Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and regular exercise are the key to maintaining good health for this large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor of the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, which is a tiny organ located close to the brain's base. In around 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. The condition can also cause more thirst and increased the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and take toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease he needs medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will manage his symptoms and slow down the growth of the tumor. Most dogs with this condition can live normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which can quickly be fatal.
How the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop seizure management techniques, as well as create a strong network of support will be more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and can cause infections in other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. The condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your Shepherd shows symptoms of bloat like retching, heaving, or an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog's health up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of 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 allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate and cause swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is not irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
The first signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a resting position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may 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 has a unique appearance on x-rays and may be seen in one or both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs from parents that have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is considered to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease develop it and others don't despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed through medication, however the condition progresses and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.
To determine if you have DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist will check for other diseases with similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disorder. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to health issues that could impact their lifespan. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is defined by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, and may be being unable to move their rear legs even.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen 's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. Signs include reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.