Now Open!!
Like Us on Facebook!
New Clients
New Client Registration Form. Print it, fill it out and bring to your first visit.  Registration Form
|
|
|
|
Rottweiler - Specific Wellness Program |
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis, Enteritis, and Enterocolitis
About the condition:
- This is a chronic inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, small intestine only, or small intestine and colon.
- These are various forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
How to detect this condition:
- Signs include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, change in appetite, and/or weight loss.
- An endoscopic biopsy of the lining of the stomach and/or intestinal tract is required for diagnosis.
Immunological Conditions
Susceptibility to Parvovirus
About the condition:
- Parvovirus is mainly transmitted via the feces of infected dogs. It is stable in the environment, therefore can exist for long periods of time. The virus can contaminate inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing, thus can be transmitted indirectly from one dog to another. It is believed that Rottweilers are more susceptible to infection by parvovirus. Puppies and young dogs are also more susceptible to infection.
How to detect this condition:
- Symptoms of infection can vary, but the most common signs include severe vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, some dogs have a fever, a lack of appetite, and seem lethargic. It is important that if your pet experiences any of these symptoms, that they are seen as soon as possible. A simple blood test can be performed to determine whether parvovirus infection is the cause of the symptoms.
How to prevent this condition:
- Vaccination is key in preventing parvovirus infection. The DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza combination) vaccination is highly recommended to be given yearly. Puppies should be given a series of four vaccination boosters beginning at 8 weeks of age and every three weeks until the series is complete.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
About the condition:
- The cruciate ligaments in the knee connect the tibia and femur (the bones of the hind legs) and allow the knee to flex as a hinged joint. Severe twisting of the knee can cause these ligaments to rupture, often during exercise or in overweight dogs.
How to detect this condition:
- If your pet suddenly begins limping or is unable to bear weight on it's leg, please schedule an exam with us. We will be able to determine whether your pet has ruptured it's cruciate ligament by a physical examination and/or x-rays.
Hip Dysplasia
About the condition:
- Caused by various deformities of the hip along with the development of degenerative joint disease.
- Nutrition and exercise can help in prevention.
How to detect this condition:
- It is important to have x-rays taken to find any deformities or degeneration of the hip joints. This is recommended at the time of spaying/neutering (or at age 2 for breeding dogs) and then again later as your pet ages to monitor progression.
Neoplastic Conditions
Primary Bone Tumors (most commonly Osteosarcoma)
About the condition:
- The absolute cause of malignant (capable of spreading to other parts of the body) bone tumors is still unknown, but it is known that genetics may be a factor in the development of these tumors. These tumors most likely occur in the bones of the extremities in large breed dogs.
How to detect this condition:
- The most common symptom of this condition is limping. If you notice that your pet begins limping, we recommend that they be seen for an examination. X-rays will most likely be recommended to determine the cause of limping.
This list is not intended to cover all possible diseases and/or conditions found in Rottweilers, but instead lists those that we have found to be most common at Hillside Animal Hospital. Please let us know if you have further questions regarding these or any other conditions.
Wellness Recommendations
We recommend six month wellness exams for the life of your pet since they age so much faster than humans do. Frequent visits allow us to discuss recent changes, detect potential problems, tailor diagnostic recommendations, and initiate therapy that will benefit your pet long term.
|
|
Your Pet’s Age in Years
|
|
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
|
Rottweiler
|
|
14
|
22
|
29
|
34
|
40
|
45
|
50
|
55
|
61
|
66
|
72
|
77
|
82
|
88
|
93
|
|
|
|
|
Numbers within the chart are your pet's age in human years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Juvenile
|
|
Adult
|
|
Senior
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A series of wellness consultations and vaccines are required as a puppy develops. Problems can be addressed early based on a breed's disposition. Early findings may dictate the path of future wellness.
The primary wellness consultation is scheduled for routine vaccines, the first line of prevention. The second wellness consultation is meant for vaccine boosters and basic wellness blood work. Wellness blood work is essential in early detection and treatment of medical conditions. Each consultation allows us to spend time with you to discuss any changes that may have occurred as your pet ages and make recommendations accordingly. Factors such as size, sex, age, lifestyle, and breed will dictate a patient's recommendations. Radiographs may be recommended for some patients as baseline evaluations for future comparisons.
Adult wellness blood work includes a basic chemistry (8), a complete blood count, and a heartworm test. We recommend evaluating wellness blood work annually for the lifetime of the pet.
With senior patients, each wellness consultation is for routine vaccines and boosters, along with a physical examination. Changes for seniors can be subtle, so maintaining a healthy senior pet requires an owner's observations along with twice a year physical examinations to evaluate these changes. The doctors recommend annual comprehensive wellness blood work and urinalysis for all of our seniors. Doctors rely on blood and urine tests to provide important information about a pet's health to determine appropriate therapy. Radiographs may also be recommended as these changes occur to again ensure appropriate therapy.
Senior wellness blood work includes a comprehensive chemistry (25), a complete blood count, thyroid hormone level, urinalysis, and a heartworm test. Depending on medications, some prescriptions require frequent blood monitoring in addition to routine wellness.
|
|
|
FAX: 480-551-1738
Full Fusion