If your Rottweiler used to excitedly greet you at the door, he might walk more slowly toward the door, or simply stay where he is.
Your Rottweiler might have a stiff walk first thing in the morning. This initial stiffness usually goes away as the day goes on. [6] X Research source With elbow dysplasia, your Rottweiler will have trouble flexing and extending his front legs, which likely contributes to the paddling action. [7] X Research source
X-rays will help your vet see how much your Rottweiler’s joints have been affected by the dysplasia. Since your Rottweiler may be in a lot of pain, he will need to be sedated for the x-rays. [9] X Research source On an x-ray for hip dysplasia, the top of the femur (thigh bone) does not fit into the hip socket and may have extra bone growth. For elbow dysplasia, your vet would see bone fragments in the joint. [10] X Trustworthy Source American College of Veterinary Surgeons Trade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care. Go to source Realize that joint degeneration and pain do not always go together. For example, a painful dog that can’t walk very well may have only mild joint degeneration. [11] X Research source
Try to walk your Rottweiler on the grass, which provides more cushioning than asphalt. [13] X Research source Avoid high-impact activities, like running and jumping. [14] X Research source Exercise your Rottweiler every day. [15] X Research source Talk with your vet about long each exercise session should be.
If you’ve been feeding him store-bought treats, which tend to be high in fat, switch him to healthy treats or take treats out of his diet entirely. Carrot sticks and orange slices are healthy treats. [16] X Research source Daily exercise will help your Rottweiler lose weight. Weight loss in dogs should be gradual. Your vet can determine your Rottweiler’s ideal weight and how long it should take him to reach that weight.
Omega-3 fatty acids help improve joint health. [19] X Research source Many nutraceuticals are available, but not all of them are high in quality. Ask your vet to recommend high-quality products for your Rottweiler.
Tramadol relieves pain and doesn’t have many side effects. Steroids reduce pain and inflammation but can cause serious side effects, such as weight gain and weakened bones. [21] X Research source Whichever medication your vet prescribes, follow the prescription instructions carefully.
A massage can feel like a little piece of heaven to your Rottweiler. Make the massage area quiet and comfortable. When you massage him, use gentle pressure around his joints. [24] X Research source It may take a while for your Rottweiler to get used to the massage. Be patient as he gets accustomed to you touching him in this way.
When your Rottweiler is not in his bed, you could use heating pads around his joints to warm him up and relieve pain. Wrap the heating pad in a towel to prevent his skin burns. [26] X Research source Limit the use of the heating pad to 15 or 20 minutes.
Several surgical options also exist for hip dysplasia, including total hip replacement or removal of the head (top) of the femur. [29] X Research source Your vet will be able to recommend the ideal surgery for your Rottweiler. Obese dogs typically do not make good candidates for surgery. [30] X Research source If your Rottweiler is obese, your vet may recommend that he lose a certain amount of weight before having surgery. Depending on the complexity of the surgical procedure, your vet may refer you to a veterinary surgeon.
With total elbow replacement, there is a risk of the surgical plate or screws breaking or dislocating. [33] X Research source Your Rottweiler may or may not develop complications after surgery. However, it is good to understand the risks before moving forward with surgical treatment.
Your vet will prescribe pain medications for your Rottweiler after surgery. Your vet will want to see your Rottweiler after surgery to take out his sutures (if necessary) and assess the improvement of the dysplasia.
