Rottweiler Health Guide
The Rottweiler breed is a beautiful dog that if socialized and trained, sweet and loving. Because the Rottweiler is a large breed with some weighing as much as 120 pounds, certain health issues can arise.
In this article, we wanted to address some of the more common challenges a Rottweiler owner might face but keep in mind, with proper diet, daily exercise, and proper care you should have a healthy, happy dog as a part of the family.
Health Problems in the Rottweiler
One illness affects the heart known as Sub-Aortic Stenosis, which is also called SAS. This congenital defect is found in only certain breeds such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler.
SAS is passed from generation to generation and the challenge is that it often shows no symptoms. However, new technology provides testing so breeders can now test Rottweiler puppies for SAS to ensure you purchase a healthy dog.
Another potential problem for Rottweiler dogs among others has to do with gastric problems. For instance, vomiting and diarrhea could be signs of several things going on internally. Most often, the small or large intestine is inflamed, which leads to spasms in the digestive tract, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and pain.
Another problem is that when this occurs, your dog is not getting adequate nutrition from food eaten since everything is quickly passing through the body.
If you find your Rottweiler showing these signs, you want to have him checked by your veterinarian. At this point, blood work may be done to determine if enzymes are elevated but usually, a procedure using an endoscope will be done whereby the stomach is looked at from the inside. If a biopsy is taken, a firm diagnosis could be made and then formal treatment offered.
Finally, Addison’s Disease is another possibility when it comes to the Rottweiler. In this case, adrenal glands do not secrete enough of the adrenal hormones. Unfortunately, this type of disease is very serious in that for your dog to live, he needs these hormones. You will find two types associated with Addison’s Disease. The first is Primary Adrenocorticism and Secondary Adrenocorticism.
In the first type, salt and potassium balance is affected while in the second type, the glucocorticoids are affected. In either case, symptoms start with poor appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. However, if symptoms are ignored, the heart can become involved whereby the disease can be fatal.
The bottom line is that paying attention to the way in which your Rottweiler acts, helping him stay healthy. The key is to start with a healthy puppy and then to understand the various health challenges he might face so you can intervene if necessary.
Read More About Rottweiler
- Rottweiler Breed Information
- Rottweiler : 10 Most Common Questions
- Rottweiler Training Guide
- Owning a Rottweiler : Breeder Recommendations
