dilatation that is taking place in the stomach and become twisted. It occurs after a large intake of food or liquids and exercise, prolonged stress or hereditary causes.
If you notice an excessively dilated abdomen, stress, nausea and abundant salivation go to the vet immediately because it can only be treated with surgery.
7. Cataracts
Cataracts are an eye abnormality that can be resolved by surgery. We usually appreciate its appearance when we observe an opacification of the lens with a large white and bluish spot. Find out more about cataracts in dogs.
8. Progressive retinal atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative condition that leads to night blindness, and can progress to total blindness. It is important to highlight that there is no specific treatment, we can only use different antioxidants and vitamins to stop the progression of the disease.
9. Entropion
Entropion is a serious eye problem in which the eyelid turns inward towards the eye. It should be treated as soon as possible through a single surgery. This problem usually appears in newborn puppies.
10. Addison's disease
Addison's disease is a illness in the adrenal cortex that prevents sufficient hormone production. Symptoms are vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, arrhythmias can occur that lead to death. To treat a Rottweiler with Addison's disease, the veterinarian will need to administer hormones that the dog is unable to produce on its own indefinitely.
eleven. Osteosarcoma, a type of cancer
The Rottweiler is prone to a form of cancer called osteosarcoma. A bone cancerYou can also suffer to a lesser extent other forms of cancer. If the dog suffers fractures for no reason, it may be a symptom of bone cancer, go to the vet to rule it out.
