Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk for 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 nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the most important factors to maintaining 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 one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 90% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. In around 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's may also cause increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more water and take toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results indicate the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the tumor. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is managed by the owner. An owner who can closely check the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet.
As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause serious damage to 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 dental care are less prone to this condition.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, due to their deep, narrow chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twist and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as 30 minutes. 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) It is recommended to take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs.
In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage.
The first signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. 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 on one or both elbows.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these problems. These conditions can still develop despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others do not.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for many months or years with a good quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.
To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be obtained to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and track the 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 may reduce their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It results in intense back pain and back arching and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied with weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will be totally crippled. They might not even be able to move their rear legs.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.