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 peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are at greater risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions which could affect their lives.
German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their high activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and regular exercise are the keys to 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 in the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most common reason for the condition. In 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located close to the brain's base. Around 15% of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and eat more than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more water and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will manage his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. Most dogs suffering from this disease can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be affected by the way in which the condition is handled by the owner. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop strategies to manage seizures and also create an effective network of support are more likely to extend the pet's life.
As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. If left untreated, this condition could cause serious dental and gum damage and can cause infection in other organs like kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can decrease the risk of this problem.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly large stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should go to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. Our Web Site is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinarian care and preventative measures.
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 be able to fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most common reason why dogs are lame in their front legs.
In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is not irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Early signs of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated 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 kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen of these conditions can be observed on both elbows or one of them.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs from parents that have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known why some dogs with this disease develop it and others don't despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled through medication, however the condition progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is typical for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
To determine if you have DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to enable analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression 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 can be prone to health issues that could impact their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative steps that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It 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 cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often not able to use their rear legs even.
The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This causes herniation and compression of the spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear legs.