The decision to bring home a pet dog is more than most times a selfish one. We choose to bring pets home because we need some company or are of the opinion that a dog will be able to guard our home better. Regardless of the reason for bringing home the pet, once you make the decision, you become a pet parent. Yes, you heard that right. You don’t own a pet, rather you foster one as you would a child. And as pet parents, it is your responsibility to make sure that the pet dog is taken care of in the best way possible.
Although dogs are often viewed as enthusiastic and happy animals, they do fall sick just like we humans do. And if you truly care about your dog, there is nothing worse than watching your dog suffer while he or she is unwell. This is why it is also your responsibility as a pet parent to take proper steps to either prevent the possibility of a health issue or help the doctor detect and treat it on time. And that is possible if you keep up with regular vet appointments.
As you already know, there are endless breeds when it comes to choosing a pet dog. And the physical features and personality traits may vary depending on the breed you choose. However, the medical issues also seem to differ from one breed to another. And in this article, we are going to talk about the health problems of one such breed. Let us talk about a Rottweiler. Rottweilers are said to have originated in Germany and are known for their muscular build and aggressive nature. Mentioned below are a few health problems that are common in Rottweilers.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues in Rottweilers. This disease occurs when the hip bone grows faster than the thigh bones. And as you can imagine, it leads to the abnormal ball and socket joints. This can cause an immense amount of pain to the dog and can also restrict their movements. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder and can be passed from the parents to the offspring. Common symptoms of hip dysplasia in a Rottweiler include limping, decreased activity, hesitancy to jump, and so on.
Osteochondritis dissecans
When you bring home a puppy, its long bones are surrounded by a smooth cartilage lining on both ends. With time, the cartilage hardens and evolves into hard bones. This is how your puppy grows tall. However, when it comes to big dogs like Rottweilers, the cartilage at times grows rapidly and cuts the surrounding blood vessels. This results in the cartilage getting cracked and inflamed. This condition is known as Osteochondritis dissecans. Symptoms include joint swelling and tenderness, muscle atrophy, stiffness in the joints, and so on.
Subaortic stenosis
Proper blood flow is one of the most important requirements when it comes to canine health. The heart of a dog pumps blood to the rest of the body via a large artery known as the aorta. When the area under the aortic valve narrows, the heart has to work harder in order to maintain a healthy blood supply to the body. This condition is known as subaortic stenosis. Most experts believe that subaortic stenosis is also a genetic disease. Some of the most common symptoms of this illness include continuous fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, and so on.
Osteosarcoma
Unfortunately, most canines are prone to cancer. Osteosarcoma is a form of aggressive cancer wherein you can see abnormal bulges in the front legs. Just like most other malignant cancers, the tumors spread to the rest of the body rapidly. Unfortunately, there is no cure to this. All you can do is make your pet feel comfortable if he or she gets diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Rottweilers are more susceptible to contracting this disease in their older age.
Cataracts
Cataract is another prevalent problem in Rottweilers. It is a vision-related condition. In this condition, the lens of the eye or the iris starts getting cloudy, resulting in an opaque film that hampers the vision. While it can be repaired with a medical surgery, it will cost you a lot. Whereas, if you ignore the problem, your dog may lose vision.
These are some of the most common health issues in a Rottweiler. Most of these conditions can either be cured through medication or surgery. Regardless, the treatment may be expensive. This is why you should consider investing in a pet insurance policy.
