Now that you rottweiler has all its shots, and is free of parasites, let's discuss genetic issues common in rottweilers

Entropian and Ectropian -This is a condition where the eyelids can roll inward or outward. This is not a dangerous condition but can be irritating to your dog, causing an increase in eye drainage. It also disqualifies your rotty from being shown in AKC conformation competition.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA)-PRA ia a family of approximately 30 individual but related eye diseases that can eventually lead to blindness.

Your rottweiler's eyes should be evaluated at your annual exam. Theese are inherted diseases that usually develope later in life

Gastric Dilation Volvulus or bloat-Bloat is a common condition that happens when the stomach swells due to gas and or liquid. This can become a serious condition should the stomach rotate. If this happens, obstruction can occur which can lead to improper blood flow in abdomen veins. When there is not proper blood flow, you run the risk of the abdomen wall dying.

You can help prevent bloat by monitoring your rotty's food and water intake. Also allow your dog plenty of time to diget. If you notice your dog having non productive belching and or retching, constant salivationa, or respitory distress, consult your vet.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia-Theese two are the most common genetically passed orthopedic diseases in dogs. Basically there is a malformation of the hip and elbow jointsleading to partial or complete dislocation. In addition to dislocation, it will also cause inflamation, pain, and cartilage damage. Ultimately this can lead to Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. All of this is irreversible.

Rottweilers ranked 7th in breeds most subsistent to dysplasia. The numbers have gone down in years, mainly because responsible breeders and owners are making sure to score their dogs. The OFA will score your dog as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, or severe dysplasia. Dogs scored with any type of dysplasia should never be breed.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans- (OCD)-This disease causes growing cartilage to turn into bone. Damage is caused because the overthickened and hardened cartilage is located in high stress areas, causing cracks which can tear the cartilage. This forms a flap which can either remain attatched to the bone or will disconnect and float around in the joint. This will lead to arthritis, lameness, and pain

Von Willebrand's Disease-This is one of the most common blood disorders affecting over 60 purebreeds. The genetic defect prevents blood plateletes from functioning correctly. Blood cannot clot completely and bleeding will continue. The severity of this disease ranges from mild to severe. If your rotty is due for surgury, have your vet do a complete blood work up. If your dog tests positive for the fault and is due for surgury, your vet will be better prepared for the particular needs your dog may have

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis- SAS (also referred to as subaortic stenosis) is the most common form of congenital heart disease in canines. It is the result of a buildup of tissue that restricts proper blood flow just below the aortic valve. When this happens, pressure builds and the heart has to work harder to force blood through the narrow opening. This can cause the left ventricle to outstrip its blood supply, thus leading to an abnormal heart beat or murmur. SAS cases can range anywhere from very mild to fatal. An outward normal dog may be fine one moment and literally drop dead the next.

In a survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania vetrinarian hospital, Rottweilers were determined to be the third highest breed diagnosed with SAS. They're seven times more likely to develope SAS than a mixed breed.

Cancer-It is thought by many owners, breeders, and vets that rottweilers show a much higher cancer rate than other breeds. When a study was conducted on vetrinarian hospitals' general populations, rottweilers were presented with cancer at the highest rate. The three primary cancers appearing are Lymphomas, Osteosarcomas, and Malignant Histiocytic Tumors.

Malignant Histiocytic Tumors-Cancer of the blood system that can also occur in the spleen, liver, lungs, and other organs.

Osteosarcomas-Cancer that appears in the wrist or the joints of the paws. Even when treated, it usually reappears in the lungs.

Lymphomas-Cancer that appears in the Lymphnodes located in the hauches, neck, armpits, and shoulders.