Examiné par JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM le 18 octobre 2022
Les grandes races de chiens sont les gentils géants du royaume canin. Des exemples de races de chiens de grande taille ou soi-disant «géantes» comprennent les dogues allemands, les pyrénées et les lévriers irlandais. Ces chiots ont beaucoup d'amour à donner, mais ces gros chiens s'accompagnent de problèmes de santé plus importants, impliquant généralement les articulations ou le cœur.
Si vous avez un de ces chiens de grande race, portez une attention particulière à la santé et au bonheur de votre animal, en particulier pour les animaux âgés. Tout changement dans le niveau d'activité, la démarche ou la respiration peut indiquer la présence d'une condition médicale nécessitant des soins vétérinaires.
Dysplasie de la hanche
Fréquente chez les grandes races de chiens, la dysplasie de la hanche est une affection congénitale provoquant un désalignement de l'articulation et de l'emboîture de la hanche. Selon le Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, la dysplasie de la hanche touche jusqu'à 50 % des races de gros chiens ; Les bouviers bernois, les golden retrievers, les bergers allemands et les caniches standard ont tous une prévalence plus élevée de dysplasie de la hanche.
Le premier signe de dysplasie de la hanche chez le chien est une diminution du niveau d'activité. Au fur et à mesure que la maladie progresse, les douleurs articulaires augmentent; les symptômes surviennent généralement entre quatre mois et un an. Les chiens atteints de dysplasie de la hanche peuvent faire des sauts de lapin et éviter de courir ou de monter les escaliers, ce qui aggrave les douleurs articulaires.
Si la dysplasie de la hanche est détectée avant l'âge de 10 mois, la Fondation orthopédique pour les animaux recommande une triple ostéotomie pelvienne, qui peut inverser la subluxation précoce de l'articulation de la hanche. Cette subluxation se produit lorsque la tête du fémur (os de la cuisse) se disloque partiellement de sa position habituelle confortable dans la cavité de l'articulation de la hanche.
Les animaux de compagnie plus âgés peuvent réussir avec une arthroplastie totale de la hanche - une procédure coûteuse non couverte par toutes les polices d'assurance pour animaux de compagnie. (Nous sommes fiers de dire que le plan Healthy Paws couvre la dysplasie de la hanche non préexistante chez tous les animaux inscrits avant l'âge de six ans !)
En plus des traitements chirurgicaux, des analgésiques sont souvent prescrits pour réduire la douleur et l'inconfort de la dysplasie de la hanche. Nutritional supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, promote joint health. Physical therapy is also beneficial.
Because hip dysplasia is hereditary, it cannot be prevented in breeds that are genetically predisposed to developing the condition. However, keeping pups slim and trim, providing daily exercise, and feeding a nutritionally balanced diet promote good joint health in large dog breeds. Regular vet checkups allow your veterinarian to monitor your dog’s joints and start hip dysplasia treatment early if necessary.
Entropion
This painful medication condition is hereditary, causing the eyelid to roll inwards, irritating the eye. Entropion in dogs is not unique to large breed dogs, but is more common in larger dogs. Ectropion may also occur, where the eyelid rolls outwards.
If your dog has entropion, their eyes may excessively tear or blink and will appear red or inflamed. Pain leads dogs to paw at the affected eye, causing more damage.
Visit your vet for a diagnosis. Your vet will use a dye on your dog’s eyes to make any damage to the cornea visible. Entropion surgery is commonly used to correct the eyelid positioning and repair lacerations to the cornea. A “cone of shame” (Elizabethan collar) protects eyes post-surgery, which has a success rate of 90 to 95 percent, according to Michigan Ave Animal Hospital. Multiple surgeries may be required, but the prognosis for a full recovery is good in most pets.
Aortic Stenosis
Big dog breeds require big hearts to keep their blood pumping. Congenital heart conditions like aortic stenosis are common in large dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers. Large breed dogs like the Boxer, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd are also susceptible to the condition.
Aortic stenosis in dogs is the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve, through which blood flows from the left ventricle to the aorta, and then to the rest of the body. This narrowing obstructs the flow of blood, forcing large dogs’ hearts to pump even harder. Symptoms include a cough, difficulty breathing, fainting, or exercise intolerance. Often there are no symptoms.
After determining the severity of the dog’s heart murmur (abnormal heart rhythm), further testing will be done to detail the condition of the heart. In severe aortic stenosis, surgery and/or beta-blocker drugs, which slow the heart rate, may be required. Pets with mild cases of the disease should avoid intense exercise, especially in hot weather, and stay slim.
Osteoarthritis
Also common in elderly pets, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease – dogs’ joint cartilage decreases over time, causing intense pain due to bone-on-bone rubbing. There are several types of arthritis in dogs, some caused by cancer or infections; osteoarthritis arises in large dog breeds because of the high stress placed on joints.
Dogs suffering from osteoarthritis will limp as their joint pain increases. Bony growths often occur on joints, leading to swelling; in severe cases of osteoarthritis, joints will audibly grate when the animal moves.
Treatment of arthritis in dogs typically begins with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids. The side effects of these medications can be rough on pets’ digestive systems, so they are not a long-term treatment method. Several types of surgery are effective for repairing or replacing the joint; amputation is considered in severe cases. Lifestyle changes are also recommended to further provide pain relief for dogs with osteoarthritis. Weight loss relieves pressure on pained joints, while glucosamine for dogs is a joint supplement often recommended by vets.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
Also known as gastric torsion, this condition is most often seen in extra-large and deep-chested dog breeds due to the shape of their chests. Gas builds up in the stomach, which expands dangerously in large dogs’ deep chest cavities. Overeating or eating too quickly is thought to be a main culprit of excessive stomach gas; speedy eaters often gulp down a side of air with their meal. Danger happens when the stomach twists, obstructing blood flow by compressing blood flow – a life-threatening condition.
Retching, abnormal heart and breathing rates, excessive salivation, and a distended abdomen are the primary signs of GDV. As the vena cava, a large vein in the body, continues to be compressed, symptoms of shock, such as pale mucous membranes and unconsciousness, occur.
Emergency treatment focuses primarily on stabilizing the pet, decompressing the stomach, and reversing any torsion or twisting that occurred. Gastropexy, a surgical procedure during which the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent twisting, is often performed in dogs with GDV.
With speedy treatment, large dogs have a good prognosis. Prevent GDV by monitoring your pet during meal times, making sure they don’t eat too quickly or too much at one time. Elevated food bowls help slow down eating.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.
(Featured image via Flickr.com/tracyleephoto)
