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COMMON DANE PROBLEMS

Tonsillitis

Yes, Danes can have problems with tonsils! Usually affecting "teenagers", signs of tonsillitis can be subtle. Poor appetite, appearing hungry and not eating, and severe red throat are all a sign of this disease. A dog with tonsillitis should be put on antibiotics. If treatment does not clear up the problem, surgery would be recommended to remove the tonsils.

Thyroid Problems

A very common problem in the breed. Signs can include poor coat, coat thinness, weight gain, and a desire to sleep on the heat register. Diagnosis is done by a blood test and affected individuals can be placed on medication.

Growing (Bone) Problems

Dane puppies sometimes have growing problems what can often be attributed to a dog food with too much protein (sometimes termed "growth" or "puppy" foods) and an incorrect ratio of calcium and phosphorus. As a generalization, it is usually considered a bad idea to feed a Dane puppy a diet high in protein. (For more information on feeding, please refer to the diet section of this booklet.)

Growing and bone problems have symptoms such as lameness in the shoulder or limbs (often reoccurring), exceptionally large joints exhibiting swelling and soreness, a high fever, excessive stiffness, and sometimes an instability or "wobbling" gait when moving. Any suspicion of a bone problem should be referred to your vet immediately. Any lameness that is severe, lasts more than two to three days, or is reoccurring, should be investigated. A couple of the growing problems are not seen frequently in other breeds, so you must deal with a vet familiar with Great Danes. Some of the problems seen are self-limiting (they go away with a lower protein diet), but others can be quite serious, causing permanent bone changes and crippling. Some of the bone problems seen in Danes are HOD, OCD, panoesitis, and wobblers. Surprisingly, hip dysplasia is not as common as many people think. All dogs in a breeding program should be OFA certified against hip dysplasia (a crippling disease of the hip joint) before they are bred.

Bloat

Danes, and other large-chested breeds, can be prone to a condition often referred to as "bloat". Explained simply, the stomach expands with gasses, and for some reason, the dog cannot expel the gasses contained within. Sometimes the stomach actually twists on it's axis, further complicating things. A dog suffering from bloat must have immediate veterinary care and it will most likely require an expensive surgery to correct the condition. Immediate action is required if the dog is to be saved. Bloat is something that all Dane owners should be familiar with.

Symptoms of bloat include attempting to vomit with no results, or vomiting and producing a thick white frothy substance, distinct discomfort, swelling in the stomach area, excessive drooling, and an unwell appearance. Many people seeing bloat for the first time assume their dog has been poisoned.

The cause of bloat is still unknown, dispite various studies by Purdue University and Morris Animal Foundation. Dane owners should always feed frequent, small meals instead of one large one. Food should be moistened prior to feeding. A quiet time of one hour before and one to two hours after is necessary. Danes have been known to bloat in stress circumstances, such as in boarding situations, etc.

The concerned Dane owner would be well advised to discuss bloat with their veterinarian to get a clearer understanding of the disease. A copy of the Great Dane Club of America's bloat pamphlet can be obtained by calling the phone number in the front of this booklet.

Those Darn Tails

Happy Danes, or Danes that are confined to a small area (be it a crate or room) may bang their tail and open it up. If this happens frequently, the tail can become infected and may, in extreme cases, have to be amputated.

Tails can be treated, but it takes a bit of work and diligence on the part of the owner. The following suggestions may be helpful. However, if you have a Dane who refuses to leave anything on their tail, you'll have difficulty treating it.

For small wounds on the end of the tail--clean the area thoroughly and treat with a medicated powder. Wrap the area loosely with gauze and secure with a piece of masking tape. Do not wrap too tightly-you want to allow the wound to "breathe". Take a large foam hair roller and split one side lengthwise. Open up the curler at the insertion and wrap it around the tail. Secure with tape. Be sure to change frequently. An application of Bitter Apple may prevent the dog from chewing the roller off.

For larger wounds--clean and treat as above. If the tail is severely infected, veterinary attention should be sought as oral antibiotics might be needed. Follow the above procedure using the curler. A large syringe cover can also be used if additional protection is needed. When using the syringe cover, be sure to poke several holes in it with a nail to allow for ventilation. After the curler or syringe is in place, take a long knee sock and put it on the tail. Be sure it comes all the way to the base of the tail. Secure it with tape-snug but not too tight! Tie a soft belt or similar object around the dog's waist. Bring the tail between the legs and attach the end of the sock to the belt. If you use a good, sturdy safety pin you can easily undo it when the dog has to go outside for exercise duties. Apply Bitter Apple or Veriform spray to prevent chewing.

Another method that can be used to protect the tail while the dog is in the house is to put a pair of sweat pants (the type with a draw-string waistband) on the dog. Do not cut a hole for the tail. Of course, you will have to remove the pants when the dog goes outside.

In severe cases the tail must be amputated. If your veterinarian feels this is the only option available, it would be suggested that the tail be docked short so the problem doesn't reoccur.

Odds N' Ends
A normal canine temperature is 1010, with a slight variation in either direction. If you suspect your Dane is sick, the first thing you should do is to take its temperature. Use a rectal thermometer, apply Vaseline or K-Y Jelly and insert into the rectum. Wait about three minutes to get a reading. If the temperature is over 1020 or persists; or is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, consult your vet.

Any lumps or bumps on an older Dane should be investigated, as Danes can be prone to certain types of bone cancer. Also, shortness of breath and swelling of the front legs could be a sign of heart problems. Some young Danes can be prone to tonsil problems, resulting in poor eating habits. Thyroid problems are also common in the breed.

There are many excellent books on the market for generalized canine care and first aid. The Dane owner should have one of these books around, along with a canine first aid kit. Knowing your Dane, being prepared, and having a good vet will go a long way in assuring a full life span for your Dane.

Some items to consider for your Great Dane's first aid kit:
rectal thermometer
Vaseline
rubbing alcohol
antibiotic ointment
Panalog ointment
Maloox (liquid and tablet)
bloat tube
aspirin
Kaopectate or similar medication
tweezers
bandage scissors
gauze
vet wrap and ace bandages, cloth-backed adhesive tape