Gastric Torsion a.k.a Bloat
Bloat is the number one killer in Great Danes. It occurs when the stomach rotates and twists, thus cutting off blood supply as well as allowing for gastric buildup. Call your veterinarian if your dog displays any of the following symptoms:
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Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition in Great Danes that occurs when the femur does not fit properly in the hip socket. This causes degeneration of the joint which can be very painful. Symptoms:
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Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Characterized as a thinning of the heart wall ultimately causing heart failure. The muscle comprising the heart loses its contractility and as a result becomes stretched and ineffective.This is a progressive disease that will not show symptoms for years. It is a genetic disease, meaning pure bred Great Danes are at greater risk for developing it.
A Great Dane who is experiencing dilated cardiomyopathy will:
Characterized as a thinning of the heart wall ultimately causing heart failure. The muscle comprising the heart loses its contractility and as a result becomes stretched and ineffective.This is a progressive disease that will not show symptoms for years. It is a genetic disease, meaning pure bred Great Danes are at greater risk for developing it.
A Great Dane who is experiencing dilated cardiomyopathy will:
- Be inactive/tired
- Have trouble breathing due to a build up of fluid in the lungs
- In some cases, sudden death can occur without any other clinical signs
Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler syndrome occurs due to pressure on the cervical vertebrae of the neck, causing instability to the large Great Dane. In younger dogs this is usually due to a malformation of the vertebrae. In older dogs this occurs from whiplash due to their long necks.
Symptoms:
Wobbler syndrome occurs due to pressure on the cervical vertebrae of the neck, causing instability to the large Great Dane. In younger dogs this is usually due to a malformation of the vertebrae. In older dogs this occurs from whiplash due to their long necks.
Symptoms:
- Weakness
- Poor coordination