Pet Insurance For Rottweilers: A Good Idea?

With a powerful build and a watchful gaze, the Rottweiler is a dog breed that commands respect. Descended from ancient Roman cattle dogs, these loyal companions have a rich history of guarding and herding. But as with any purebred dog, the Rottweiler is prone to certain health conditions, which is why pet insurance for Rottweilers is such a good idea!

Common Rottweiler Health Issues and Costs to Treat

Though strong and bold in stature, Rotties are more susceptible to genetic health issues than mixed-breed dogs. It’s important for pup parents to understand these health risks, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and the potential cost of treatment.

With this in mind, let’s look at some of the most common health issues for Rottweilers:

Hip Dysplasia

Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic diseases that affects dogs of all sizes, including the Rottie. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the hip joints to develop abnormally, leaving the pup with mobility issues. 

Pups that develop hip dysplasia will show a variety of signs and symptoms, based on the severity of the condition. Some pups can show signs as early as four months old, while others may not show any until they have reached middle age or older. 

Limping is the most noticeable sign seen in most cases. Pup parents may also notice a loss of muscle mass in one or both thighs as well as a reluctance to jump and play. You may also notice your pup has developed an odd walk and is slower getting up after a nap.

Hip dysplasia can be expensive to treat. Mild cases may find relief with some lifestyle changes and pain medications. But more severe cases require surgery. The cost can range between $1,500 and $3,000 per hip but go even higher based on your geographic location and the quality of the surgeon.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

OCD typically affects dogs in the knee, ankle, and spine. Small cracks in the cartilage eventually lead to a separation of the cartilage into the joint. The result is the joint is no longer able to glide smoothly and pain and stiffness for your pup.

As with hip dysplasia, the main symptom of OCD will be limping in one or both hind limbs. The pup may also have trouble rising after a nap and also develop an odd gait that has been characterized as “slinky.”

Treatment of OCD almost always involves surgery, which can range between $2,000 and $4,000. Those pups who are not good candidates for surgery will most likely require lifelong pain medications. This in and of itself can get expensive over the long run, costing anywhere from $30 to $100 a month.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is an inherited cardiovascular condition that typically affects large breed dogs. Dogs born with this condition have an aorta that is too narrow. This causes their heart to have to work harder to pump newly oxygenated blood throughout their body. 

Symptoms of this condition will vary based on the severity of the narrowing. Dogs with only a mild narrowing may show absolutely no signs, while others may suffer serious complications due to the limited outflow of blood from the heart.

Pups with this condition may have fainting spells, poor growth and an intolerance to exercise or play. Then there are those dogs who do not show any of these main symptoms but will experience secondary effects of an overworked/enlarged heart. These signs include coughing, difficulty breathing, and an abnormal heart rhythm. 

Sadly, sudden death is another possible outcome for these patients.

Unfortunately, there are limited treatments for this disease. Though surgery has proven successful in human patients, the somewhat dangerous surgeries are not yet considered to be worth the extreme risk. The main treatment by vets is to reduce the impact of the heart’s work overload. This usually means exercise restriction and beta blockers to reduce blood pressure as the blood exits the heart.

Cost to treat this condition is a bit hard to pinpoint. While beta blockers are affordable, echocardiograms, which are required for periodic evaluations throughout the pup’s life, can cost as much as $600 a pop.

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of Rottweiler health conditions, it gives pup parents a good idea of the potential costs they could face down the road.

Finding the Right Pet Insurance for Rottweilers

Now that you know why pet insurance for Rotties is so important, it’s important to discuss how to select the right policy. If you choose the wrong plan for your pup, you could find your Rottie’s illness isn’t covered and you’re left paying the bill. 

Your first step is to look for a provider that has no limitations on genetic or hereditary illnesses. Read the fine print and pick up the phone if you have to to be certain you understand all exclusions.

Also, look for companies that offer flexible options that allow you to choose the best coverage that fits your personal budget. This means you can choose what your reimbursement rate and deductible is. And make sure the company isn’t charging extra for cancer coverage or hip dysplasia. 

Get Multiple Quotes in Seconds

Pup parents can find a comprehensive accident and illness plan for as little as $35 a month. This can vary based on where you live and the deductible and reimbursement rate you choose. 

Don’t let a sudden limp turn into an expensive pre-existing condition. Get a quick quote today and peace of mind.

References:

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/rottweiler
2. http://www.therottweilerclub.co.uk/health.html

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.