Are you planning on owning a Pitbull soon, or perhaps you already have one? These pups are known for their muscular build, infectious energy, and irresistible charm. But, like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Have you ever wondered – What are the common health issues in Pitbulls? How can you keep them happy and healthy?
Having a pet is not just about playing and loving them. It also means taking care of their health. Knowing the potential Pitbull health issues can help you take better care of your pup and ensure they stay in good condition for longer.
Here are some of the common health concerns for Pitbulls:
① Cerebellar Ataxia
Cerebellar Ataxia is a neurological condition that affects a dog’s balance and coordination. Think of the cerebellum (a part of the brain) as the master puppeteer controlling the graceful movements of a puppet, which in this case is our Pitbull. When the cerebellum isn’t functioning properly due to this condition, our pup might seem clumsy or uncoordinated.
The signs can vary, but dogs with Cerebellar Ataxia might generally have a wobbly, unsteady gait or move their legs in an exaggerated, high-stepping way. They might also show intention tremors, which are shaking movements that happen when they try to do something purposeful, like reaching for a treat.
It’s important to note that while Cerebellar Ataxia can be a bit scary to witness, it doesn’t cause pain to our pups. And although there’s currently no cure, there are ways to manage the symptoms and ensure your Pit bull has a good quality of life. Regular check-ups with the vet, a safe home environment, and lots of love can go a long way!
② Hip Dysplasia
Another health issue about this breed is Hip Dysplasia. It’s an inherited disease where a dog’s hip joint doesn’t form correctly. Picture a ball and socket – in a healthy hip, the ball (the top part of the thigh bone) fits perfectly into the socket (part of the pelvis). But in a dog breed with Hip Dysplasia, the ball, and socket don’t fit together as they should, leading to wear and tear that can cause discomfort and limit movement.
You might notice your Pit bull having difficulty getting up, showing less enthusiasm for activities they usually enjoy or even limping. These could be signs of Hip Dysplasia. Remember, our Pitbulls are tough cookies and may not show pain until the condition has progressed, so it’s important to watch for these subtle changes.
While Hip Dysplasia sounds scary, it’s not the end of the world. Many dogs with this condition lead happy, fulfilling lives with the right management strategies. This might include weight management to reduce strain on the hips, physical therapy, pain relief medications, and in some cases, surgery.
③ Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones play a big role in your Pitbull’s metabolism, so they can affect various bodily functions when they’re in short supply.
Symptoms can vary but often include weight gain without an increased appetite, lethargy, mental dullness, and a dull coat that could lead to hair loss. Your normally energetic Pit bull might seem less interested in play and more interested in nap time.
But here’s the good news – Hypothyroidism is typically manageable with medication that replaces the missing thyroid hormones. Your Pitbull can lead a normal, happy life with the right treatment plan. Regular vet check-ups are key for early detection and management, so make sure those visits are part of your schedule.
④ Heart Disease
Heart disease in Pitbulls can take on various forms, but two of the most common inherited conditions are Aortic Stenosis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Let’s break them down a bit.
Aortic Stenosis refers to a condition where the aortic valve of the heart becomes constricted, making it more challenging for the heart to distribute blood throughout the body.This can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or even fainting during exercise.
On the other hand, Dilated Cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming thin and weak, leading to an enlarged heart that doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as it should. Symptoms can include coughing, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Spotting the signs early can make a big difference, so if you notice any changes in your Pitbull’s behavior, energy levels, or eating habits, it’s worth a trip to the vet. Many dogs with heart conditions can still lead happy lives with proper management, which might include medications, diet adjustments, and certain exercise restrictions.
⑤ Allergies
Pitbulls can experience different types of allergies, such as food, environmental, and contact allergies. Food allergies are often caused by certain proteins, grains, or other ingredients in their diet. Things like pollen, dust, or mold can trigger environmental allergies. And contact allergies? They happen when our pups come into contact with something irritating their skin, like certain fabrics or cleaning products.
If your Pitbull has an allergy, you might notice symptoms like itchy skin, redness, frequent ear infections, or even digestive issues. They might scratch, lick, or chew at their skin more than usual, which could lead to sores or hair loss.
But here’s the good news – once we figure out what’s causing the allergy, there are ways to manage it. For dog food allergies, it could be as simple as switching to a hypoallergenic diet. Environmental allergies might be managed with medications, special shampoos, or even allergy shots. And for contact allergies, the solution might be removing the offending substance from your pup’s environment.
⑥ Demodectic Mange
Demodectic Mange, or red mange, is a skin condition caused by mites. These mites are naturally present in most dogs without causing any issues, but in some cases, like when a dog has an immature immune system, the mite population can increase and lead to problems.
If your Pitbull has Demodectic Mange, you might notice hairless patches, excessively oily skin, redness, inflammation, or even paw swelling. It’s typically diagnosed with a skin scraping test performed by your vet.
Let’s get to the good news: Demodectic Mange is usually quite treatable. Treatment might involve medicated shampoos, creams, or sometimes oral medications, depending on the severity of the condition. With proper care, most dogs recover well.
⑦ Obesity
Obesity in dogs is pretty much like obesity in humans. It happens when our pups take in more calories than they burn, leading to excessive weight gain. While a little extra fluff might seem cute, it can strain our Pitbull’s joints, heart, and other organs, leading to various health issues.
If your Pitbull is becoming obese, you might notice that they’re less active, have trouble moving around, or even struggle with basic activities like climbing stairs or jumping onto their favorite spot on the couch. They may also seem to be constantly hungry, even if they’re eating regularly.
However, obesity is entirely preventable and manageable. The key is a balanced diet and regular exercise. Ensure your Pitbull eats a nutritious diet in appropriate portions and gets plenty of playtimes and walks to burn off those calories. If you need clarification on what constitutes a healthy weight for your pup, your vet can provide guidance based on your dog’s age, breed, and overall health.
⑧ Epilepsy
Epilepsy in dogs is essentially a neurological disorder that can cause uncontrolled seizures. This happens because of abnormal activity in the brain, and it can be quite unsettling to witness.
If your Pitbull has epilepsy, you might notice episodes where they suddenly fall over, stiffen up, salivate excessively, or seem to be paddling their legs. These are known as seizures. Some dogs might also appear confused or disoriented after a seizure.
While epilepsy can’t be cured, it can be managed with the right treatment. That typically involves medication to control the seizures. With regular vet visits and consistent medication, many dogs with epilepsy can lead relatively normal lives.
⑨ Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is an inherited eye disease that can, unfortunately, lead to blindness in dogs. This happens because of a slow degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina, which are crucial for normal vision.
If your Pitbull has PRA, you might notice them bumping into furniture or having difficulty navigating in low light conditions, even in familiar places. Their eyes may also reflect light strangely, giving them a shiny or glowing appearance.
While the thought of our furry friends losing their sight can be heartbreaking, it’s important to remember that dogs are incredibly resilient. Even if they lose their vision, they can still lead happy lives with extra help from us. There’s no cure for PRA, but with early detection, there are ways to slow its progression. Regular vet check-ups and genetic testing can be beneficial in this regard.
⑩ Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition in dogs. It happens when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy or opaque, which can eventually interfere with normal vision.
If your Pitbull has cataracts, you might notice them bumping into furniture or having difficulty navigating in low light conditions, even in familiar places. They may also start to squint more than usual or tilt their head when trying to get a better view. In some cases, their eyes may also take on an opaque, milky appearance.
Fortunately, cataracts can be treated with surgery. The clouded lens is removed during the operation and replaced with a new artificial one. Most dogs recover well from the procedure with proper care and follow-up appointments. And if you act fast, the outlook is even better – catching and treating cataracts early on can prevent your pup from losing sight.
⑪ Gastric Dilatation – Volvulus
Gastric Dilatation: Volvulus, or GDV for short, is a serious condition that can affect some dog breeds, like Pit bulls. It happens when the stomach swells up with gas and then twists itself, blocking off the blood supply and causing shock.
If your Pitbull has GDV, you might notice them panting excessively, having difficulty breathing, or even vomiting. You may also notice their stomach appearing abnormally bloated or enlarged.
Thankfully, GDV is treatable with proper medical care. The most common treatment is surgery to untwist the stomach and remove any fluid buildup. Afterward, your pup may need to be hospitalized for a few days while they recover. With the right care, most dogs make a full recovery from GDV.
It’s also important to note that GDV is preventable in some cases. If your pup tends to eat too quickly or gulp down large volumes of air while eating, it’s best to use feeding accessories like slow feeders or elevated food bowls to reduce their risk.
⑫ Ichthyosis
Have you noticed strange, scaly patches of skin on your pup? It might be a condition called Ichthyosis. This disorder affects the outer layer of the skin, leading to dryness and flaky scales that can sometimes even resemble fish scales (hence the name).
If your Pitbull has Ichthyosis, you might notice them scratching or biting a lot at their skin, especially during the winter months. You may also notice flaky scales resembling dandruff or scabs on their underside and other areas with less fur.
The good news is that Ichthyosis can be managed with proper care and treatment. Usually, this involves regular baths to keep the skin moisturized and free of bacteria, as well as medicated shampoos and other topical treatments. With the right routine care, your pup can live a happy and comfortable life despite its condition.
⑬ Dental Disease
Due to their high protein diet and strong jaw, they have a predisposition towards dental problems. It is reported that around 80% of Pitbulls suffer from dental diseases by the time they reach the age of three!
Pitbulls’ most common dental problems are broken teeth, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. These dental issues can lead to severe pain, discomfort, and infection in your pet’s mouth. Not only that, but it could also lead to further complications in other parts of their bodies, such as the heart or liver.
In order to help prevent dental issues, it’s important to brush your Pitbull’s teeth regularly and provide them with chew toys. It would be best if you also took them for regular check-ups at the vet to ensure their teeth are healthy. If necessary, your vet may recommend a professional cleaning or tooth extraction to keep your pup in good shape.
Another important aspect to consider is your pet’s diet. It’s recommended that you avoid feeding your Pitbulls sugary treats and stick to a more protein-based diet to maintain their dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do American Pitbull Terriers and Blue Nose Pitbull have the same health issues?
A: While American Pit Bull Terriers and Blue Nose Pitbulls share some of the same health concerns, they can also have different issues. For example, while both breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and dental disease, American Pit Bull Terriers may be more prone to allergies and skin conditions like Ichthyosis. It’s important to note that every individual pup will have different needs, so it’s best to consult your vet about what health concerns could arise in your particular pup.
Q: Do I need pet health insurance for my Pitbull?
A: Pet health insurance can be a great option if you’re looking to reduce costs for potential veterinary bills. Just make sure that your plan covers the specific health concerns that could apply to your pup. For example, if they have a greater chance of developing certain conditions due to their breed, looking for an insurance plan that covers those particular issues is important.
Q: Can skin infections like Ichthyosis be prevented in Pitbulls?
A: Unfortunately, some skin conditions like Ichthyosis cannot be prevented. However, you can take steps to help manage the condition and reduce its symptoms. This includes regular baths with medicated shampoos, keeping your pup’s coat well-groomed, and avoiding allergens that could worsen their condition. You should also consult your vet to ensure you’re taking the right steps to manage your pup’s condition.
Q: How do the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club help keep Pitbulls healthy?
A: The American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC) are responsible for setting breed standards and maintaining the health of purebred dogs. Both organizations strive to keep all breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, healthy. They provide resources on their websites, such as health testing, to help breeders and owners ensure the health of their dogs. They also host events and confirmation shows that promote good health in all breeds.
Q: What behavioral changes should I look out for if my Pitbull is sick?
A: If your pup is sick, it may experience various behavioral changes. These can include decreased appetite or energy levels, increased anxiety and aggression, and difficulty sleeping. They may also ignore commands or become clingy, which could be signs of an underlying medical issue. It’s important to keep an eye on any changes in behavior so you can seek professional help if needed.
Final Words
So, as you can see, owning a pitbull comes with its own set of health issues. However, this does not mean you should avoid adopting one of these loving and loyal canines. In fact, as a responsible pet owner, it is important to be aware of the potential health problems that your pitbull may face so that you can be proactive in preventing and addressing any issues.
And remember, you’re not alone in this. Your vet is always there to guide you and provide the best care for your furry friend. After all, our Pitbulls aren’t just pets; they’re family and deserve the best we can give them.
