Common Great Dane Health Issues.

The following is a list of some of the more common heath issues of Great Danes. This is NOT a complete list of every health issue that a Great Dane may get.

1) Juvenile Kidney Failure- Effects young/neonates. Often genetically linked.

2) Mega esophagus- enlargement or “out pouching” of the esophagus.  Puppies may out grow this if given time.

3) Entropion- rolling inward of the eye lids. Can be upper, lower or both. Can be surgically corrected.

4) OCD- Osteochodritis Dissicans- A bone lesion that often affects the shoulder and elbows.  Limping and pain on joint manipulation are clinical signs. Can be surgically repaired. Often effects younger dogs.

5) Pano-Panostititis- Inflammation of the bone. Often hits young, rapidly growing puppies. Can be mild or severe.  Also called the “wandering lameness” as multiple bones are often affected.  Treatment may include diet change, antibiotics, crate rest, and pain control.

6) Wobbler’s- A neurologic condition that occurs in the cervical vertebrae. Neuro signs (limp, dragging of toes and feet, neck pain, difficulties moving neck) are due to disruption of the nerve supply. May be mild, but often progresses. “Classic” Wobbler’s hits younger adults, but, can also effect older dogs. Treatments may include NSAIDs, steroids, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.

7) Dane Neuropathy- I have not been able to find any information on this “condition”, however I have had a few conversations with DVM’s who have throw the term around.  I speculate that it is any neurologic condition that is not Wobbler’s.  I have not been able to confirm this with any neurologist yet, more info to come….

8) GDV- Gastric Dilation and Volvulus- aka “Bloat”.  The stomach can twist, usually at the esophagus, then fills with gas.  A dog can also just fill with gas (gastric dilation), and not twist.  Often the spleen will twist with the stomach. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION!  SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!  If caught early, chances for survival are generally better. Usually requires surgical repair, most will “tack” (gastropexy) the stomach to the body wall to help prevent future twists. Some will opt to tack the stomach as a young dog.  Multiple theories as to the causes of GDV-genetic, diet, body conformation, stress. Etc.

9)DCM- Dilatative Cardiomyopathy- “cardio” - This condition usually involves the enlargement of  2 or more chambers of the heart, and leads to congestive heart failure. There is a genetic link to DCM.  Generally speaking, DCM in younger dogs is usually genetic, while in older dogs, that is what older dogs do. Not to sound harsh, but something is going to get us all.  A heart murmur is NOT always present with DCM. Full chest x-rays, an echo ( cardiac ultrasound), EKG, and exam by a cardiologist is ideal.  DCM can occur rapidly…in a matter of a few weeks to months.

10)Osteosarcoma- Is a very malignant and aggressive form of bone cancer.  Usually effects the long bones (legs) of large and giant breed dogs. There is a link between previous fractures and developing bone cancer at that site.  Prognosis is poor.

11) Dental Tartar- Big teeth, little kibble=Dental tartar!  Feed bigger kibble and ensure dental care by brushing, giving rawhides/chew toys, have a DVM do dental cleanings as needed.  Based on professional experience, Danes often need cleanings every 6 months to 1.5 years.

12) Hypothyroidism-  This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. There can also be low thyroid production if the pituitary is not sending enough “signal” the  thyroid, and there can also be an autoimmune thyroid disease.  This “normal” hypothyroidism can be easily diagnosed by a simple blood test, and treated with daily replacement hormone. There is a hereditary component to thyroid disease in Great Danes.

13) Demodex- This is a skin disease caused by a microscopic cigar-shaped hair follicle mite.  It is a type of  mange.  There does seem to be a hereditary component to demodex and Great Danes.  Usually treated by weekly dips and antibiotics for the secondary bacterial skin infections.