Dogs are not immune to most human diseases, and they also develop genetic-based issues. Dogs aged over ten are mostly prone to vestibular diseases most humans above 70 years of age get.
The sedentary lifestyle and overeating pave the way for diabetes and cardiac issues in giant dogs. There are enough medical facilities to treat most major health setbacks dogs face in their old age. Efficient accident injury treatments are also available for dogs in most State-owned hospitals.
Intervertebral-disc-disease or IVDD
IVDD is common in older dogs and dogs that tend to be overactive, always jumping and hopping on walls, furniture, etc. Dog IVDD symptoms are pain and swelling in certain areas, as the dog will show visible pain by howling if you touch the infected area. It might occur in the back or neck, and it is associated with spine and disc disorder.
Dog IVDD surgery is suggested for more severe cases continued by prolonged rest. The dogs will start urinating and defecating without control when the situation worsens and suffer from immense pain unable to move. Mild IVDD is usually treated with rest and applying muscle relaxing creams on the infected area.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common in certain breeds like Corgis, which have short legs to support a stout body. The hip balls and sockets move away, causing immense pricking pain for the dogs when they move. Even some giant breeds like Great Dane and Saint Bernard get hip dysplasia if they inherit it genetically.
Over exercise or wrong exercise might also cause hip ball and socket dislocation. FHO treatment for young dogs helps in pain management by creating false hip joints. THR or total hip replacement therapy treats aging dogs, and most dogs recover to their old cheerful self after the surgery.
Pancreatitis
If your dog walks with a hunched back like a drunkard without balance and loses appetite completely, it might be a symptom of pancreatitis. Diarrhea, excessive weakness, and growling or snapping when the abdomen is touched are pancreatitis symptoms.
Overeating, overeating human food or food with high-fat content, and exposure to certain alkaloids found in processed foods are the reason for pancreatitis.
It often occurs one fine day without prior symptoms and can be fatal if not checked immediately. Vets usually prefer giving IV for pancreatitis, monitoring the dog's condition, keeping them hydrated, and nearly 60% of them survive the illness.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM
DCM is a common heart disease found in giant dogs like Scottish deerhounds or Great Dane. As the dog age, the heart gets weak and loses its ability to pump blood as effectively as before. DCM makes the dogs fall short of breath often, creates extreme breathing difficulty, blurry vision, and loss of intelligence and confusion.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are given to the dog to enable easy blood flow. Medications to slow down the dog's heart rate and diuretics drain excessively accumulated fluid from the body. Dogs diagnosed with DCM usually die within six months or one year.
Kidney disease
Dogs start drinking more water and frequently urinating because the kidneys are beginning to malfunction. They lose their interest in food gradually and eat what is soothing to their stomach. Vomiting, diarrhea, and horrid stench will start emanating from the dog because the waste materials start accumulating inside the body.
Young dogs often recover with simple fluid therapy and medication to control diarrhea. Surgeons remove the affected kidney if the dog is healthy.
Proper diet and rest are essential after the treatment to maintain good health and avoid further complications. Keeping the dog free of dental problems will prevent bacteria from accumulating in the mouth, passing into the stomach, and affecting the kidneys.