Do Great Danes have health problems?
Great Danes are generally healthy, though they do have a regrettably short lifespan, usually living around eight years. They may experience other health problems, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Great Dane, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, this is the number one killer of Great Danes. Bloat is a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. The swelling is caused by gas or air building up in the stomach and then twisting (torsion). Recognizing the symptoms of bloat is very important. If you see your dog throw up bile or hack without producing any vomit, pace, or if his stomach is visibly larger, get her to the vet immediately. Her abdomen will likely be tight and painful to the touch.
- Heart disorders: The Great Dane is nicknamed the “heartbreak breed” due to its high incidence of congenital heart defects, which are in large part to blame for their short average lifespan. Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the leading heart issues in Great Danes.
- Others: Slow metabolism and bone cancer also affect the Great Dane.