GREAT DANE HEALTH CONCERNS:
*Most Common Disorders:
These disorders are relatively common in this breed, and where possible, efforts are being made to eradicate them. Ask your breeder about these conditions in his or her dogs. These disorders seriously affect the health of your pet and may require medical or surgical intervention.
Cardiomyopathy - a disease of weakened heart muscles.
Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler syndrome) - a malformation of the vertebrae in the neck, usually leading to nerve damage.
Gastric Dilitation-Volvulus (Bloat) - a condition where a dog's stomach produces excessive gas and enlarges severely enough to cause death without immediate treatment.
Hip Dysplasia - a development malformation or subluxation of the hip joints.
*More information on these Diseases can be found at the bottom of the page*
*Other disorders which have an increased incidence in this breed:
These disorders occur less commonly or are less devastating than those mentioned above.
Aortic Stenosis - the narrowing or obstruction of the heart's aortic valve, which prevents it from opening properly and blocks the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.
Cataracts - as in humans, a change in structure of the lens of the eye leading to cloudiness and usually to blindness.
Deafness (Harlequin Coat Color) - an inability to hear, due to many different causes.
Demodicosis - a kind of skin disease (mange) caused by microscopic Demodex canis mites living within the skin layers and producing an immunodeficiency syndrome.
Ectropion - an abnormal rolling outward of the eyelids.
Entropion - an abnormal rolling inward of the eyelids. Glaucoma - abnormally high pressure in the eye.Histiocytoma - a tumor composed of certain skin tissue cells.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy- a condition of rapidly growing giant breeds where there is an abnormal inflammation of bone pain and development of excessive bony growths.
Hypothyroidism - a common endocrine disease where the body produces an abnormally low amount of thyroid horomones.
Lymphedema - swelling of the lymph passages.Megaesophagus - dilation and hypertrophy of the lower portion of the esophagus.
Microphthalmia- ocular dysgenesis in Harlequin Great Dane, and with partial hearing loss in predominantly white dogs (albinism) Mitral Valve Disease - a group of abnormalities of the mitral valve of the heart.Persistent Right Aortic Arch (Vascular Ring Anomaly) - a developmental abnormality where one of the fetal blood vessels near the heart does not atrophy, as it should.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - a disease where the retina slowly deteriorates.
Tricuspid Dysplasia - The atrioventricular (AV) valves in the heart ensure that the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart beats. Malformation (dysplasia) of the right atrioventricular (tricuspid) valve causes backflow of blood into the right atrium, or tricuspid regurgitation. There may also be narrowing (stenosis) of the valve. Due to the dysplastic valve, the heart works less efficiently.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis - causes scaling and crusting of the skin.
*Disorders associated with conformation:
These disorders are directly related to the conformation or standards for the breed. Although these conditions have in many cases become so common that they are accepted as normal for the breed, they can still cause serious physical problems and discomfort for the dog. One component of responsible breeding is to breed away from the extremes of conformation that cause these physical problems.
Ectropion - an abnormal rolling outward of the eyelids.
Entropion - an abnormal rolling inward of the eyelids.
Microphthalmia - Ocular Dysgenesis in Harlequin Great Dane, and with partial hearing loss in predominantly white dogs (albinism)
*Other disorders which may be inherited in this breed:
These disorders have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.
Acral Lick Dermatitis - a skin disease caused by an animal licking a localized area excessively, especially on the legs and paws.
Elbow Dysplasia - an elbow joint that is malformed on X-rays.
Retinal Dysplasia - a condition where the retina is malformed.
Von Willebrand's Disease - a type of bleeding disorder caused by defective blood platelet function.
Hip Dysplasia:
HIP DYSPLASIA:
A major problem in the large breeds of dogs. It is the result of birth defects and growing deformities of the pelvis and hip joints. It is inherited. The “ball and socket” of the hip joint fit poorly causing abnormal movement of the involved legs and pain. Early signs include lameness in one or both of the rear legs, reluctance or difficulty in getting up after lying down, reluctance to run and/or jump, and sometimes a swaying appearance to the rear legs when viewed from behind. Signs vary considerably. The dog may show no signs, even though severe hip lesions are present, or it can be totally crippled and disabled by the condition. Signs usually are not detected in the newborn puppy, but often appear during the period of rapid growth before one year of age.
DIAGNOSIS:
This is done by x-ray examination. Sedation is usually necessary to restrain the dog for proper film exposure. A dog cannot be confirmed “free” of dysphasia until two years of age, due to the changes that may occur in the pelvis during any stage of the growth process. Unfortuniatley there is no way to predict how it will develop in each individual or how severe the signs will be. Since the disease is hereditary, affected dogs should NOT be used for breeding.
We recommend x-rays of BOTH male and female dogs used for breeding. A certification program is available (OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), however, we feel that our radiography standards are sufficient for most dogs. Dogs should be at least 1 1/2 years of age for x-rays to be accurate.
TREATMENT MAY CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
Medications for pain and stiffness.
Surgical removal of the hip joint allowing a “false” joint to form.
Artificial Hip Transplantation.
Maintenance of proper weight, diets, and exercise.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR HIP DYSPLASIA!!
Avoiding Canine Bloat:
CANINE BLOAT:
(Gastric Dilation-Volvulus) is a digestive problem caused by the excessive swallowing of air while eating, gastrointestinal secretions, and gas from fermentation of food in the stomach. This is a LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY primarily found in large or giant, deep-chested dog breeds, but it also has been reported in smaller breeds such as the Dachshund and Basset Hound.There are still many unanswered questions about this problem and a lot of research is currently investigating the problem.
The following recommendations are currently recommended:
Feed large dogs two or three times daily, rather than once a day, and at times when someone can observe after-feeding behavior.
Be alert for any actions from the dog that signal abdominal discomfort. These include: evidence of abdominal fullness after meals, whining, pacing, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at the abdomen, anxiety, and unproductive attempts to vomit. Animals showing these signs should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Make sure water is available to dogs at all times, but limit the amount immediately after feeding if the dog appears to over-consume.
Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress one hour before and two hours after meals. Walking is permissible as it may help to stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.
Diet changes should be made gradually over a period of 3 - 5 days.
Feed susceptible dogs individually and, if possible, in a quiet location.
Pay special attention to these procedures after animals return home from being elsewhere.
Dogs that have survived bloat are at increased risk for future episodes. Be sure to discuss preventive surgery or medical management with the veterinarian.
Wobbler's Syndrome:
Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler’s Syndrome):
A condition in dogs caused by pressure exerted on the spinal cord in the lower part of the neck. It is most commonly seen in the larger breeds, such as Great Danes and Dobermans.
The condition is a result of instability between the vertebrae in the lower part of the neck. This instability causes the ligaments at the top and bottom of the vertebrae to thicken, thereby decreasing any excessive movement between the affected vertebrae. As these ligaments continue to thicken, they eventually touch and begin to exert pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure prevents the individual nerve fibers within the spinal cord from being able to transmit impulses to the brain.
Clinical signs of this condition include a wobbly gait when walking or running. The rear legs are usually affected first. Advanced stages may stumble when walking. The instability between the vertebrae can also cause the spinal disc (cushion) between the vertebrae to rupture, potentially putting sufficient pressure on the spinal cord to cause paralysis in all four limbs.
Radiographs (x-rays) showing the abnormal alignment of the vertebral column confirm the diagnosis:
Special contrast studies where contrast material (dye) is injected around the spinal cord to outline the points of pressure may be required. This contrast study is called a “myelogram.”
TREATMENT is recommended after review of the radiographs to determine the best alternative for each individual case and may include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Pain relievers
Neck braces
Surgery
Most successful outcomes require that the pressure be removed from the spinal cord and some type stabilization of the unstable vertebrae be performed. If surgery is performed at the time of mild incoordination, surgical success is much better than if paralysis has already occurred in all four legs.
Congestive Heart Failure:
A chronic condition is a weakened heart does not pump enough blood to maintain normal body functions.
The body fluids tend to “back-up” behind the heart, either in the lungs or in the abdomen. Signs seen by the owner are a result of these conditions.
Signs include:
Shortness of breath, tiring on exercise.
Deep, dry coughing.
Weight loss.
Enlarged abdomen, swollen, puffy legs.
Cyanosis-blue discoloration of the tongue and lips.
Fainting spells.
Congestive Heart Failure can result from disease affecting the heart valves, birth defects, infections, Heartworm, or just “old” age.
Although Congestive Heart Failure CANNOT be cured, many patients can live a comfortable life with proper medical management.
NOTE: As time goes on, your pet will begin to show more severe signs as the heart continues to degenerate. It is IMPOSSIBLE to estimate the life expectancy. Our major concern is making your pet as comfortable as possible so that the quality of life is maintained.
