Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Dr. Julie
Rottweiler genetic testing is rapidly improving in modern laboratories, with new tests undertaken daily to help diagnose inherited diseases.
Rottweilers are tough-looking, stocky, and powerful on the outside, but they encounter more issues than the other breeds when it comes to health problems.
It is, therefore, essential to buy a Rottie from reputable breeders that test their specimens for any hereditary disorders. Any breeding specimens that test positive for congenital disorders must be eliminated from the breeding pool. This majorly lowers the chances of encountering any genetic disorders when breeding Rottweilers.
However, it is good to know that even in healthy dogs, health issues can arise. Here are some of the most common Rottweiler genetic diseases faced by this breed.
Table of Contents
Why Insuring The Health Of Your Rottweiler Is Essential Even With The Genetic Testing
As we will see, Rottweilers are prone to specific problems and disorders than other breeds meaning you will need to go to the vet regularly. Getting good pet health insurance is paramount if you plan to rear this breed and do not want to incur any surprises when you visit the vet.
It is best to start as early as when you get your Rottie as a puppy. Don’t wait to learn about it the hard way when your Rottie is already in hospital or has spent too much money. There are many pet health insurance companies you can shop around for before settling on the best.
What Diseases Are Rottweilers Prone To That Can Be Corrected Through Rottweiler Genetic Testing?
The health problems listed below are the most common ones you are likely to see in a Rottweiler. Of course, you will not see all of them in each Rottweiler; instead, these statistics show what health issues this breed suffers.
Orthopedic Problems In Rottweilers
Rottweilers are more exposed to certain orthopedic conditions because they are large dogs. Obesity adds extra strain to this breed, so do your best to keep your Rottie in perfect condition. Provide it with the required exercises each day to keep it moving around to beat any chances of obesity. Feed it with the proper nutrients in the right portions to keep it fit.
Learn more about: Do You Know What Is A Dewclaw? – A Deeper Study
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tear
A torn CCL is a significant cause of the rear-leg limping in most Rottweilers. The affected ones show signs of instability in the knee, which is accompanied by swelling and pain. It is common to see the dog assume a toe-touching posture after injury. Fixing a torn CCL is expensive, and even surgery does not save the dog from developing debilitating arthritis.
Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disorder, which is common in large and giant dog breeds. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), in America, 20.2% of Rottweilers had HD from 1974 to 2015.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hipbone and socket bones do not align as is the norm causing severe pain and debilitation. Responsible dog breeders only start their breeding processes once they have received clearance from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals that takes Rottweiler genetic testing seriously.
Diagnosis of the HD is obtained after reviewing the hip x-rays and classifying the hips under the categories – Good, Excellent, Fair, Borderline, or Mild Dysplasia, Moderate Dysplasia, and Severe Dysplasia.
Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the elbow. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, about 36.7% of Rottweilers had dysplastic elbows from 1974 to 2015.
Just s in the case of hip dysplasia, the OFA can either certify dogs for elbow dysplasia or fail to. Responsible breeders always test their breeding specimens for this disorder, breeding only those with zero margins of Dysplasia joints problem.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
This occurs because of developmental abnormality of the cartilage, a protective layer covering the ends of bones that articulate with one another. It causes similar symptoms as those of arthritis.
The causes of this abnormality range from genetics to rapid growth, as seen in giant breeds, poor nutrition, and hormone imbalances.
As a dog owner, it’s critical to know that Rottweiler puppies do not grow too quickly. They must therefore prevent any cases of overfeeding their puppies to avoid this developmental problem. Avoid giving any supplements that have added calcium. Feed your puppy with a large-breed puppy diet.
Rottweilers are particularly predisposed to OCD affecting the hock joint located at the back leg below the knee. This suggests that there has to be a genetic component at work.
Panosteitis
Pano is a disorder that affects large breed dogs for even 18 months. It is also known as growing pains. The causes of this disease are unknown. However, there may be chances it can be due to bacteria, nutrition, or genetics; no wonder the need for Rottweiler genetic testing. Affected dogs develop lameness that typically shifts from one leg to the other. Occasionally dogs may also develop a fever.
Conclusion
Any abnormal symptom might be a sign of severe disease or just a minor or temporary problem. The most critical thing is to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently you need it.
Many diseases cause dogs to have a combination of symptoms that can be a clear signal that your Rottweiler needs help. That’s why the vet’s advice comes in handy when you don’t know what to do, and you don’t want to diagnose wrongly.
DNA testing is rapidly advancing in America, which is something to marvel about. The Rottweiler genetic testing ensures that only the best breeds are bred. They can constantly take new tests and emerge with the help of diagnosing inherited diseases before they become a big problem. Genesis4pets.com is a site that has updated information on genetic testing and other screening tests available.
Your Rottweiler counts on you to take good care of him. You can’t do so if you don’t know the threats surrounding him and how to protect him. Get all the information you need to grow a healthy Rottie before you bring in your puppy.
Don’t get it twisted; just because we have laid down the health problems that affect this breed doesn’t mean it’s a lousy breed to adopt. No, this breed is actually among the most popular and common in many homes. This is because most pet owners have the know-how to raise this dog, ensuring minimal health issues.