Our Tank turned 1 year old this last January, 2011. Tanks first year of life has been a difficult one.  At 5 months old after weeks of vet. appts and many grueling tests and tears, Tank was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD).

HOD is a disease of young, rapidly growing dogs. It usually strikes puppies between the ages of 3 to 6 months. It is primarily a disease of large or giant breeds of dogs, although there can be exceptions to this rule. As with most of the young, large breed bone disorders, it affects males more commonly than females. There does not appear to be an increased incidence in any one large or giant breed. There does not appear to be a strong inherited or genetic link. The disease has several names including skeletal scurvy, Moller-Barlow's disease, osteodystrophy II, and metaphyseal osteopathy. The disease produces severe lameness and pain and usually affects multiple limbs. The prevention lies in understanding what causes this disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no agreement on the cause of this disease.

Our Tank has been such a fighter through this illness. Even when he had the highest fevers and was bedridden he still ate his food, drank his water and wagged his tail with glee everytime we walked into the room. Now that he has pulled through this he is still quite the couch potato and TV connoisseur but a very happy happy boy who loves his people and is dedicated to us 100 percent.

Because of Tanks illness and the unknown factor of it we have decided that Tank will not be bred. We would not wish what we went through with Tank on anyone. HOD takes alot of support, dedication and undying love to get through successfully.

If you are experiencing this disease and are in need of support or would like more information please contact us at anytime. 

Below are some pictures of our handsome Tank and his beautiful parents.