Health concerns in the Great Dane
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. Regular exams on breeding stock are recommended. There are some congenital heart defects also occasionally found in the breed. For an in-depth article on the subject, see "Heart Disease in the Great Dane."
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. It is recommend that breeding stock be Xrayed as normal. OFA and PennHIP both offer certification programs.
See OFA and PennHIP.
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. Thyroid testing (T4, TSH and autoantibodies) on breeding stock should be performed on a routine basis. Finding autoantibodies to thyroglobulin is normally an indication that the dog has autoimmune thyroiditis. Low thyroid dogs, manifested by a high TSH and a low T4, should be treated and monitored on a regular basis. Dogs with confirmed thyroid abnormalities should not be bred. See the Hypothyroidism update article.
CATARACTS - although not common, cataracts have been described in the Great Dane and can be blinding. Eyelid abnormalies (e.g. entropion) are also not unheard of in the breed. For breeding stock a CERF exam can insure that the eyes are normal in all aspects. See CERF data for the breed.
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. See The Genetics of Cancer
CVI: Wobblers - is a result of pressure on the spinal cord in the neck region and results in a "drunken" gait & increasing instability. It it thought to result from a combination of nutritional effects and inherited traits and is considered a form of DOD (Developmental Osteodystrophy) along with such as OCD. Great Danes are considered at risk for Wobblers. CVI stands for Cervical Vertebral Instability.
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.
HOOK WORMS
Hookworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats ( especially puppies and kittens ), and can cause life-threatening disease, like sever anemia, and serious diarrhea.
How does my dog get hookworms ? there are 3 ways and animal may become infected :
1.) THROUGH THE SKIN: Larvae entering through the skin migrate through the bloodstream to the lings and trachea, and are coughed up and swallowed. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and consume the dogs blood from the tiny vessels of the wall. thus completing the life cycle.
2.) THROUGH INGESTION: Larvae may be ingested through contaminated food or water, from moist surfaces, or from prey animals. Most larvae that are ingested usually pass down to the intestine, where they remain. A few, however may migrate through the body and ultimately to the trachea where they are coughed up and swallowed. Some larvae will stop their migration midway and encyst in muscle.
3.) THROUGH THE UTERUS OR MILK: Larvae that encyst in the muscle can subsequently migrate to the uterus of a pregnant animal and infect the fetuses. they can also migrate to the mammary glands of a lactating female and infect the nursing young.
SYMPTOMS OF HOOKWORMS
By feeding on the oxygen-carrying blood of the host, hookworms can rapidly cause anemia. the mucous membranes, e.g. gums, will appear pale, the animal will become weak, and sometimes black, tarry stool can be seen. Growth in young animals is stunted, and the hair coat may appear dull and dry.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is made by finding the eggs in the feces. In very young animals sever disease may be present before the adult worms have started to lay eggs. Diagnosis must then be made by evaluating the signs of disease.
TREATMENT
Treatment consists of using the appropriate wormers. Certain prescription heartworm preventives will also kill hookworms. Many times supportive care must be given along with hookworm treatment. In server cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
ROUNDWORMS
(Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) are the most common type of worm to infect the animal kingdom. These worms are usually 2 – 4 inches long, tan or white “spaghetti-like” creatures with tapered ends. If a roundworm burden is heavy, a dog may vomit these worms or pass them (whole) in the stool. Roundworms can cause vomiting and diarrhea and can have an effect on a dog’s overall general health and appearance. Puppies infected with roundworms will have a “potbellied” (bloated) look to them. Roundworms can become so numerous that they can cause an intestinal blockage and stool cannot pass. As mentioned above, roundworms are zoonotic (can be transferred to humans) and can cause an infection known as “Visceral Larva Migrans”, which may result in possible inflammation of muscle tissue and blindness. Anthelmintics (dewormers) that are frequently used to treat roundworms are pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole and piperazine.
WHIPWORMS
Whipworms are common in dogs and found throughout the United States. Whipworms get their name from the Whip- like shape of the adult worms. The front portion of the worm is very thin ( the whip ) and the posterior end is think ( whip handle ). Whipworms live in the large intestine and cecum. they are 2-3 inches long, but are very thin, and rarely seen in the feces.
HOW DOES MY PET GET WHIPWORMS ?
A dog or cat becomes infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with whipworm eggs. The eggs are swallowed, hatched, and in three months, the larvae mature into adults in the large intestine where they burrow their mouths into the intestinal wall and feed on blood. Adult worms lay eggs that are passed in the feces. The eggs must remain in the soil for about a month to mature and be capable of causing infection.
DIAGNOSIS
An infection is diagnosis by a veterinarian finding eggs in the feces. The signs of infection vary with the number of worms in the intestine. A small number of worms will cause no visible signs, but large numbers can result in inflammation of the intestinal wall. Large amounts of mucus are produced by the inflamed intestine. Sometimes bleeding into the intestines occurs, and anemia can result. Animals may have diarrhea and weight loss.
COCCIDIA
coccidia are small protozoans ( one celled organisms ) that multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats. They are most common in puppies and kittens less then six months of age or adults that are stressed or have suppressed immune systems.
Young animals are frequently exposed to their mothers feces. If the mother is shedding the infective organisms in her feces, then the young animals will likely ingest them and coccidia will develop with in their intestines. Most young animals who are ill from coccidia are two weeks of age and older. As a young animal ages, he tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia.
The primary sign of an animal suffering from coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to server depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated or worse.
Fortunately, coccidiosis is treatable with prescription drugs. Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhabit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine takes time. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the animals own immunity to develop and remove the organisms. To give your pets digestive tract a boost while being treated, try Acidophilus+ or Bac-pac plus or Bene-Bac pet gel.
Elbow Hygroma or Bursa
What is a hygroma?
A hygroma is a false bursa, which is a nonpainful, fluid-filled swelling surrounded by a thick, fibrous capsule that develops under the skin. Hygromas most commonly develop on the outside of the elbow. They can also occur on the hip and hock. Hygromas are initially small, soft, and fluctuant and do not pose a problem for the dog. They may be present for the dog's life time. In some instances, they may become quite large, up to 2 inches in diameter, or very hard. Hygromas can become infected in which case they are painful, sometimes warm to the touch, and may develop draining tracts.
What causes a hygroma?
A hygroma is caused by repeated trauma to an area over a bony prominence. The trauma most often occurs as a result of lying on hard surfaces, such as cement or hardwood floors. It is more common in larger breed dogs in which more weight is placed on the bony area having contact with the hard surface. Hygromas are also more common in dogs that are sedentary, such as those recovering from surgery or having other medical conditions that make them less active.
How is a hygroma treated?
The first step in treatment is to prevent further trauma. This can be accomplished by providing a soft padded bed. The area involved can be bandaged using donut-shaped padding over the elbow, placing the 'hole' of the donut over the hygroma. This will protect the hygroma from further contact with anything hard. Simply bandaging the area is often not effective since there would still be pressure on the hygroma if the dog lies on that side. There are commerical products available for protecting the elbows and for dogs with hygromas. Try searching for "dog hygromas" on the web.
Periodically aspirating (removing the fluid via needle and syringe) the hygroma is usually not effective and may introduce infection. Likewise, surgery is seldom performed unless the hygroma is infected. Generally, the area involved is so large that once the hygroma is removed, skin grafting or other techniques may be needed to close the incision. When the animal flexes and extends the leg, considerable tension is placed on the sutures and the incision is likely to open up. Some success has been seen by surgically inserting a drain (latex tubing) into the hygroma to allow for constant drainage. Then the area is bandaged, and the dressings are changed regularly.
Note: New studies have shown that it is best not to drain the fluid as any time the hygroma is pierced, infection can be introduced, creating a "complicated" hygroma, it has also been known to set in early arthritis once pierced.
How can a hygroma be prevented?
Hygromas can be prevented by providing soft bedding, especially beds made of orthopedic foam. Animals recovering from surgery should be turned from side to side multiple times during the day
Treatment!
DMSO and MICROLACTIN have been used for this with great results - Microlactin can purchase at www.firstchoicenaturals.com Dose according to the bottle for an adult. That means double dose for two weeks then you can drop back to a normal dose. DMSO can be purchased at - www.dmso.com/products.php
