Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are at greater risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that could affect their lives.
Working line German Shepherds typically lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, 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. A tumor of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the disease. In about 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. About 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than normal. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he needs medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. Most dogs with this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and diagnosed early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.
The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
Like german shepherd kaufen of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to gums and teeth and may lead to infection in other organs like the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less susceptible to this issue.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds due to their narrow, deep chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example crying or heaving, with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up) Take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is essential to keep up with your dog's veterinarian treatment and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most frequent reason for dogs to be weak in their front legs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged, causing pain, swelling and numbness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage.
The first signs of the disease in dogs include a mild limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases, and there could 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 has its own distinct appearance on xrays and could be seen in one or both elbows.
Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs whose parents have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't 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 type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known why some dogs with this disease get it, and others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.
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, too. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life, however it is common for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take an extensive medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be taken to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine the areas 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 help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that may affect their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they affect your dog can help you take preventative action to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it is. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be completely crippled. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.