Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds peak between the ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental sharpness.

Their large size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health issues that could impact lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds often have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their activity levels and demands for exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds may suffer from various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition and daily 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 on the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. About 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and reinrassiger schäFerhund urination. As a result, the pet has to drink more fluids and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include hair loss as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy.

A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and Reinrassiger SchäFerhund performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the duration of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition have normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live an extended and SchäFerhund Welpen öSterreich Kaufen healthy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink.

How a pet's owner manages the condition can influence the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. An owner who can closely keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span.

As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.

Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than other breeds thanks to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example retching or heaving without food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia can develop. It is the most common reason why dogs are disabled in their front legs.

In some instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to diagnose and buy a german shepherd puppy treat the condition as early as possible.

The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint.

There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be found on one or both elbows.

Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. These conditions can still develop despite screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs and progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is unclear what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.

Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition can progress and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs last for a number of months or even years with good quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.

Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures that support their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition However, sudden traumas can cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. This causes intense pain, back pain and back arching, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It could be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not be able to walk on their rear legs.

The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. This type of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, unlike Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.