The Rottweiler has a genetic tendency for developing hip dysplasia.Abnormal growth can be linked to hip and elbow joints.Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe, and in the worst cases it can be disabling an otherwise active dog.The size of a Rottweiler makes it difficult for an owner to help the dog up the stairs or into a car.If you have a big dog, like a Rottweiler, you should be aware of this potential problem, learn the signs to look for, and know when to seek out veterinary help.
Step 1: The unstable rear end is what you should look for.
The first sign that a dog is young is its wobbly back legs, difficulty climbing stairs or inability to jump into a car.You would expect a young dog to be able to run and exercise easily.Dogs that are 6 - 12 months old can present with sudden back end lameness.
Step 2: There is a chance of a dropped back or awkward movement.
The dog may stand with a dropped rear end if both hips are affected.It may move in a bunny-hop motion, swinging both back legs forward at the same time.
Step 3: There is a chance for a change in character.
The Rottweiler may be less tolerant due to pain.Rottweilers need a lot of exercise.They can grow bored if they can't do this.If you stroke or touch the hip area, some dogs may react aggressively.
Step 4: Paying attention to limping and muscle wasting is important.
Back end lameness is a key symptom of dysplasia in older dogs.There is less muscle mass on the most severely affected leg when a dog walks with a limp.Dogs with hip dysplasia tend to rest their sore leg when standing.They might be hesitant before moving from a standing position.
Step 5: If your dog is showing signs of dysplasia, you should take it to the vet.
The next step is a vet check if you notice your Rottweiler has mobility issues.The dog will be watched by the vet to see how it copes with stairs.The vet will be able to see which leg is hurting the most.The dog's nerve reflexes are tested during the physical examination by turning the paw upside down and pinching the toes.This can help if the problem is physical or neurological.The vet carefully manipulates the legs to see if the movement is normal or restricted.It helps to confirm which areas are sore.
Step 6: Discuss additional testing with the vet
The vet may suggest x-rays of the dog's hip joints.The vet needs to put the dog's legs in positions which would be too painful for a conscious dog, so this is done under anesthesia.Any time a dog is put under anesthesia there is a risk to the dog's health and an added cost that you will need to approve.While the dog is anesthetized and relaxed, the vet can perform special tests.The amount of movement out of the joint is tested to see if it is within normal limits.The bones are banging against each other and a bone that has moved out of its joint is going to be more painful.
Step 7: Discuss the diagnosis with your vet.
The x-rays have to show problems associated with hip dysplasia and the dog has a long-term problem.One problem with hip dysplasia is that the x-rays need to be interpreted in light of the dog's physical symptoms.When a dog is radiographed for a different reason, they have no pain in the hips, despite what appears to be a poor hip anatomy.The vet looks at the x-rays to see how the femoral head joins the thigh bone and how deep the femur is in the hip bone.When the thigh muscles pull at an odd angle, it's because the dysplastic hips have a poor angle.
Step 8: Follow your doctor's advice for treatment.
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition and so your vet will prescribe pain relief for long-term use.This is a medication from the NSAID family.There are a number of surgical procedures that can be done if the problem is severe.There are femoral head excisions, where the head is removed so it no longer bangs against the acetabulum, and a total hip replacement.
Step 9: Do not breed dogs with the condition.
Hip dysplasia will be passed onto their puppies, so it's important not to breed dogs that have it.Good breeders screen breeding stock for hip dysplasia to reduce the incidence.Only dogs that have good hips scores should be used for breeding.By breeding from Rottweilers with healthy hips, the breed's health will improve and countless owners will be spared the pain of seeing an active dog struggling to move and in constant pain.Make sure the Rottweiler puppy you purchase is legit.This is important for the future health of a dog.It's important to avoid breeders who encourage this problem through bad breeding practices.
Step 10: Feed your dog a lot of food.
A poor diet that is not balanced can lead to the decline of a large breed such as a Rottweiler.It's best to feed a special diet for large breed growth.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid excessive amounts of exercise for puppies.
The joints of a puppy are more vulnerable to damage due to excessive amounts of exercise.The disability caused by dysplasia can be accelerated by this.Low-impact exercise is what you should try to give your dog.Walking or swimming are exercises that are easier on the joints.The dog will be able to burn off some of its energy while not threatening its joints.Older dogs with bad joints need to have controlled amounts of exercise as well, but they usually do not have the energy or youthful enthusiasm that makes this kind of activity likely.
Step 12: What is dysplasia?
Genetics can cause abnormal development of the joints as a result of being passed down from parent to pup.A healthy hip joint is a ball and socket design, which consists of a round femoral head, the top of the thigh bone, in the acetabulum, so that it moves smoothly without grating or bumping.A poorly shaped femoral head is one of the features of a dysplastic hip joint.When the hip moves it catches and rubs, which causes pain.
Step 13: You can learn about the disease's progression.
Dysplasia is a disease that develops over time with the development of secondary arthritis.The trauma to the hip joint causes premature arthritic changes as the animal ages.Hip movement is impeded even more by this.Dogs as young as 6 months can be affected.Don't assume that problems in a young dog are normal.
Step 14: There are a variety of places on the body.
The hip joints are affected in the Rottweiler.The elbows in Labrador retrievers are affected in other breeds.