Growth Problems In Great Danes

Convinced they're lap dogs...

1. Hip Dysplasia

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Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease. However, monitoring the puppies exercise intake can help lessen the chances. Nutrition is also a major factor. Excess energy consumption increases the frequency and severity of hip dysplasia, meaning food intake should be regulated to maintain a slender figure in the dog.

2. Wobbler Syndrome

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This disease is notable in young Danes. The disease affects the dogs spine in their neck region, causing them to walk with their head down due to the intense pain they experience. While the cause of this disease is still unknown, it is believed to be a result of bad breeding. Treatments consists of acupuncture, surgery and medications to help with the pain.

3. Bloat

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We are all familiar with bloat, which is very common in large dog breeds. Great Danes become stressed when left alone for long periods of time. They can become so upset they cause themselves to bloat. This breed is one giant baby!

4. Shortest Lifespan

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Research supports the theory suggesting that lower metabolic rate shortens an individual's lifespan. Increased life expectancy is noted to be positively linked to high energy expenditure in dogs. Others believe that aging and body size are only linked because of the shared effects of IGF-1.

Sites

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1687006/

http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1748-5827.1989.tb01909.x?r3_referer=wol&show_checkout=1

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1474-9728.2003.00061.x/full