Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2021. Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking); hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Dry, scaly, sometimes itchy, hairless patches on face or paws, Dull coat, hair loss; sluggish, weight gain, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Dry heaving or a large, tight, painful abdomen, Fainting, collapse, breathing issues, coughing, General listlessness, droopy facial expression; vomiting, diarrhea, Gums that are a color other than bright pink, Leg stiffness; reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, or jump; bunny hopping. They often show these traits: But Great Danes are also known for these characteristics: She is courageous, loyal, and sometimes reserved, but with proper socialization and training, she is a true Gentle Giant. She has low grooming needs. Unfortunately, your Great Dane is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Address: 1050 South Rampart BlvdLas Vegas, NV 89145. If his skin looks inflamed, make an appointment to see us right away. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Great Danes. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Symptoms often mimic many other diseases, but we can run a specialized blood test to check for this specific condition. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. Your dog may retch or heave (but little or nothing comes up), act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Great Danes are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. We'll be watching for clinical signs at every exam and will periodically check his electrolyte levels to screen for this problem. This infection can cause blisters and ulcers to develop between your pets toes. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of a normal bright pink color. Addison's Disease is an endocrine system disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones to keep the body functioning normally. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. Well take X-rays of your dogs bones to identify issues as early as possible. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. Osteosarcoma is a painful and aggressive tumor, and the sooner it is removed, the better his prognosis. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. That's when the naughty stuff starts. We want to keep your buddys teeth healthy, so we will be watching his developing teeth closely. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Great Danes at greater than average incidence. Secondary skin infections may also occur. Ouch! Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Great Dane needs help. A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Great Danes. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend's bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life. The Great Dane is friendly and charming, a wonderful family companion. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. Takes up a lot of room due to her massive size, Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog, Prone to separation anxiety and associated chewing behaviors, Can be aggressive, fearful, or snappy if not socialized properly. A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Gentle Giant looking and feeling her best. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good timeits more convenient for you and easier on your friend too. To slow or stop the immune systems destruction of cells, well prescribe steroids and other immune-suppressive drugs. Great Danes are a large breedthey mature slowly, have only moderate exercise needs, and should not be over-exercised during their early years. Oligodontia is a condition in which only a few teeth are present. Another painful condition to which your Dane is susceptible is pododermatitis, a skin infection of the feet. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Left untreated, hypoadrenocorticism can be fatal. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Puppy-Proofing Tips For Your Home And Yard, http://www.apps.akc.org/akc_clubs/?GreatDaneofLasVegas, http://www.apps.akc.org/akc_clubs/?GreatDaneClubofLasVegas. Cancer is a leading cause of death among dogs in their golden years. Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Dane. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy may lose her teeth and be in danger of damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Great Danes more than other breeds. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Well conduct a blood test annually to screen for this disease. We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Well perform diagnostic testing for blood clotting to check for these problems before we perform any surgeries. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy, but for all types, early detection is critical! The Great Dane is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of seven to nine years. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Great Danes to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs. Dont worry well show you how! She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). Stiffness in your Dane's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. Our recommended growth rate for Great Dane. All Rights Reserved. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. By knowing about health concerns specific to Great Danes, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. (Yes, dogs can get braces!) This means your Dane is more at risk than other breeds. The Great Dane was developed from a cross between the Irish Wolfhound and the Old English Mastiff, and is also known as the German Mastiff. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Watch for swollen glands (ask us, well show you where to look), weight loss, or labored breathing at home and be sure to call us if you notice any unusual symptoms. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Well conduct a yearly electrical heart screening (ECG) and/or an echocardiogram to look for abnormal heart rhythms as early as one year of age. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Gentle Giant's body, inside and out. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. If your dog licks his feet or is limping, check his paws for redness, moisture, or skin abrasions. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Give us a call at 702-213-4513 for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Visit our office to get the latest in top-quality veterinary care along with unparalleled service. He may need antibiotics or other therapy. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. Danes are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Great Danes are often thought of as gentle giants. Early symptoms include lameness and leg pain. Early detection is critical! This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Though this disease can occur in any type of dog, Danes are more at risk. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Great Danes generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. It is recommended that you provide her with soft bedding to help prevent joint problems and calluses. The Great Dane originated in Germany over 400 years ago. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Gentle Giant live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Normally a dogs immune system keeps the mites in check, but some breeds, like your Dane, may develop an overabundance of these mites. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. The Great Dane is an easy-going and social breed; they are known to be patient with children and highly devoted to their families. In fact, your Dane's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Danes. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. We call this skin allergy atopy, and Danes often have it. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. All rights reserved. Unfortunately, Great Danes can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Well do periodic blood tests and look for lumps and bumps on your pet at each exam. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. She's a large, smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. It typically afflicts middle-aged large and giant breeds like your Dane. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. If the immune system destroys platelets, his blood wont clot properly and hell have bruises or abnormal bleeding. Your Great Dane, however, is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer that can appear at a younger age. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. 2022 Boca Park Animal Hospital. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion or a bad bite. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Great Danes. One of the best things you can do for your Dane is to have her spayed (neutered for males). The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. 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