Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that may have a negative impact on their lives.
Working line German Shepherds often lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to support their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these ailments and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to a healthy and happy large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In approximately 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the brain's base. About 15% of the instances the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.
A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results indicate the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the duration of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition can be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or diagnosed in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to suffer from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise methods to manage seizures and establish an extensive network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's life.
Like other dog breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and may cause infections in other organs, like the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines turn and expand with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up) Take them to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common reason for dogs to be lame in their front legs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is not irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
The first indications of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or when getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be found on one or both elbows.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these issues. The disease can still be present despite screening. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs whose parents have been shown to have good elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring.
her comment is here is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then develop into paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease while others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs can live for months or years with a high quality of life, however it is typical for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
To diagnose DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and then conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its proper position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force, causing extreme pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of the disc's nucleus. This causes intense back pain arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will be completely crippled. They might not be able to use their rear legs.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.