Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can have a negative impact on their lives.
German Shepherds in the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are the key to 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 that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a small organ that is located close to the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the instances, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and consume more food than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more fluids and frequent the outside to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to remainder of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live an extended and healthy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could be killed due to oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal.
The way the owner manages the condition can affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental disease. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infections in other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this issue.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated immediately reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, like vomiting or retching without food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up) Take your pet to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some instances the cartilage between the bones can erode and cause swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or when 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 major types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be seen in one or both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. These conditions can still develop despite screening. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs from parents that have been proven to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto 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. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known what causes dogs with this condition develop it, while others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs can live for many months or years with a good quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own.
Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create a detailed medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar clinical signs, and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be collected to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine the regions 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 slow down the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. 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 not able to use their rear legs even.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.