So i’ve been researching great danes, and it looks like they have quite a few health issues. bloat seems super scary, and i saw that they can also get heart problems like dcm. anyone here have experience with this? how do you manage it?
yeah, bloat is a huge issue. my dane had it once, and we had to rush him to the vet. surgery was expensive, but it saved his life.
@Kipp
he was pacing a lot, drooling like crazy, and trying to vomit but nothing came out. his stomach looked really swollen too.
@Kipp
yep, those are classic signs. it’s a medical emergency, so if anyone sees that, get to the vet asap.
dcm is another big one. my vet told me great danes are more likely to get it, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
Jory said:
dcm is another big one. my vet told me great danes are more likely to get it, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
what’s dcm? never heard of it.
Jory said:
dcm is another big one. my vet told me great danes are more likely to get it, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
what’s dcm? never heard of it.
it’s a heart condition where the heart muscle weakens and gets bigger. makes it hard to pump blood properly.
Jory said:
dcm is another big one. my vet told me great danes are more likely to get it, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
what’s dcm? never heard of it.
i read that it can be caused by a taurine deficiency too. some diets don’t have enough of it, so it’s good to check with a vet.
my dane has joint issues, probably hip dysplasia. he’s stiff in the mornings and doesn’t like stairs anymore.
Bay said:
my dane has joint issues, probably hip dysplasia. he’s stiff in the mornings and doesn’t like stairs anymore.
hip dysplasia is common in big dogs. my vet told me weight management is key. less weight = less stress on the joints.
Bay said:
my dane has joint issues, probably hip dysplasia. he’s stiff in the mornings and doesn’t like stairs anymore.
makes sense. i’ve been looking into joint supplements too. glucosamine & chondroitin seem to help.
don’t forget about hypothyroidism! my dane got diagnosed at 9 years old. he was gaining weight and losing fur.
Kai said:
don’t forget about hypothyroidism! my dane got diagnosed at 9 years old. he was gaining weight and losing fur.
oh wow, is it treatable?
Kai said:
don’t forget about hypothyroidism! my dane got diagnosed at 9 years old. he was gaining weight and losing fur.
oh wow, is it treatable?
yeah, he takes meds for it daily. it’s manageable, just gotta stay on top of it.
anyone thinking of getting a great dane should definitely know about these issues. they’re amazing dogs but need a lot of care.
Alden said:
anyone thinking of getting a great dane should definitely know about these issues. they’re amazing dogs but need a lot of care.
100%. regular vet visits and good food are a must. also, pet insurance is worth looking into.