Rottweiler: health conditions to watch
Rottweilers are confident, powerful and devoted dogs. Their size and build mean the joints and, sadly, a raised cancer risk are the main things to watch — and keeping them lean protects a great deal.
What to watch in a Rottweiler
A predisposition is a “worth knowing”, not a diagnosis. Most Rottweilers never develop these — but knowing the early signs means you can act early.
Cancer (General)
Learn about Cancer (General) →Rottweilers have a notable lifetime cancer risk, including bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in the limbs; persistent lameness or a firm swelling on a leg deserves prompt investigation.
Join the Cancer (General) community →Cruciate Ligament Disease
Learn about Cruciate Ligament Disease →Knee ligament rupture is common in this heavy, athletic build; sudden hindlimb lameness is the classic sign.
Join the Cruciate Ligament Disease community →Hip Dysplasia
Learn about Hip Dysplasia →A recognised breed risk; hip-scored parents lower the odds, and early signs in a young dog (bunny-hopping, stiffness) are worth acting on.
Osteoarthritis
Learn about Osteoarthritis →That joint loading means arthritis can arrive with age; keeping them lean and fit is the single biggest protection.
Join the Osteoarthritis community →Start here
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Looking after a Rottweiler
- Buy from hip- and elbow-scored parents
- Get persistent limb lameness or any firm limb swelling checked promptly
- Keep them lean to protect the joints
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