The Great Dane - Breed Nutrition - Royal Canin

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
This disease is characterised by major changes to the bone tissue, resulting in excessive bone production.
Lameness is generally bilateral (front or back) and tumours at the extremities of the long
bones may be observed. Male puppies are more at risk than females.
The bones most affected are in the forelegs (radius, ulna) and the tibia (sometimes even the mandible).
Local inflammation is accompanied by bouts of fever and pain in the dog, which refuses to
eat and generally presents signs of intense exhaustion. Although the cause remains unclear, being
overweight and too high a calcium and vitamin D intake are factors that predispose to the appearance
of the disease (Hedhammar et al, 1974).
Whilst the precise cause of hypertrophic
osteodystropy is unknown, excessive
weight during growth is a risk factor,
as is excessive supplementation of
minerals and vitamin D.
Enlargement and increased density
of bone extremities: images of
bone deformity.
Radiolucent and irregular area
parallel to the epiphyseal cartilage.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
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© École Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes
Osteochondritis
Osteochondritis of the shoulder
Osteochondritis begins with a fissure on the surface of the joint
cartilage. Under the influence of intense activity or excess weight,
a flap of cartilage may become detached and float in the joint.
This is called a joint mouse.
Some breeds that experience rapid growth, such as the Great Dane, may develop ossification problems
that can lead to malformation of joint cartilage or abnormal growth. The most affected joints,
in descending order, are the hocks, the elbows and the shoulders (in most cases both shoulders are
affected). While lameness will most often be unilateral, the disease is frequently bilateral.
Osteochondritis is more often observed in males than females. It is one of the most common causes
of secondary arthritis in dogs. An excess of calcium in the food is a predisposing cause of osteochondritis
(Hazewinkel et al, 1985).
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1. Scapula (shoulder blade)
2. Head of the humerus
3. Joint mouse
4. cartilage lesion