DCM: CARDIOMYOPATHY - is suspected to be an inherited disease in the Great Dane and current (preliminary) research indicates that this disease may be sex-linked in our breed. Research is ongoing. An echocardiogram of the heart will confirm the disease but will not guarantee that the disease will not develop in the future. 

 

 

K9HD: HIP DYSPLASIA - is an inherited disease with multi-factorial expression. Clinically the disease may be seen as simply poor rear end conformation or lessened athleticism to such malformation of the hip joint that the dog becomes crippled.

 

HYPOTHYROIDISM & other heritable endocrine disease - Hypothyroidism in dogs is generally the result of a heritable disorder of the immune system. This condition results when the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone to adequately maintain the dog's metabolism. Happily, it is easily treated with thyroid replacement pills.

 

GDV: Bloat - is the number one killer of Great Danes & Great Danes are the #1 breed at risk for bloat. For reasons not fully understood, in certain deep-chested breeds in particular, the stomach distends, then has a tendency to rotate, which cuts off the blood supply to various parts of the body, as well as effectively shutting down digestion. This condition is extremely painful as well as a true emergency that is rapidly life threatening. A dog with a bloated, twisted stomach (technically called "Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus") will die in great pain in a matter of hours unless drastic steps are taken: surgery is normally necessary. The reasons for GDV are currently not understood, however most would agree that multiple small meals per day and preventing vigorous exercise around mealtimes can help reduce the chances of bloat. Many breeders and owners of Great Danes consider a surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy ("preventative tack") which can help prevent some of the more serious aspects of GDV. Discuss this with your veterinarian and your Dane's breeder. 

 

CANCER: Danes can suffer from a variety of cancers as do many other breeds of dogs as well as many mixed breed dogs. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and lymphoma appear to be the two forms of cancer most commonly seen in the Great Dane, and along with heart disease and bloat (GDV), cancer is a leading cause of death in Great Danes. Research into both types of cancer is ongoing and treatment options are improving every day.

 

Wobblers syndrome - is a result of pressure on the spinal cord in the neck region and results in a "drunken" gait & increasing instability & potential paralysis. The congenital form of Wobblers in Danes usually presents in adolescent Danes and is the result of a malformation of the cervical vertebrae thought to result from a combination of nutritional effects and inherited traits; it is considered a form of DOD (Developmental Osteodystrophy) and is referred to as cervical vertebral malformation or CVM. A whiplash sort of traumatic injury to such long-necked dogs as Danes can occur in adult dogs and can also be referred to as "Wobblers" or cervical vertebral instability (CVI). Great Danes are considered at risk for both congenital & trauma induced "Wobblers."

 

HOD and Pano - these are painful conditions of the bones that occur during the rapid growth phase of puppyhood causing lameness and general malaise. By far HOD is the more serious one and can be deadly. Pano is usually self-limiting and may not need treatment. HOD stands for Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Pano is short for Panosteitis. 

 

Below are some additional health issues and some links for more information.

 

Please take the time to read the information regarding these health issues.  Knowledge could save your dogs life.  You may need to copy and paste the links into your browser.

Bloat

http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm

 

Addison's Disease

http://www.addisonsdiseaseindogs.com/

 

Hip Dysplasia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_dysplasia_%28canine%29

Wobblers Syndrome

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wobbler_disease

 

Hypothyroidism

http://pethealth.petwellbeing.com/wiki/Dog_Hypothyroidism

 

Cardiomyopathy

http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/disease-information/cardiomyopathy.html

 

Anal Sac Impaction

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/symptoms-treatments-anal-sac-disease-dogs

Panosteitis-Pano

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/depano.html

 

 

 

 

 

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