Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of physical and mental agility.
Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health issues that could have a negative impact on their lives.
Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their high activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer life. 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary, which is a small organ located close to the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the cases, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
When reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen has Cushing's, it becomes active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more fluids and be outside more often for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the condition.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease he needs medication for the rest his life. The medication will slow down 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 medicated and monitored. However, the condition may be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
How the owner manages the situation can affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and develop strategies to manage seizures and establish an extensive network of support will be more likely to prolong their pet's life.
Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infections in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this issue.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. The condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like retching, heaving, or an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to take them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition early.
The first signs of the condition in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases. There could 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 xrays and could be seen in one or both elbows.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. The disease can still be present even after screening. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs whose parents have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that slowly 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. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is not known what causes dogs with this condition develop it, while others do not despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition progresses and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a high standard of life, however it is common for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that could affect their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder, but sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also result in the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs at all.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear leg.