Pets, The Enemies Of A Great Dane
Below is the list of diseases common among Great Danes. Owners should be well-informed about these diseases to help their dogs in their battle against these life- threatening problems.
- Bloat
Formally called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), bloat is one of the killers of large and deep-chested dogs like Great Danes. It is an emergency situation that could take away your dog's life in less than an hour if not treated immediately. Bloat is a condition in which the stomach swells or becomes overstretched, often related to excessive gas content. The stomach may twist or rotate thus cuts off blood supply to other vital organs. The most common sign is an attempt to vomit every five to 30 minutes, but is usually unsuccessful. Other signs include swelling of the abdomen, abdominal pain, rapid breathing and excessive salivation. A dog may also seem to be restless all the time, frequently changing positions and doesn't act like his usual self.
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited disorder characterized by a deformity of the dog's hip socket. The socket and thighbone do not fit together properly, it is a loose fit. It will then cause wear and tear within the joint as it moves. As time goes by, the disease progresses causing great pain to the affected dog. Affected dog commonly reduces movement to reduce pain and may also exhibit stiffness or soreness after rising from rest, lameness, abnormal gait and reluctance to stand on rear legs. Early treatment of this disease, more particularly the clinical signs will save your giant Dane from being crippled.
- Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is a two small butterfly-shaped lobes known to regulate a dog's metabolic rate by producing enough hormone. Hypothyroidism occurs when the hormone produced by the thyroid gland is not enough thus decrease your dog's metabolism. Signs include skin problems, weight gain, excessive shedding, slow heart rate, lethargy and depression. Great Danes between four to ten years of age are more prone to hypothyroidism.
If your Great Dane is showing signs of any of these diseases, seek the advise of your vet as soon as you can. This article is just a guideline and is not intended to replace any vet's diagnosis.
Richard Cussons knows much about Great Dane breed. Learn more Great Dane training tips here!
Related Tags: great dane, great dane training
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The Time I Had a Pet Blue Wasp
A lot of people have pets such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles and some even have snakes and - Why Should You Buy Barking Collars For Dogs?
You love your dog but he always barks and misbehaves. It is very upsetting for owners to have dogs t - What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
There may be plenty of occasions in your life when a puppy crosses your path and desperately needs a - What Do Pet Insurance Policies Cover?
The most basic pet insurance policies simply cover vet bills. More advanced policies can cover every - Dog Walkers Are They For You
If you own a dog then you will know how important it is to ensure that it is walked often to keep th - Creating the Right First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Most of us have some type of first aid kit in our homes. They are necessary for those small bumps an - Deciding to Crate Your Dog For Training
There are several different ways that you may decide to use to train your new dog and they are all v - What to Know About Diets For Dogs
Weight seems to be a struggle for just about anyone, and that is true in the world of dogs. In fact, - Dog Training Basics - Important Tips to Remember
Training your dog is important. It's important for his safety, your safety, the safety of your prope - Don't Go Raising Sheep For Wool Without Reading This!
There are many possible reasons why people choose to raise sheep. Some do it as a means of livelihoo
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy And Dog Information
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs plenty of room to exercise and havin - How To Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Choosing a trainer is a very important decision and one that requires a fair amount of research and - Can Greenies Dog Treats Recover From Death?
A Makeover For Greenies(r) Treats Months after a series of lawsuits and media attention alleged the - Dog Treats - How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog
Your dog is indeed your best friend and how you feed him or her is very important. Even small items - How to Choose A Good Dog Trainer
If you find that you are not being successful in training your own dog, or maybe you don't have the - Dog Breeds and Asthma Sufferers: Are Hypoallergenic Breeds Always Best?
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In sh - Audubon Bird Feeders
Bird watching is an enjoyable hobby for many of us. We love the antics of the different birds as - Must Have Accessories For Your Fish Tank
When many individuals think of fish tank accessories, decorations are often the first thing that com - The Beautifull Hummingbirds
The hummingbirds diet requires nectar as a source of energy and for their protein source small insec - Clumber Spaniel Puppy And Dog Information
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm dog great for apartments as they do not need a great dea