Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental agility.

Their size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that can have a negative impact on their lives.

Working line German Shepherds often have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking proper steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, proper diet and regular exercise will keep this large breed in good health.

Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor in the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. Around 15% of the cases the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and consume more food than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more water and be outside more often for bathroom breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the disease.

A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it will require medication to rest his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease are able to live normal lives when they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in seizures. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.

How a pet's owner manages the condition could influence the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. Owners who can be vigilant about their dog's medication and devise strategies to manage seizures, as well as build an extensive network of support, will be more likely to prolong the pet's life.

Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause serious dental and gum damage and can lead to infection in other organs like kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue.

Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds due to their deep, narrow chests. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. The condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an overly large stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds that experience bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog's health up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is an articulation between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs.

In some cases of the disease the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, and lameness. This damage is not reversible and early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

The first signs of the disease in dogs include the appearance of a slight limp or an intermittent one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.

There are three main types of elbow dysplasia. Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows.

The best method currently to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and schäferhund abzugeben elbow problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs whose parents have been shown to have good elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs and progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known the reason why some dogs suffering from this condition develop it, while others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, however the disease is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is common for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.

Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and altdeutscher deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz (recommended) help slow the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health issues that may affect their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This results in intense back pain and back arching, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally disabled. They may not even be able to walk on their rear legs.

The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.