Causes
CHD is generally considered to be a genetic trait, although some claim environmental factors play a role in CHD. A dog whose parents had CHD is likely to develop the disease, although this does not mean the dog will get dysplasia. A dog that is overweight is more apt to develop CHD than a dog that is kept trim (but not starved.)
Symptoms
Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia are: lameness; difficulty in standing, walking, or running after getting up; or a "bunny-hop" gait.
How do I tell if my dog has CHD?
The only way to tell if your dog has dysplasia is through X-rays. If the dysplasia is severe your vet can detect it from te X-rays. If it is not obvious then there are two methods for additional testing.
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Method
This is the most common method used. After sedating the dog in most cases, the dog is placed on its back and the back feet rolled inward. This allows the vet to get ventral/dorsal view of the hips. The X-rays are then sent to OFA for evaluation.
PennHip Method
The second method, known as PennHip, is the newest method. Using PennHip all dogs are sedated. PennHip tests the laxity of the hips, and is not based on a pass/fail system as is the OFA method.
Prevention
Although good nutrition and a good exercise program for our dog can delay the onset of the physical signs of CHD this is still a genetic disorder, and the only way to try and prevent it is too make sure you get your dog from a Code of Ethics breeder (if you are not sure what a Code of Ethics breeder is then see Buying A Rottweiler) who only breeds dogs from litters that are free of CHD.
Elbow Dysplasia
Similar to CHD, elbow dysplasia is also hereditary. This disease is a malformation of the elbow jont. Your breeder should provide OFA reports for both parents (The same as with Canine Hip Dysplasia.)
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD affects bone formation and can lead to arthritis and lameness. While growing cartilage changes into bone. Any disturbance of this process can cause unusually thick cartilage to form in areas of the joints that are subject to stress. Cracks in the cartilage form and the cartilage then tears forming a "flap." These flaps may tear away from the bone and float freely in the joint. The crack, flap, or free cartilage lead to inflammation of the oint, pain, and lameness. The most commonly affected joints in dogs are the shoulder, elbow, hock, and knee. More than one joint at a time may be affected.
Paneosteitis
This disease is also known as "growing pains" or "pano." This normally occurs as a "rotating" lameness in puppies about four months old. If you suspect your dog mayhave paneosteitis yo should have your vet examine your dog to rule out more srious diseases. Often rest is all a dog needs to completely recuperate from paneosteitis.
Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD)
VWD is a hereditary bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia. Dogs can be carriers without showing any outward symptoms. VWD can be diagnosed through blood screening.
Bloat
What is bloat?
Bloat occurs when a dogs stomach swells up with gas and fluids. Also know as Gastric Dilation Vovulus, in extreme cases it can actually cause the dog's stomach to rotate 180 degrees or more. This cuts off the esophagus and the intestines so the dog has no way to get relief from gas and/or fluids. The blood flow to the dog's intestines can also be affected.
Causes
Bloat is more commonly found in large, deep-chested dogs like the Rottweiler, German Shepherd, and Great Dane. These large dogs tend to "inhale" their food. This allows large quantities of dry kibbles to get into the stomach where it absorbs water and other gastric fluids causing it to swell. This in turn causes the stomach to swell. Rigorous play/exersise immediately following a large meal can increase the chance of bloat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bloat include: excessive salivation, abdominal swelling, attempts to vomit and defecate, and pain when pressure is applied to the stomach. In extreme cases where the stomach has twisted the dog's breathing may be rapid, heartbeat may be increased, membranes of the mouth may be pale and cold, and the dog may even collapse. If this situation occurs: SEEK VETERINARY HELP IMMEDIATELY!
Prevention
If you currently have, or you are planning to get a large dog that is prone to bloat here are a few things you can do to help prevent it:
1. Avoid large feedings. Instead, feed your dog smaller portions two or three times a day.
2. Soak the food in waer or broth for approximately 20 minutes before feeding. This will allow the food to swell before your dog eats it.
3. Limit your dog's water intake for 30-60 minutes after feeding. This cuts down on the likelyhood of the food swelling in the stomach.
4. Keep your dog calm after feeding. Some vets recommend up to an hour in their crate.
5. Feed your large dog on a raised platform. This will help cut down on the amount of air gulped in with the food.
Heart Disease
The most common heart problem with Rottweilers is Sub- Aortic Stenosis. This disease can be very mild, or can result is sudden death in more sever cases. Several reputable breeders are working with canine cardiologists in trying to determine the exact cause of this and several other heart disorders.
Allergies
Some Rottweilers are allergic to fleas and/or certain foods. The symptoms and severity differ from dog to dog.
Eye Disease
Entropian (eyelids rolling inward) and Ectropian (eyelids rolling outward) are hereditary conditions. Both require surgery to correct and both will disqualify a dog from being shown in an AKC conformation competition.
Other eye disorders include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA), and Cataracts. PRA, CPRA, and certain cataracts are inherited conditions.
Because hereditary eye disorders may not show up in a younger dog any animal used for breeding purposes should be examined yearly by a Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthamologist. These examinations should continue until the dog is at least eight years old. Dogs that pass the exam may be registered on a yearly basis with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
Epilepsy
There are three main causes of epilepsy. These are: 1. Head injury; 2. Bacterial infections of the brain; 3. It may be inherited. the term epilepsy refers to recurring episodes of siezures/convlsions. Episodes may be triggered by fatigue, excitement, anxiety, noise, and in females by estrus. Epilepsy can usually be controlled by medication.
Hypothyroidism
This is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. It may slow down the dogs motabolism making it lethargic, mentally slow, and less energetic. It may cause the dogs coat to become dull, thin, and to fall out easily. In males it may lower the sperm count and reduce sexual activity. In females it can result in irregular heat cycles.
Signs of hypothyroidism may develop slowly. This condition may be detected with a blood test and may be treated with medication. Hypothroidism is usually a permanent condition.
Cancer
Cancer is becoming veery common in Rottweilers with bone cancer being the most frequent. ANY suspicious lumps, moles, sores, or unexplained lameness should be checked by your vet IMMEDIATELY!
