Rottweiler health problems

Rottweilers are very active dogs who are incredibly loyal and enjoy spending quality time with their pet parents!

Due to their intelligence and devotion to those they love, Rottweilers are so eager to please that they’re often fantastic to train and excel at participating in canine sports. However, Rottweilers are not recommended for inexperienced owners because they’re such high-energy dogs who need a lot of time dedicated to training them.

A Rottweiler has a topcoat and undercoat that’ll need to be brushed a couple of times a week to stay in tip top condition.

Explore our Rottweiler breed guide for more information about this handsome dog breed!

Potential health conditions linked to the Rottweiler breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in Rottweilers, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by Rottweilers. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your Rottweiler for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic condition (something a dog is born with) that impacts their hip joints. ‘Dysplasia’ is a word linked to abnormal development, so, hip dysplasia describes abnormalities within a dog’s hip joint.

For Rottweilers with hip dysplasia, either one or both of their hip joints are unstable and can cause them to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness – resulting in lameness. Eventually, hip dysplasia can cause Rottweilers to develop arthritis.

Treatments for canine hip dysplasia include weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy, or ‘PRA’, describes an inherited, progressive eye condition that worsens over time, and tends to affect certain dog breeds more than others – including the Rottweiler. PRA involves the deterioration of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision, though doesn’t cause pain.

Most dogs with PRA develop symptoms gradually, so the first signs of the condition could be poor vision at night. For instance, Rottweilers with PRA might accidently walk into objects while out walking at dusk or refuse to go for a walk when it’s dark outside.

Sadly, dogs with PRA will eventually lose their sight entirely.

Vets who are trained in ophthalmology should be able to confirm a PRA diagnosis by examining the back of a dog’s eye. Sometimes, however, dogs with PRA might also develop cataracts, which can make it difficult for vets to assess the health of their retina.

While there is ongoing research into the effectiveness of certain therapies to treat PRA, unfortunately, there’s currently no treatment for this condition. Although, the slow progress of PRA means many dogs adjust well to their changing vision. Additionally, vets can offer advice about adapting a Rottweiler’s home environment and exercise routines, to allow those with PRA to enjoy a good quality of life.

Subaortic stenosis (SAS)

Subaortic stenosis, or ‘SAS’, is an inherited condition that affects a dog’s heart. Dogs of the Rottweiler breed are known to be at risk of SAS.

In subaortic stenosis, a scar-like narrowing (or stenosis) develops in a part of the heart called the aortic valve. The aortic valve is responsible for separating the heart from a blood vessel called the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery. SAS causes the heart to work harder to pump the right amount of blood out, which results in blood being pushed through so quickly that it causes a heart murmur.

Symptoms of SAS in dogs could include arrythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), exercise intolerance (difficulty staying active), and fainting.

To diagnose SAS, a vet might perform the following tests:

• Physical examinations.
• ECG (electrocardiogram).
• X-rays.

Treatments for SAS in Rottweilers will depend on their individual condition, though medication, exercise restriction, and surgery are the most common options.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that impacts a dog’s white blood cells (which are responsible for protecting the body against illness and disease). Although it’s unclear exactly what causes lymphoma in (mostly older) dogs, it’s believed genetics are a factor alongside external triggers, like viruses and bacteria, that could cause cancerous mutations.

Since white blood cells travel throughout the body, lymphoma can be found in several different areas – so, the symptoms of lymphoma vary, depending on where the disease has spread. While some symptoms include a reduced appetite, lethargy, and coughing, a major symptom of lymphoma is the development of lumps on a dog’s lymph nodes (e.g. under their jaw).

The diagnosis of lymphoma in Rottweilers might involve a biopsy (taking a sample) of a lump, x-rays, ultrasound scans, and blood tests. Treatments for canine lymphoma tend to range from steroid medication to chemotherapy, though because every case is unique, vets have to tailor treatment plans to each dog’s individual condition. However, it’s worth noting that the classification of lymphoma in veterinary medicine tends to be simpler than in human medicine.

Acute moist dermatitis

More commonly known as ‘hot spots’ or ‘wet eczema’, acute moist dermatitis is an area of inflamed, infected skin that can appear anywhere on your Rottweiler’s body.

So, if you’re owned by a Rottweiler, you’ll need to keep an eye out for patches of damp, red, sore skin that are smelly and/or have formed a scab.

Often, hot spots begin as a minor irritation caused by:

• Insect bites.
• A cut or graze.
• Fleas.
• Skin allergies.
• Grass seeds.

Treatments for hot spots tend to include:

• Buster collar or inflatable collar – to prevent your Rottweiler from scratching/licking themselves.
• Clipping their hair – to aid healing by allowing air to get to their skin.
• Medicated shampoo – to soothe your Rottweiler’s inflamed skin and lessen any irritation.
• Antibacterial cream – to remove bacteria from their coat.
• Medication, like antibiotics or steroids – to treat underlying infections or reduce inflammation.

Hot spots must be treated quickly to avoid the risk of your Rottweiler developing a more serious infection. If you think your Rottweiler has acute moist dermatitis, prevent them from continuing to lick, chew, or scratch the potential hot spot and contact your vet straight away for advice.