Dysplasia is a severe and potentially crippling disease common to large breeds of dogs including the Rottweiler. It is genetically transferred and pups born to parents who have been diagnosed with dysplasia show a greater propensity to having the disease themselves.
Dysplasia is a form of arthritis caused by a genetic defect that allows for a mismatch or malformation of the joints of the hip and elbow. Though it is passed through genetic material from parent to child, environmental factors do play a part in the severity and onset of the disease.
There are two types of dysplasia common in Rottweilers: hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia and both are considered multifactoral; that is they are caused both by a genetic predisposition and environment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dysplasia
It is best to diagnose hip dysplasia as early as possible, since the younger the dog is at the time of diagnosis the better their chance at having the problem surgically corrected. However, it is nearly impossible to diagnose puppies with hip dysplasia except in the most severe cases. For the most part, a dog must be at least two years old in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
For hip dysplasia younger dogs have several surgical options. While each of these options can be relatively expensive and can cost thousands of dollars, surgery for hip dysplasia has achieved great results and is worth every penny you would have to pay. My personal recommendation is a total hip replacement, but the best options for your dog should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Older dogs with hip dysplasia are generally given anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy as their advanced age generally makes major surgery too risky to attempt. The medications and therapy are still an effective method to manage the disease and the associated pain. Padded beds are another way to ensure your older dog’s comfort.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has launched and continues to maintain a registry of Hip Dysplasia that serves as both a diagnostic service and a registry of the hip status of dogs of all breeds, including the Rottweiler. Each set of x-rays is evaluated by no less than three veterinary radiologists and are subsequently assigned to a hip status group of Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild Dysplasia, Moderate Dysplasia or Severe Dysplasia.
Only dogs 24 months of age or older are eligible, but those receiving an evaluation grade of Excellent, Good or Fair are then assigned an OFA Breed Registry Number. This serves as a good way to reduce the occurrence and spread of hip dysplasia and responsible Rottweiler breeders will not breed dogs without and OFA Registry clearance.
Before you purchase a Rottweiler puppy, ask for a copy of the OFA certificate. Keep in mind however that an OFA certificate is not an absolute guarantee that your dog will not later be diagnosed with dysplasia. After all, this disease can not only skip a generation, it can also be affected by environmental factors such as over feeding, over exercise and injury, especially when your Rottweiler is young.
