The Great Dane - Breed Nutrition - Royal Canin

A skeleton that requires special care
throughout the Great Dane’s life
Following a survey into the causes of mortality in dogs of particular breeds, osteoarticular lesions
were found to be the cause in 65% of Great Danes between 4 to 7 years and 42% of Great Danes
between 7 to 10 years. In this latter age group, the risk of osteoarticular pathology is 3.75 times
greater in giant breeds compared with small breed dogs (Deeb & Wolf, 1994).
As with many giant breeds, osteoarticular complaints are among the traditional Great
Dane pathologies. At 3-5 months a Great Dane puppy gains at least 1.5 kg a week
(Royal Canin 2004). This means that nutritional errors have major consequences in
this period of very intense development. But even when the growth stage is complete,
it remains vital to give extra attention to the adult Great Dane’s skeleton to safeguard
the dog’s well-being and maximise its life expectancy.
Uchuaya des Terres axonaises
© J.-M. Labat
Elbow and hip dysplasia
The Great Dane is one of the breeds at risk of developing elbow dysplasia: the first signs are
crepitus and pain following hyperextension of the elbow.
Hip dysplasia is a disease caused by excessive laxity of the head of femur in the acetabulum
(socket). Although less at risk than Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds,
Great Danes are more than 60% more likely to contract hip dysplasia than the dog population as
a whole (Lafond et al, 2002). Warning signs include an abnormal (‘rolling’) gait viewed from the
rear, refusal to trot or jump and pain during flexion-extension of the hindlegs. A definitive diagnosis
is obtained by X-ray.
It is important that hip dysplasia is identified at the earliest opportunity:
• for individuals: 40-50% of dogs suffering from hip dysplasia show no clinical signs if they are
fed an appropriate diet from the earliest age and undertake appropriate physical exercise;
• for the breed: genetic selection is at the core of the fight to eradicate this hereditary disease.
Hip dysplasia
In a dog suffering from hip dysplasia, the poor positioning
of the joint surfaces leads to premature wear and tear and
may result in the development of arthritic lesions that can
be painful.
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Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
1. Pelvis
2. Head of femur
3. Neck of femur
4. Femur