5 Common Pit Bull Health Issues

Pit Bull Terriers are known for their strength, loyalty, and affectionate personalities. They’re a beloved breed at our hospital, and we’re here to help you keep them healthy and thriving for years to come. These dogs are loyal, athletic, and affectionate companions. Despite their strong, muscular build, they are prone to several breed-specific health concerns of which responsible owners should be aware. 

Here are the top five health issues we commonly see in Pit Bull Terriers—and how we can help catch them early: 

1. Bone & Joint Issues 

Pit Bulls are muscular, athletic breeds—but their high energy and physical build can make them more vulnerable to joint and ligament injuries. They’re especially prone to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, often caused by sudden movements or intense physical activity. While not as genetically predisposed to hip or elbow dysplasia as some larger breeds, it can still occur and lead to 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, but despite their low-maintenance grooming needs, they are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, especially atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies). Their strong immune response to pollen, grass, dust mites, or certain foods can cause

persistent itching and inflammation. Their narrow but muscular ear canals can also trap debris or moisture, making them susceptible to chronic ear infections. 

If your Pittie is scratching at their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing at certain areas, or seems generally uncomfortable, it might be time for a check-up. Redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss are all signs that something’s not right. 

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 tailor your Pit Bull’s diet and develop a personalized allergy treatment plan. ● 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 powerful jaws, Pit Bulls are prone to dental problems—especially as they age. Their strong bite force combined with jaw structure can lead to tooth fractures, tartar buildup, and gum disease. If left untreated, dental issues can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, infections, and even affect organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Many dogs will continue to eat despite discomfort, so regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection. 

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 

Pitties can be very active, athletic dogs—but they’re also prone to weight gain, especially if they’re overfed or under-exercised. While they may not always look overweight due to their stocky build, excess fat can strain their joints, worsen conditions like arthritis, and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. 

In some cases, weight gain may also be linked to underlying issues like hypothyroidism, which is relatively common in these breeds. That’s why routine monitoring is key to keeping your dog in peak condition. 

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

Unfortunately, cancer is a significant health concern for Pit Bull Terriers as they age. They can be prone to several types, including mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcomas. Early detection improves treatment options and quality of life. 

Warning signs include lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss, lethargy, 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. 
• Biopsy & Cytology – If we find a suspicious lump, we can examine cells under a microscope or send a 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 here to care for your Pittie like one of our own. These strong, loving dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and we’re committed to keeping them healthy, happy, and thriving. Schedule a visit today so we can partner with you to keep your loyal companion happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come. Give us a call at (954) 748-2002 or book online here.