Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions which can impact their lives.
German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their 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 susceptible to various health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking proper steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good diet, and regular exercise are the most important factors 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the time, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's may also cause increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a potbellied appearance, and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results will show the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may remain healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is managed by the owner. An owner who can closely check the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies for managing seizures and build a strong support system is more likely to prolong their pet's life span.
Like other breeds of dogs German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental diseases. If left reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund , this condition could cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and may lead to infections in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the risk of this issue.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, due to their narrow, deep chests. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines twitch, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not addressed immediately, this condition can be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up), take them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most common reason why dogs are weak in their front legs.
In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is not reverseable, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition early.
The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild limp or a sporadic one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases and there could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on xrays and could be present in both elbows or one of them.
Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These conditions can still develop even after screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM usually manifest in older dogs and may become paralyzed. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known what causes dogs with this disease get it, and others don't despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the condition can progress and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or even years with high quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.
To diagnose DM the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will look for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that may alter their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease However, sudden traumas can trigger herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of the disc's nucleus. This can cause severe pain in the back, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. It could also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, unlike Type I. reinrassiger schäferhund include reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.
