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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems

Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Keeping Pets Healthy
great dane

Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems

Are you familiar with the health conditions common in big dogs? Your large breed dog may be at increased risk of developing one or more of these conditions.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia occur due to malformations in the hip or elbow joints. As a result, the bones don't move smoothly in the joints and, instead, grind or rub together painfully. The condition may eventually cause arthritis, joint degeneration and inflammation, lameness, and difficulty climbing stairs or jumping. Dysplasia is often inherited and can cause symptoms early in your pet's life. Hip dysplasia is common in German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, St. Bernards, and other large dogs, while elbow dysplasia is often seen in Golden and Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers.

Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for dogs who have hip dysplasia. Even a few extra pounds can increase pressure on the joints and worsen your pet's symptoms. Although pain medications and joint supplements might improve your pet's comfort, surgery may be needed in some cases. Surgical procedures are used to reposition or deepen joint sockets in young dogs with hip dysplasia, while total hip replacement surgery is the best option for older dogs. Dogs that have elbow dysplasia may also benefit from surgery.

Bloat

Bloat, or gastric torsion, happens when your dog's stomach stretches, then twists or rotates. The life-threatening condition can prevent blood from reaching the stomach or other parts of the body and may cause tears in the walls of the stomach. If your dog doesn't receive immediate veterinary treatment, he or she may die.

Big dogs may be more likely to develop bloat if they eat too quickly and swallow air as they eat. The swallowed air can build up in the stomach, causing it to dilate. Bloat symptoms include swollen stomach, drooling, anxiety, pacing, inability to vomit, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. Your pet's veterinarian can decrease pressure in the stomach by inserting a tube into the stomach or puncturing it with a needle if the tube won't fit due to twisting. Surgery will restore the normal position of the stomach if it has twisted.

Heart Problems

Dilated cardiomyopathy affects a variety of large dog breeds, including Great Danes, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Afghan Hounds, and Doberman Pinschers. The condition makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently and increases the size of the organ. Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy include coughing, rapid breathing, weakness, fatigue and fainting. Although there is no way to improve the condition of the heart, medications may help control irregular rhythms and delay the progression of the disease or the development of congestive heart failure.

Large dogs may also be more likely to develop aortic stenosis, a condition that restricts blood flow to the heart due to a narrowing along the aorta. If your dog's condition is mild, there may be no obvious signs. In fact, the condition may only be discovered if your pet's veterinarian hears a heart murmur during an exam. Dogs that are more severely affected may have trouble breathing, breathe rapidly or faint. Heart medications can be helpful for some dogs. In severe cases, cardiac catheterization may be recommended to widen narrowed areas.

Eyelid Conditions

Entropion and ectropion can affect the eyelids of big dogs, causing pain and irritation. Entropion occurs when the eyelids roll inward, while ectropion causes the lids to roll outward. Eyedrops and ointments that protect the sensitive tissues of the corneas and the lining of the eyes can be helpful if your pet has a mild form of either condition. Surgery may be recommended for severe cases.

Regular veterinary care helps you safeguard your big dog's health. If you're concerned about a health issue, or it's time for your furry friend's checkup, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

PetMD: 10 Most Common Issues for Giant Dogs

https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/breeds/10-most-common-health-issues-giant-dogs

American Kennel Club: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/common-conditions/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/

American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Canine Elbow Dysplasia

https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/canine-elbow-dysplasia

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
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  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
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      • Amphibians
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        • Lizards
        • Turtles
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        • Prairie Dogs
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        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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