Common Health Conditions in Large-Breed Dogs
Adopting a large dog has its benefits. For one thing, the larger the dog, the cozier the cuddle is. And some large dogs, despite their size, have calmer temperaments than their smaller counterparts, making them ideal for homes with children.
But large dogs can also have large-scale health issues. And it's important to be aware of the health conditions that are common for large-breed dogs like the Cane Corso dog, Dogo Argentino, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Here are a few to keep on your radar and budget for.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly. When the ball and socket fail to align, it causes a deformed hip joint that can lead to instability.
Hip dysplasia is largely a genetic disease, and it's common in large-breed dogs like the Cane Coro, Dogo Argentino, and Bernese Mountain Dog, all of which can weigh near or above 100 pounds. The reason is because large dogs often experience rapid growth and weight gain, which can put additional strain on their developing joints.
It's not a given that your dog will need surgery to correct hip dysplasia. If your dog isn't in a lot of pain and mobility isn't greatly affected, you may be able to treat the condition with anti-inflammatory medication. But often, surgery is recommended if more conservative treatments don't improve mobility or quality of life.
CareCredit puts the average cost of hip dysplasia surgery for dogs at $1,700 to more than $4,500. The amount surgery will cost will depend on the specifics of the procedure. Some surgeries work to correct the malformed joints while other dogs require hip replacement.
Arthritis
Although dogs of all sizes can get arthritis, it's particularly common in larger dogs. That's because large dogs like the breeds mentioned above have to carry a lot of weight on relatively small joints. All of that pressure can cause wear and tear -- and cause your beloved pet to be in a world of pain.
Arthritis treatment depends on the extent to which it's impacting your dog. Low-cost anti-inflammatory medication is often used as the first line of defense. In some cases, physical therapy is also used. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed.
CareCredit puts the average cost of physical therapy for arthritis at $50 to $75 per session. Carprofen, a common anti-inflammatory used for dogs with arthritis, can cost as little as roughly $1 per day.
When anti-inflammatory pills don't do the trick or they're hard to administer, a newer drug called Librela may be recommended to treat arthritis in dogs. This medication is injected once a month at the vet's office. Newsweek puts the average cost at $60 to $150 per injection.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Large dogs can be stricken with a host of heart issues. A common one in very large breeds is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition when the heart muscle weakens, leading to congestive heart failure.
DCM can be an expensive condition to diagnose, as it often requires tests such as electrocardiograms and ultrasounds. Also, since dogs aren't exactly known for their tendency to sit still, sedation is often required to administer these tests, adding to the expense.
There are a number of medications that can be used to treat DCM in dogs, including ACE inhibitors like enalapril and beta blockers like diltiazem. Depending on dosage, these drugs can cost under $1 per day. A low-sodium diet may also be recommended.
Dogs with DCM are typically monitored on an ongoing basis. You’ll need to budget for the cost of ongoing appointments, which will depend on the vet you use and how often they want your dog to be seen.
Bloat
Humans experience bloating all the time, and it's often not a big deal. In dogs, bloat can be a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or foods too quickly. This effectively causes the stomach to flip, which can obstruct blood flow.
Large dogs tend to be more susceptible to bloat for a number of reasons. First, some large dogs simply have more space in their stomach area, which can lend to twisting. Also, large dogs tend to consume more food and fluid than their smaller counterparts, which can result in bloat.
Because bloat treatment can't be put off, you're at the mercy of whatever emergency vet center is available to you. Treatment will commonly involve IV fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics to start with. It’s common for dogs to then need surgery once stabilized.
Figo Pet Insurance says pet owners can expect to pay between $1,500 to $7,500 for gastric dilatation-volvulus surgery in dogs to treat bloat, as well as for post-operative care. But keep in mind that you might also face a host of expenses on the diagnostic end of things as well.
Cancer
Large-breed dogs can be susceptible to different types of cancer. Histiocytic sarcoma is common in Bernese Mountain Dogs, while osteosarcoma is a common form of cancer seen in the Cane Corso.
Lemonade says the average cost of chemotherapy for dogs ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. But the overall cost hinges on the extent of treatment and duration.
There’s also a cost associated with diagnosing cancer in dogs. The process often involves procedures such as bloodwork, ultrasounds, biopsies, and more.
Make Sure You’re Prepared
Large-breed dogs can be wonderful companions, but it’s important to be aware of the health conditions that might come with them. This shouldn’t turn you off from adopting a large dog, though. Many large-breed dogs live long, healthy lives, and small dogs also suffer from their own host of common conditions.
The point, rather, is that it’s important to understand the potential costs of treating health problems in large dogs and preparing accordingly. In addition to maintaining a pet emergency fund, it could be a good idea to learn more about pet insurance as well.
Interested in adopting a large-breed dog? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues and find the perfect pet today!