Top 5 Health Issues for Pit Bulls

Pit Bull Terriers are celebrated for their strength, loyalty, and loving nature. They’re a favorite here at our hospital, and we’re dedicated to helping you keep your Pit Bull healthy and thriving for many years. These athletic and affectionate dogs are strong, but they can be prone to certain breed-specific health concerns that every responsible owner should know about. 

Here are the top five health issues we frequently encounter in Pit Bull Terriers and how we can work together to detect them early: 

1. Bone & Joint Issues 

Pit Bulls are athletic dogs whose high energy and muscular build can increase their risk of joint and ligament injuries. They are particularly prone to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, which often happen during sudden movements or vigorous activity. While they’re less likely than some larger breeds to develop hip or elbow dysplasia, these conditions can still occur and may cause pain, inflammation, and arthritis over time. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your Pittie’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. During the exam, we also assess range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease. 
• Genetic testing – Since hip and elbow dysplasia often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Pit Bull is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention. 
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside. 
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage pain, and improve your Pittie’s quality of life. 
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life. 

2. Skin Allergies and Ear Infections 

Pit Bulls have short, smooth coats that are easy to care for, but they’re prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, particularly atopic dermatitis, which is triggered by environmental factors. Their immune systems can react strongly to pollen, grass, dust mites, or certain foods, causing

persistent itching and inflammation. Additionally, their narrow, yet muscular ear canals can trap dirt and moisture, increasing the risk of chronic ear infections. 

If your Pit Bull is scratching their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing specific spots, or appears uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up. Signs like redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss indicate that something may be wrong 

How we can help: 

• Skin / Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem. 
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your Pit Bull uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it. 
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us develop a personalized allergy treatment plan that may include immunotherapy ● Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue. 
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections. 

3. Dental Disease 

Despite their strong jaws, Pit Bulls are susceptible to dental problems, especially as they get older. Their powerful bite and jaw structure can contribute to tooth fractures, tartar buildup, and gum disease. If dental issues go untreated, they can cause ongoing pain, tooth loss, infections, and even impact vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Since many dogs continue eating despite discomfort, regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and care. 

How we can help: 

• Oral exam – We check for plaque buildup, alignment issues, and signs of gum infection. We also evaluate for loose, broken, or crowded teeth 
• Dental X-rays – These allow us to see below the gumline where serious issues can hide. X-rays help identify pockets of infection under the teeth, bone loss from the jaw, and damaged roots, which can all cause unrealized pain. This helps the veterinarian determine if any teeth need to be pulled or if infections need additional treatment 
• Professional cleaning – Just like people, Pit Bulls need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Dental cleanings under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian are the safest and most effective way to thoroughly clean your Pit Bull’s teeth. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria, protect their airway, and allow the vet

to remove any teeth that may be causing problems. This also lets the vet identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam 

• Home care guidance – We can recommend brushing routines, dental diets, or safe chews to help maintain your dog’s oral health between visits. 

4. Obesity 

Pit Bulls are active and athletic dogs, but they can still be prone to weight gain, especially if they’re overfed or don’t get enough exercise. Their muscular build can sometimes mask excess fat, which can put extra strain on their joints, worsen arthritis, and raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a shortened lifespan. 

In some cases, weight gain may be linked to health issues like hypothyroidism, which is relatively common in this breed. That’s why regular monitoring is essential to keep your Pit Bull healthy and in top shape. 

How we can help: 

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your dog’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention. 
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Pit Bull is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your dog to an ideal weight safely. 
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Pittie receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments. 

5. Cancer 

Sadly, cancer is a major health concern for Pit Bull Terriers as they get older. They are susceptible to several types of cancer such as mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcomas. Detecting these conditions early can greatly improve treatment options and overall quality of life. 

Keep an eye out for warning signs like lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss, low energy, changes in appetite, or unusual bleeding. 

How we can help:

• Physical Exams – Regular nose-to-tail exams help us detect lumps, bumps, or abnormalities early. 
• Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays and ultrasounds can help us see what’s going on inside the body and guide further testing or treatment. 
• Cytology & Biopsy – If we find a suspicious lump, we can examine cells under a microscope or send a larger sample to the lab for accurate diagnosis. 
• Bloodwork – Blood tests can help identify internal changes that may point to cancer or other underlying conditions. 
• Treatment Planning – If cancer is diagnosed, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether it’s surgery, medication, or referral to a veterinary oncologist. 

We’re dedicated to caring for your Pit Bull as if they were part of our family. These strong, affectionate dogs mean the world to us, and we’re here to help keep them healthy, happy, and thriving. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!