Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that could affect their lives.
Working Read Homepage have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer life. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are the most important factors to a healthy and happy large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent cause of the condition. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases the tumor is located in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more water and frequent the outside for potty breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.
A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the rest of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumour. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition can be fatal when it isn't treated and diagnosed early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
How the owner manages the condition can influence the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and devise seizure management techniques and also build an effective network of support, will be more likely to prolong the pet's life.
Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to gums and teeth and may lead to infection in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this issue.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, due to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like retching, heaving, or an overly large stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is essential to be on top of your dog's medical care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common reason for dogs to be weak in their front legs.
In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition early.
Early signs of the disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or a sporadic one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion at 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 has its own distinct appearance on xrays and could be seen in both elbows or one of them.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these problems. The disease can still be present despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that gradually 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 eventually progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear why some dogs with this disease develop it and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Certain dogs can last for a number of months or years with a good quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own.
To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will look for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also 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 reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it is. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease However, sudden traumas could cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It may be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs at all.
Type II IVDD usually occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.