Rottweiler Health Foundation

Rottweiler Health Foundation Mission Statement

To raise money to fund critical research into the genetic, communicable and acquired diseases that plague our beloved breed, the Rottweiler.

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Winter 2008

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SHARED REAL STORIES

My Rottweiler 'Basia'
Dealing with Degenerated/Compressed Vertebrae

Submitted by Marietta Noll on 04/13/03

Photo: Bruno with Basia at 2 years of age babysitting

Bruno (L) and Basia (R) at 2 years of age babysitting

It was approximately three years ago that Bruno and I had to put Basia to sleep. Basia did not pass OFA certification at 2-1/2 so we knew she had hip dysplasia. This came as a surprise as we purchased her from a reputable breeder with a 20-year track record of breeding and only a handful of dysplastic dogs (at least that she was aware of). She guaranteed her dogs would pass OFA certification. We were hoping to show and breed her, but made the decision to do neither.

Basia was always very active. Retrieving the tennis ball and swimming were her favorite sports (guess it was a good thing we lived on a lake). She was about 8 years old when we began noticing her slow to rise. Our vet felt it was her hip dysplasia. She deteriorated very quickly - so much so that we changed vets thinking that there had to be more. Unfortunately, there was - she was suffering from 5 degenerated/compressed vertebrae in her neck and back.

In less than one year she was unable to either stand or walk. We made the difficult decision to forego surgery and have her put to sleep. It was a very sad day for her brother Bruno and our family. We miss her so much!

Bruno is doing fine and is a mellow 12-year old. He doesn't do as much playing or walking as he used to - preferring to sit and watch instead of participate. Bruno has cataracts and quite a few lumps/bumps on his abdomen and sides. So far they have tested negative for cancer - we are keeping our fingers crossed that it stays that way.




Do you have a REAL STORY to share about your Rottweiler? Please email your story, along with photos to the RHF Webmaster Your story may help others going through similar circumstances.