Great Danes are one of the most beautiful breeds of dogs, and frequently win people over with their good natures, but, like many breeds of large dogs, they live only 7-10 years. Several health problems are common to a Great Dane.

Bloat is the most dangerous common health problem in Great Danes. In large dogs with deep chests, for some reason the stomach can become enlarged and rotate, so that it is twisted at the ends like a Tootsie Roll. This does not allow the stomach contents to move along the digestive tract. This is extremely painful and a life-threatening emergency that must be treated surgically within a few hours to save the dog’s life.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease thought to be inherited in Great Danes. The muscle of the heart expands, making it difficult for the enlarged heart to generate the pressure to pump blood throughout the large body. Unfortunately, it is progressive. Other heart defects include malformed valves, holes in the partition dividing the right and left sides of the heart, and narrowing of a large artery called the aorta as it leaves the heart.

Bone cancer and cancer of the immune system are also problems that frequently end Great Danes’ lives. They are believed to be hereditary, although the type of inheritance has yet to be worked out.

Hip Dysphasia is another malformation frequently afflicting large dogs, and the Great Dane is no exception. Dogs can become crippled due to defective hips, and can have difficulty having normal bowel movements.

Autoimmune thyroiditis afflicts some Great Danes when the immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for making a hormone that helps the dog to be energetic and burn calories to make heat. Without a normal thyroid hormone level the dog can be lethargic. Fortunately, the condition is easily treated with thyroid hormone pills.

Wobblers is a condition caused by malformed neck bones. This can cause the dog to walk in a "drunken" manner. Some Great Danes inherit the disorder and some get it from accidents.

When Great Dane puppies are growing rapidly, they can have bone problems that can cause them to be lame or fatigued. Some bone conditions clear up with maturity and some do not.

When shopping for a Great Dane, one of the most gorgeous dog breeds, look for one with a healthy family history, and have your puppy checked for possible health problems.