Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability.
They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which can impact their lives.
Working line German Shepherds often have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their active lifestyle and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular visits to the vet, 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 that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a small organ that is located near the base of brain. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet needs to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs with this condition live normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds with epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal.
How a pet's owner manages the condition can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to teeth and gums, and could cause infections in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloating. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines twitch inwards, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. The condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds that experience the condition of bloat are more at chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
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 together perfectly to allow for continuous movement. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent reason dogs become weak in their front legs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling, and lameness. This damage is not reversible, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
The first indications of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, especially following exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases, and there may 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 can be observed either on the elbows of both elbows.
Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. The disease can still be present despite screenings. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly 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 then develop into paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the disease progresses and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs are able to live for months or even years with a high standard of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to opt for euthanasia once the dog becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To determine if entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to examine the genetic mutation associated with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to enable analysis and exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it is. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition However, sudden traumas can cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs in any way.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or heavy exercise, which is not the case for Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear legs.