The Great Dane can suffer from any hereditary disease found in any breed of dog and  these are many and varied, although not any way as numerous as those found in man!! There are tests that can be done to predict the likelihood of a few of these conditions  by DNA testing, x-raying, ultra sound, ECG testing and eye examination to name a  few. Some are not discovered until an animal is used in a breeding program. If they  then manifest themselves then the animal and the off spring should not be bred from again. The following have occurred regularly enough to be recognised as problems in Great Danes and these should be discussed with your vet and the breeder. CANINE WOBBLERS CARDIOMYOPATHY ENTROPIAN GLAUCOMA OSTIOCHRONDRITUS DISSECANS MEGAOESOPHAGUS HIP DYSPLASIA DEAFNESS IN HARLEQUINS This is not a complete list, but the most common and any other should be discussed with your vet. Other conditions that are not hereditary are: GASTRIC TORTION (BLOAT) EPILEPSY AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE BONE CANCER Please don’t be disheartened when you read this. There is a good chance that your pet will go through life without getting any of these diseases or conditions. Remember to insure your animal and then a visit to the vet will be less painful on the pocket and the dog can have the best treatment available.