Rottweilers are popular canine companions for many reasons. Rotties have a regal appearance and loyal personality. Though the breed has a big reputation, when appropriately socialized and trained, Rotties are some of the most loving, loyal pups you may ever meet. Like all purebreds, they can be prone to some medical conditions. If you’re the current parent of a Rottweiler pup or are considering bringing one into your home, you are in for an amazing ride. However, you should be aware of a few Rottweiler health issues.
I break down the most common Rottweiler health conditions and symptoms to watch out for. If you notice or suspect any of these conditions, it’s best that you take your dog to the vet. Along with detailing common health conditions, I also explain why a healthy lifestyle and weight are essential to a healthy Rottie. Let’s examine the health concerns of Rottweilers and some of the costs and look briefly at how pet insurance can help.
From The Veterinarian
Contents
To better understand the health concerns for the Rottweiler breed, I spoke with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian and surgeon in England. Here’s what she had to say.
“Hip dysplasia is common in Rottweilers. It is a condition that affects the hip joints as they grow. The ball and socket of the hip don’t develop and fit together correctly, leading to lameness and secondary osteoarthritis. The condition is hereditary, so dogs suffering from the condition should never be used to breed. Reputable breeders should have their dogs hip-scored, with x-rays taken by a vet, to reduce the chances of passing problems on to their offspring. Elbow dysplasia is another inherited joint problem that should be screened for before mating. Screening doesn’t eliminate the chances of a puppy getting the condition but can significantly reduce it.”
“Even if your Rottweiler doesn’t suffer from dysplasia, osteoarthritis is common in large-breed dogs. Affected animals can become lame, stiff, and have difficulty exercising. Many Rottweilers require medication to help keep them comfortable as they age.”
Dr. MacMillan adds, “Heart problems, such as subaortic stenosis, are seen frequently in Rottweilers. Subaortic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing just below the aortic valve. This restricts normal blood flow from the heart around the body. Sadly, Rottweilers are also prone to cancer, in particular, osteosarcomas (bone cancer) and lymphoma (cancer of the blood and immune system). If caught early enough, some of these cancers can be treated through surgery or chemotherapy. This is why it is important to take your dog for regular vet checks as well as seek help sooner if you see anything you are worried about.”
10 Common Rottweiler Health Issues
Like any other purebreed, Rottweilers are predisposed and prone to a variety of health conditions. Below, I discuss 10 of the most common. This list is not comprehensive, so it is best that you discuss any major health concerns about your Rottweiler with your veterinarian. This article is for informational purposes only; it offers general information and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or to treat any individual dog’s health needs.
1. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of, if not the most common, health concerns for Rottweilers. This hereditary condition impacts the hip joints, which do not form a proper ball and socket. Abnormal joint formation causes pain and can impact mobility. It can also lead to osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. Dysplasia can also affect the elbow joints, causing pain, arthritis, and even lameness.
Symptoms
- Limping
- Stiffness in joints
- Hopping gait
- Grating in the hips
- Lameness in back legs
- Loss of muscle mass
- Pain
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination to check your dog’s back legs. This helps assess the flexibility and movement of the joints. During this process, they will look for any signs of pain, grinding sensations, or looseness. Blood tests can check for any signs of inflammation in the blood count. Your vet will also consider your dog’s medical history, overall health, and other clinical symptoms. An X-ray or radiograph of your dog’s hips might be necessary to reach a final diagnosis.
Once a hip dysplasia diagnosis is given, several treatment options are available. Lifestyle changes may be enough for milder cases, while more severe cases might need surgical intervention. Your veterinarian may suggest weight management, exercise limitations, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements. Depending on your dog’s age and the severity of dysplasia, surgical options can range from procedures aimed at enhancing joint function to complete hip replacement.
2. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint disease that often affects large breeds like the Rottweiler. It is more common in male dogs and occurs between six and nine months. The disease causes the cartilage to separate from the bone. It most commonly affects the shoulder, knee, and ankle joints. Joint surfaces (the articular cartilage) fail to form bone in some spots, resulting in areas of thickened cartilage. These damaged areas cause the thickened cartilage to separate from the healthy tissue that surrounds it, forming a flap. The flap of cartilage can detach from the joint surface, causing secondary osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
- Not bearing weight on the leg
- Limping or intermittent lameness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warm to the touch
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging, such as X-rays. In some cases, more advanced imaging, like a CT scan or MRI, may be needed. Treatment may be conservative and include exercise restriction, pain management, anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, and even a dietary approach, adding foods with health benefits. For more severe cases, surgery may be the recommended treatment route. Most dogs respond well to surgery and recover in a month or so, but some dogs may have lasting symptoms that require lifelong management.
3. Eye Issues
Rottweilers are prone to eye health issues. These include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid), conjunctivitis, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and corneal ulcers. Cataracts can cause eventual blindness, and PRA can also impact vision. It often starts with difficulty seeing in low light. PRA can cause night blindness in affected dogs and can be either early or late onset.
Symptoms
- Clumsiness
- Reluctance to go outside
- Night blindness
- Dilated pupils that take longer to respond to light
- Reflective eyes
- Cloudy eyes
- Eye irritation and rubbing
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of PRA in dogs requires examinations and tests to see how the eye looks and works. There is no treatment for PRA; it can only be managed through lifestyle, training, and reducing hazards to your vision-impaired dog. Cataracts require surgery, which can be very expensive. Entropion requires surgical treatment.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This causes a dog’s metabolism to slow down. The thyroid controls many of the body’s other internal systems. It often presents in dogs between four and ten years old. The hormone imbalance can lead to weight gain, reduced energy, behavior changes, and poor skin and coat health.
Symptoms
- Unexplained weight gain
- Low energy
- Obesity
- Thinning coat
- Dull, dry fur and skin
- Recurrent ear and skin infections
- Slow heart rate
- Clumsiness
- Dark pigmentation on the skin
- Lameness
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will look at your dog’s clinical signs and symptoms. Laboratory tests, including blood analysis, will show abnormalities such as increased cholesterol levels, kidney function issues, and anemia. Specific blood tests can evaluate the levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies present in your dog’s body.
After reaching a diagnosis, your veterinarian will probably recommend a synthetic thyroid hormone known as levothyroxine. This medication will need to be administered once or twice daily for the duration of your dog’s life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, dogs can have a favorable prognosis and maintain a relatively normal lifestyle.
5. Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus, also called parvo, is a highly contagious infection caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CP-V). Parvo attacks white blood cells in the intestinal tract and can damage the heart muscle in puppies. While all breeds are at risk of canine parvo, some, including Rottweilers, have a much higher risk. Even vaccinated puppies are at risk, especially those between 6 and 20 weeks (5 months) old.
Symptoms
- Sudden onset high fever
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea
- Rapid heart rate
- Respiratory difficulty
- Collapse
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis for parvo includes a Parvo SNAP test (Fecal SNAP ELISA Test), which requires a fecal swab. These tests can come back negative if a dog has not started shedding the virus yet. It must incubate for three to seven days before dogs show symptoms.
There is no cure for parvo, but supportive care can help dogs overcome it. This includes medications to help stop vomiting, hospitalization and administration of intravenous fluids, specialized nutrition, including a feeding tube, and moderation and correction of low blood glucose and electrolyte imbalance. Some vets will also add a canine parvo monoclonal antibody treatment regimen. Some dogs may develop sepsis and will require antibiotics.
My Personal Experience With Rottweilers And Parvovirus
My dog Jade, a purebred Rottweiler, caught parvo when she was about one year old. She was fully vaccinated, but another dog at the dog park came down with it. Several pups got sick, but Jade was one of the worst. She almost died. It was very scary, and she required extensive hospitalization. She had to go to an emergency vet and then a vet hospital, where she stayed for over a week. When she came home, she was frail and took over a month to regain her full strength. Not only was it an extremely challenging time because she almost died, but it was also taxing financially. The treatment cost over $5,000, which I paid out of pocket as we had not yet gotten pet insurance for her. I have never seen a dog get that sick before, and we are very lucky she pulled through.
6. Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)
Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart defect that can affect Rottweilers. It occurs when a scar-like narrowing occurs under the aortic valve. It is often present at birth or in the first year of life. The defect makes it harder for the heart to pump enough blood through the body. The condition can worsen as a dog ages and can cause discomfort, weakness, and trouble breathing. Left untreated, dogs are at high risk of sudden death.
Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Fainting
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of SAS requires a thorough physical exam, evaluation for an irregular heartbeat or heart murmurs, and diagnostic images like chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram, or a cardiac ultrasound. Mild cases can be treated with limited activity and medication, but there is no cure for subaortic stenosis.
7. Panosteitis
Rottweilers are prone to panosteitis, a condition that impacts large-breed puppies that grow quickly. It can cause musculoskeletal pain and affect the long bones of the legs, most often the humerus. This condition can also cause shifting lameness. It can last until dogs reach two or three years old. Lameness can last from a few days to a few weeks. It is cyclical, often with about a month or so between episodes.
Symptoms
- Sudden lameness in one or more legs
- Pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakened appetite
- Weight loss
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and apply pressure to the affected limbs. If your dog shows pain to the touch, X-rays will be taken. Blood tests may also be performed to look for signs of inflammation. Treatment involves managing pain and supporting your dog through each episode. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications are often used. Additionally, exercise, activity restriction, and lifestyle modification may be needed. Because this condition often impacts appetite, your dog may need some dietary supplementation.
8. Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs and is highly aggressive. These tumors form after the abnormal production of bone cells. It leads to the growth of malignant tumors and can spread rapidly without treatment. If it is diagnosed early, there is a chance for life-saving surgery, often requiring amputation of a cancerous limb. It can be hard to catch because symptoms are mild and often not recognized in the early phases.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Mass or lump on the body
- Difficulty breathing
- Nostril discharge
- Lameness or limping
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pain
- Swelling in the ribs, legs, spine, or jaw
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis of osteosarcoma includes physical examination, fine needle biopsy, and X-rays. This may include X-rays of the chest to scan for metastasis in the lungs. Treatment often includes amputation to remove the affected limb and prevent the cancer from spreading. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be options.
9. Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tears
Due to their larger size and extreme energy levels, Rottweilers are at a high risk of suffering from cranial cruciate ligament tears. These tears happen when the ligament of the knee joint tears due to injury. The torn ligament can cause joint instability, lameness, and pain. The ligaments will also not heal on their own and cannot be fully repaired. If the injury does not get prompt treatment, there can be extensive damage to connective tissues as well as the development of degenerative joint disease.
CCL rupture is an incredibly common orthopedic injury in dogs and the most common cause of degenerative joint disease in the knee. It can affect all breeds but is highly prevalent in larger, very active dogs.
Symptoms
- Crackling noise when bones rub against each other, pain when the knee joint is touched
- Aversion to exercise and physical activity
- Decreased range of motion
- Extended hind leg in the sitting position
- Stiffness after exercise
- Swelling
- Inflammation and pain
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your vet will perform a physical examination and obtain a medical history, specifically asking for information about your dog’s injury and lameness. They will test the joints’ range of motion and assess joint stability. These tests require manipulation of the knee and might be done under anesthesia. It can be treated through medical management involving pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. However, surgical treatment is most often recommended and offers a better outcome.
10. Canine Bloat Or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Canine bloat, also called gastric dilation volvulus, affects large, deep-chested breeds like the Rottweiler. This life-threatening condition occurs after the stomach fills too quickly and begins to expand rapidly and twist in on itself. It can be triggered by dogs eating or drinking too fast, pushing air into the stomach, causing it to overfill and then twist. The twisting blocks the blood flow, causing extreme swelling.
Canine bloat is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. It can come on very suddenly and is often fatal.
Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat
- Panting
- Drooling
- Restlessness
- Pale gums
- Dry heaving
- Distended abdomen
- Weak pulse
- Pain
- Sudden anxiety
- Swollen, hard belly
Treatment & Diagnosis
Gastric dilation volvulus is a medical emergency. Dogs require immediate treatment to save their lives, and it often requires very expensive surgery. If caught in the very early stages, it can be treated by non-emergency surgery, IV fluids, and medication. Canine bloat is not a condition that you can treat at home; there are no home remedies that will work. Dogs require medical treatment as soon as possible for the best chance of survival. This will involve an exam, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures.
Recommended Health Tests For Rottweilers
The American Rottweiler Club requires testing and disclosures of hip dysplasia, including an OFA hip certification number, an evaluation of heart health performed by a board-certified cardiologist, an ocular examination through the OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry or a Canine Eye Registry Foundation eye exam performed by an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) doctor. Elbows should be X-rayed at 24 months of age for signs of dysplasia.
Health testing should also include examinations and X-rays for osteochondritis dissecans and DNA tests for degenerative myelopathy.
DNA testing can help identify some health conditions in Rottweilers, including juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy, which is a genetic disorder characterized by the degeneration of nerves. It often leads to laryngeal paralysis and can affect the voice box, as well as polyneuropathy, which can impact nerves throughout the body. This is an inherited condition.
Average Costs For Rottweiler Health Issues
Caring for Rottweilers can be expensive due to their larger size, which means they eat more and are predisposed to some health conditions. Treatment can cost thousands of dollars for some health concerns. According to Fetch pet insurance, the three most common conditions in Rottweilers they cover are vision disorders, hip dysplasia, and bloat or other gastric concerns. Associated costs for these health conditions over a lifetime are as follows:
- Vision disorders: $3,047 – $3,795
- Hip dysplasia: $4,220 – $5,500
- Bloat and other gastric issues: $2,023 – $3,498
Treatment of other conditions can be extremely expensive. For example, osteochondritis dissecans can range from $2,000 to $4,000 or more to treat. Osteosarcoma, bone cancer, can cost upwards of $10,000 for diagnosis and treatment. To treat dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 or more.
How Pet Insurance Can Help
Rottweilers have an average lifespan of eight to 10 years. Unfortunately, they are prone to several health conditions that can be very serious and require extensive treatment. Paying out of pocket is always an option. However, these medical costs can quickly become a burden. Consider getting pet insurance coverage for your Rottweiler to help balance the cost of care.
Pet insurance policies can help cover medical care expenses, and often, the difference may be between providing your dog the best care or only offering what you can afford. Most of the time, pre-existing conditions will not be covered, so it’s important to get coverage for your Rottie when they are young or when you first adopt them as an adult so that you and they get the most benefit. You can learn more about what pet insurance is and what it covers in our comprehensive is pet insurance worth it guide. We also have reviewed the best insurance providers for Rottweilers. You can also utilize our quote form below to help determine the cost of insurance and what your budget can afford.
Ava, a ten-year-old Rottweiler, suffers from seizures, which require regular treatment. Her owners have a Fetch Insurance plan with 80% reimbursement, a $300 deductible, and a $15,000 annual payout limit. Her monthly medication costs $29.93, and her owners pay $5.99. Fetch pays out $23.94, making the treatment much more affordable. You can learn more about Fetch in our individual review. You can also learn more about what causes canine seizures, which can be brought on by epilepsy, an inherited condition, or other neurological issues that can affect all dogs, including Rotties.
Other Health Conditions That Affect Rottweilers
This list is not comprehensive, and owners must be aware of other health conditions Rottweilers are prone to. These include dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood through the lungs and body efficiently. Rottweilers are also prone to von Willebrand disease and Addison’s disease. Other conditions to be aware of are obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, parasites, and allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve answered some of the most often-asked questions about Rottweiler health issues. If I didn’t get to yours, let me know in the comments, and I will find the answer. You can also learn more about dog health conditions, behaviors, and more in the Canine Journal forum.
What Is The Leading Cause Of Death In Rottweilers?
Unfortunately, many Rottweilers succumb to cancer. Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is the most common cause of early death in Rotties. Unfortunately, even though there are treatment options available, bone cancer is hard to beat, especially for a big breed like the Rottie.
Do Rottweilers Have Neurological Issues?
Not generally, but like other breeds, they can be at risk for some rare neurological conditions. Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system. The disease is a recessively inherited condition that causes a slowly worsening gait, dragging of the paws, and lesions on the spinal cord. They can also be susceptible to neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD), which is a degenerative neurological disease that causes tremors and uncoordinated movements as well as involuntary eye movements.
Do All Rottweilers Develop Serious Health Conditions?
No, not every Rottweiler will develop any or all these medical conditions. While they are prone to some, not every dog within the breed will develop these conditions.
What Is The Blood Disorder That Affects Rottweilers?
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder that Rottweilers can develop. It is hereditary and caused by a lack of clotting agents.
If you are adopting a Rottweiler, try to find out as much as you can about the dog, including whether it has ever shown signs of limping or lameness or had episodes of weakness and collapse. This will help you to understand whether your new dog may already have an underlying health complaint. Keeping your Rottweiler at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do, as it will reduce unnecessary pressure on their joints, keeping them healthier and more mobile for longer. It may also reduce their risk of certain cancers. If you are buying a puppy, make sure you purchase them from a reputable breeder with the relevant health screening. This will increase your chances of having a healthy dog.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
A Healthy Diet Helps Keep Your Rottie Healthy
You cannot control your Rottweilers’ genetics or the health conditions they will ultimately develop; however, a healthy diet is the cornerstone of lifelong health. Paired with an active lifestyle and regular veterinary visits, a healthy, balanced diet provides your dog with a solid foundation. This can help their overall well-being, vitality, quality of life, and longevity. We cover the best dog foods for Rottweilers, and you may also want to consider fresh dog food. These all offer above-average nutrition and high-quality fresh ingredients to provide your pup with the best nutrition possible. You can also learn how much to feed your Rottie in our Rottweiler feeding chart.
Caring For Large Dog Breeds
As someone who’s raised larger breeds like Rottweilers and Pitbulls that often carry a big reputation, I know firsthand that it is essential to be aware of the responsibilities of caring for a larger breed like this. They require food that is formulated for their larger size, as well as early training and socialization. This is especially important so they learn appropriate behavior in different situations around other people, children, and animals. Because Rottweilers have a reputation for being an aggressive dog breed, you must ensure they are well-trained and well-behaved. This will keep them, you, and other people safe. Large breeds must have a secure yard, as well as harnesses, leashes, and collars that are strong enough to hold up to their heavier weight and larger size.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle is a lifelong animal advocate and pet parent. She has over 30 years of experience caring for dogs, including those with special medical and behavioral needs. She has personal experience with the Rottweiler breed, including some serious health conditions. Danielle has a particular passion for rescuing animals and has given several a loving home. She is dedicated to providing up-to-date, accurate, and relevant information to help other pet parents give their dogs the best life possible.