Eye Care
Calls related to eye problems are a daily occurrence at animal hospitals. Waiting two weeks to see if an eye problem will clear up could be catastrophic for your Rottie. Glaucoma is one of these conditions that owners wait far too long to diagnose.
A good rule of thumb for all Rott owners is to have any eye condition including squinting or haziness or adjacent tissue (called conjunctiva) problems evaluated by a veterinarian without delay! Ocular problems more common in puppies and dogs are:
- Cataracts - A cataract is any opacity (spot) within a lens of the eye which can cause anywhere between little or no vision blur to complete blindness in the eye.
- Cherry Eye - Cherry eye is the term used for the prolapsed (popped out) gland of the third eyelid. It may occur in one or both eyes usually in puppies and resembles a small cherry.
- Dermoid - a growth on the cornea or conjunctiva which consists of tissue containing glandular and fat tissue and/or hair follicles.
- Dry Eye - The same as in humans, the tears are essential to the dogs comfort. There are various treatments depending on the cause.
- Ectopic Cilia - Caused from single or multiple hairs growing through the inside of the eyelid just millimeters from the eyelid margin, rubbing on the cornea.
- Entropion - The inversion or turning inward of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball.
- Follicular Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis characterized by discrete lymphoid follicles in the conjunctival stroma (mucous membrane that lines the exposed portion of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids).
- Jaundice - The yellowing of the whites of the eye. The causes are various and serious, so see your vet right away.
- Scleritis - This is an inflammation of the sclera (external covering of the eyeball) which is a result from an underlying parasitic disease.
- Watery Eyes - Caused from Entropion (above).
Ear Care
How will you know if your Rottie has an ear infection? When an infection starts, your Rottweiler will shake its head occasionally and/or scratch its ear(s). He may also rubs his head along the floor or ground and walk with his head at an angle. This may rapidly progress to the stage where he is obviously distressed. You should lift your Rottweilers ear and examine (including smell) them for any signs of pus, discoloration or even blood (do not ignore this). Your dog could also be infected with ear mites that move around the inside of his ears and cause discomfort.
If your dog has ear mites, you can use an ear wash available from your vet that will disolve the wax, reduce the bacteria and kill the mites.
For cleaning, never use a cotton swab to clean his ears. This has the same affect as using a ramrod to pack powder down a cannon barrel. You're simply pushing the wax further into the ear. Always use cotton balls instead when cleaning.
Dental Care
Prevention is the best medicine here. Are you regularly brushing your Rottweiler's teeth?
Tartar Build-up
Just like in humans, tartar will build up and push the gums away from the roots of the teeth. This causes the teeth to become weaker. Your Rottie needs strong gums to chew those bones! Regular brushing important to keep it removed.
Injuries
Other problems such as bleeding disorders, tumors or injuries caused from foreign objects in the mouth should be addressed immediately. Look carefully in your dog's mouth for any tell-tale signs.
Some danger signs are:
- Bad Breath - Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and Periodontitis (infection of the ligaments and bones of the teeth) can be a cause.
- Bleeding Gums - Causes can range anywhere from small cuts, to a lodged stick or even a more life threatening bleeding disorder. The most common being Periodontal disease.
- Excessive Drooling - Dogs with gum disease such as tartar and gingivitis, a bad or fractured tooth or a tumor.
- Inflamed Gums - Gingivitis is a common cause that results in redness and swelling. Thorough tartar removing by your vet and daily brushing may correct this reversible disease.
- Loose Teeth - If not from a puppy dog, you should have your pet checked immediately.
- Tooth Discoloration - Have your pet checked. 90% of the time the tooth is either dead (or dying).
Pay attention to your Rottie. Look closely at his eyes, in his ears, inside his mouth while your giving him attention. Remember, he can't tell you when he hurts. He is counting on you to take care of him!