Bloat - Gastric dilation, otherwise known as bloat, is a disorder of the digestive system characterized by expansion of the stomach with gas or frothy material (dilation). The stomach will not empty normally and it is difficult for food to advance into the intestines, or reverse its direction as vomit.
Dilation can be followed by a rotation of the stomach, called volvulus, which closes both entry to and exit from the stomach, so that relief to the distended state is not possible. This rotation compresses one of the major veins carrying blood to the heart, severely depressing normal blood circulation. This can quickly lead to shock and death.
Bloat primarily affects deep-chested, mature members of large breeds, but it also has been reported in smaller dogs. More cases are reported between April and August, when dogs are likely to be more active. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if you notice your dog's abdomen swelling, or if he has abnormal pain in this area. Suggested precautions to decrease chances of bloat are as follows:
Do not allow your dog to become overweight.
Feed several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
If you have more than one dog, feed the dogs individually in a quiet place to help calm eager eaters who may swallow a lot of air.
Do not feed your dog immediately before or after vigorous exercise.
Sudden diet changes can trigger gastric upsets.
Change a dog's diet gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Begin with a small amount of the new food and gradually increase the amount each day.
Be alert to symptoms such as abdominal swelling and unproductive vomiting.
Entropion or ectropion, is a deformity of the eyelid, which causes severe eye irritation and chronic conjunctivitis. Surgery is usually recommended to remedy either condition.
HD or hip dysplasia is a painful arthritic condition caused by a deformation of the hip joint. It may be accidental but is most often hereditary. Symptoms are characterized by pain and limping on one or both sides, difficulty sitting or standing from a down position and an unsteady gait. Treatment may entail surgical removal of the femoral head a shortening of ligaments or muscles to hold the femoral head in place or reconstructive or replacement surgery or natural supplements. We have found the natural supplements to be of great help.
Heart conditions - there are several types of heart conditions which may affect Rottweilers and each must be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian, preferably a cardiac specialist. Symptoms of heart disease include: shortness of breath, retention of water (edema), coughing after exertion and lethargy.
OCD or Osteochondrosis dissecans usually affects growing puppies between four and twelve months and typically affects the shoulder joint. Stress caused by over activity and weakness causes the cartilage to separate form the long bones, sometimes chipping into the joint requiring surgical removal. Treatment involves restricting activity or confinement. Cruciate, the cruciate ligaments, which stabilize the knee joint, may become ruptured under great stress or over activity. It nearly always requires surgical repair and symptoms include lameness in a hind limb, which is held abnormally straight with the toes pointed straight to the ground.
Thyroid many Rottweilers suffer from an underactive thyroid gland. This gland in the neck affects the dog's metabolism. Symptoms of an under active thyroid include: obesity, lethargy, thinning coat, drooping eyelids, irregular heat cycles and mental dullness. This condition is easily treated with a daily hormone tablet that is given for the rest of the dog's life.
Be aware of the dog's stool, check the color as indications might warrant a veterinarian exam.
Consult your regular veterinarian if you suspect problems.
