Advice needed for one of our "children"...

berlyak3 · 01-02-2007, 09:49 PM

Hello to all, this is the first time that I have ever tried to "chat" and I am doing so to try to understand our poor sick 6 year old German Rottweiler. Ojo is 120 lbs., so has always been "slower" at the dog park, but yesterday she seemed to have a kink in her neck that then spread to "optional" paralysis - I mean she will not move or stand on her legs! We, of course, rushed her to the vet's and they x-rayed her and she has calcium deposits in between some of her vertabrae! Has anyone else heard of this? They are trying shots every 4 days and prednisone - but that is really the only thing we can try

- she is absolutely the sweetest dog and has not complained once, not even when my husband has to carry her from spot to spot...any advice would be so welcome, thank you.

Dogged · 01-02-2007, 11:40 PM

Most likely what this is is disc problem in her neck, and she needs to be on anti-inflammatories, which is what Prednisone is. Hopefuly that will take care of it, but it depends on how bad it is. Is there true paralysis? Or does she just not want to move? Is she on any pain medication? This is usually a very painful thing, and I would want my dog on pain medication or muscle relaxants too. If there is true paralysis, you need more than just oral prednisone at home, and response to the proper treatment is time sensitive.

Be sure to keep her confined so she is calm and not moving around too much, and don't let her jump on and off of things like the couch, or going up and down stairs.

britishbandit · 01-03-2007, 03:22 AM

Wow, I hope she feels better soon!

I don't mean this to be rude, but no female Rottweiler should weigh 120lbs, that's crazy. She's either gotta be very overweight, or not pure. I'm hoping it's not that she's overweight, cause that won't be doing her health any good either.

berlyak3 · 01-03-2007, 07:06 AM

I will call the vet today and ask about pain meds or muscle relaxers, this shot that we are doing every four days is called Chondroprotec PSG. I just want her to be comfortable until we can see if she is going to walk again. She is being kept as comfy as she can - we have a 16 week old rottweiler that cannot understand why she cannot hang all over Ojo, so I might need the muscle relaxers before this is all done...

And for the weight typo - she weighs 102 pounds - which yes, is alot for a female - her dad weighed 165 (tank rottweiler) and her mom weighed 115 - plus most of her weight seems to be in her fur (ha!) - sorry for the typo, trying to type between tears is rough.

Thanks for answering my emails, I will keep searching for information.

cshellenberger · 01-03-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by britishbandit

Wow, I hope she feels better soon!

I don't mean this to be rude, but no female Rottweiler should weigh 120lbs, that's crazy. She's either gotta be very overweight, or not pure. I'm hoping it's not that she's overweight, cause that won't be doing her health any good either.

????? I've seen plenty of female Rotties at 120 and perfectly healthy AND purebred. Alot would depend on her how tall she is.

britishbandit · 01-03-2007, 01:37 PM

If they are bred to standard, they shouldn't be tall, a Rottweiler is a medium/large breed dog, they aren't supposed to be huge. Males obviously weigh more, and 120lbs is more common for males, typically females are between 85 and 105lbs.

If you've seen plenty of 120lb female Rotties, then you havn't seen well bred ones...LOL.

Curbside Prophet · 01-03-2007, 03:13 PM

This is ripped from the American Rottweiler Club's web site on characteristics and temperment...

"The Rottweiler is a medium-large, powerful dog. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. On average, males will range from 95 to 135 lbs and 24" to 27" at the shoulder. They are more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches will range from 80 to 100 lbs and from 22" to 25" at the shoulder. Animals can be found which are taller or shorter than these measurements, however, they are not considered typical by the breed standard. The Rottweiler is ALWAYS black, with clearly defined markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes, that range from tan to deep mahogany. His coat is straight, coarse and of medium length, with an undercoat varying in degree based on climatic conditions. The Rottweiler is a calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent desire to protect home and family. Personality may range from highly affectionate to extremely aloof. He is not shy nor highly excitable. He is an intelligent and highly trainable dog. He is also very much a companion, often following their family members from room to room in the home. Because of his size and strength, it is imperative that he receive proper socialization and obedience training from an early age. Nervous, shy, excitable or hyperactive individuals are exhibiting traits which are undesirable in an animal the size and strength of the Rottweiler and should be avoided."