AboutKen Humphries Expertise I have only four geat danes now, all fawn, although I have had brindles in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars and lecture on Kennel Club regulations, how to judge dogs, canine anatomy, movement and stewarding at shows. I am on the committees of National Working & Pastoral Breeds, Midland & West of England Great Dane Club organising shows and I was chairman of Stratford Canine Society.
Experience I have had up to 20 great danes at any one time, fawn, brindle and blue,in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I have judged the championship show of the Great Dane Club of South Australia. I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars for novice judges and instruct them on Kennel Club regulations and construction and movement.
A dane we bred and that I showed took the best dog award at Crufts.
Expert: Ken Humphries Date: 2/25/2008 Subject: problems with losing control /weakness back legs
Question My 6 year old male Harlequin Dane has just recently been walking like he's drunk. especially going around corners, his back legs stagger. Also he is starting to drag his right rear foot. he's had no obvious injury and the Vet thinks it is neurological. They said he's to old for "wobbles" disease. i was wondering if this is common and ideas on what we might look for?
Answer This is a regular thing with older danes, not usually this young though. It seems as though the nerves in the spine are dying off and he is losing the ability to feel anything from thre pelvis back and he will eventually lose the ability to walk and control his bladder and other functions.
You will have to bite the bullet in the near future and decide to euthanase him or whether you want him to suffer further because you don't want to lose him.
