Fortunately cataracts are not common in Great Danes and they can be tested for. A CERF exam is one of the 4 health tests recommended by the Great Dane Cub…

Hypothyroidism is a condition resulting in not enough production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Symptoms are weight gain, inactivity and dull hair with excessive shedding. The condition most often occurs in dogs 4-10 years old and in medium to large breeds. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through blood work and is treatable! The disease in an inheritable disorder of the immune system and so testing for it is one of the four health tests recommended by the Great Dane Club of America.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the walls of the heart thin and the heart becomes enlarged. Over time the condition worsens and causes progressive loss of heart function, often showing no obvious signs for several years. DCM is one of the leading causes of death in Great Danes.

DCM can be diagnosed by ultrasound and ECG and because it has been shown to have a genetic component, that there is a familial tendency, a genetic predisposition, testing for DCM is one of the four recommended health tests for Great Danes. This health test should be performed every 2 years and results should be kept current if the dog is used for breeding.

In dogs, hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can eventually cause crippling lameness and arthritis in your dog’s joints. It is awful in all dogs and especially distressing in Giant Breed dogs.

There are several factors that lead to the devoopment of hip dysplasia in dogs, beginning with genetics, that is why evaluation of the parent’s hips is one of the 4 health tests recommended by the Great Dane Club of America. Genetic predisposition can be exacerbated by some environmentl factors, such as a dog’s weight and nutrition, rapid excessive growth and exercise.