Rottweiler Common Health Problems and Costs

Rottweiler Common Health Problems and Costs

The Rottweiler is a popular and unique dog bred for its solidly muscled body, big head, and characteristically elegant black and tan markings. So, if you are looking for a large dog breed and, at the same time, gentle, the rottweiler breed is a perfect option. They are a very durable and healthy breed with an average lifespan of nine to ten years. But like other pure dog breeds, Rottweiler dogs are prone to various hereditary and genetic health conditions.

One of the main conditions that often affect rottweilers is hip dysplasia. This refers to a genetic deformity where the femur head does not fit properly into the hip socket. The condition is excruciating and often needs the dog to undertake hip replacement surgery that costs thousands of dollars. The dog will likely develop arthritis with aging even after undergoing surgery.

Sub-aortic stenosis (SAS) is another common health problem that affects rottweilers. This is the narrowing of the aorta, a blood vessel that transports blood away from the heart. The symptom of this problem is usually a tiny heart murmur, although murmurs can happen in puppies that don’t have heart problems even as adults. Subaortic stenosis can cause sudden death even at a younger age, so you should have your dog checked for any murmurs about once per year.

Elbow dysplasia is a genetic condition in bones that primarily affects large and intermediate dog breeds, including rottweilers. The condition is often branded by bone chips, elbow incongruity, and arthritis on the front legs.

Another condition that affects rottweilers is osteochondrosis of the spine or ankle. The disease affects various joints of a growing and young body. The bones do not entirely harden, causing unstable joint structure. This, in the end, leads to osteoarthritis.

Rottweilers can also develop progressive retinal atrophy. Eyelid deformities, cataracts, and other eye problems. Hence, it would help if you took your dog for an annual examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.

Some diseases commonly affecting the rottweiler’s dog breed have no screening tests. These include allergies, epilepsy, chronic diarrhea, and a high cancer rate.

While early neutering is widespread and standard for most dogs, studies have revealed that bone cancer is relatively common in rottweilers that are neutered before adulthood.

The table below lists;

The top five health problems and their cost range

Tips For Bringing Home a Healthy Rottweiler Puppy

One tip to follow is avoiding purchasing a Rottweiler puppy from unethical breeders such as internet retailers or pet stores that have no knowledge about the breed, genetics, and temperaments. You can easily identify the unprofessional breeders with extreme advertisements such as “super large” rottweilers.

Instead, you should find a breeder who is a member of the American Rottweiler Club and one who abides by its list of compulsory practices. The rules include screening all dogs for genetic diseases, only selling through a written contract, and guaranteeing a home for any dog they breed if the owner cannot keep him.

Select a breeder who is willing to help you and offer resources in helping you care for and train your dog. Request your breeder to show you the results of genetic screening tests. According to the American Rottweiler Club, the member breeders must screen all the breeds for hip dysplasia and elbows.

The clearance certificate should be from the University of Pennsylvania (PennHip) or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). More so, the breeders should have the dog’s eyes cleared every year from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and clearance of the parents’ cardiac health from OFA.

Most of the health conditions in rottweilers become apparent in adulthood. Hence, it would help if you considered adopting an adult rottweiler from a rescue group or shelter. The fact that these dogs live for more than ten years means they will still be a part of your family for many years.

After adapting your adult dog or puppy, ensure you take it to your veterinarian as soon. The veterinarian can easily spot any problem and work with you to prevent potential health problems. This is particularly true for joint issues, vision, and heart illnesses.

Pet Insurance for Rottweilers

To avoid expensive veterinarian bills linked with these conditions, you should consider purchasing pet insurance for your rottweiler before they get diagnosed. You cannot predict what will occur in the future, and pet insurance is one thing you cannot get when you most require it!