Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.

Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer musculoskeletal issues, and other health issues that could affect their lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds often lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their high activity levels and workout demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these ailments and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are the most important factors 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 of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent cause of the disease. In 80 to 85% of cases, the tumor deutsche schäFerhunde welpen kaufen österreich is located on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the cases the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and eat more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, which means the pet has to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance, and lethargy.

A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring 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 will require medication to duration of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs with this condition will have normal lives. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and detected early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.

The way the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a strong support system is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet.

As with all breeds of dog, deutsche Schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental problems. Untreated, this condition can cause serious dental and gum damage and can cause infections in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the risk of this problem.

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 deutschen Schäferhund kaufen cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your dog shows signs of bloat, like retching or heaving without food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take them to the emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatment.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason why dogs are lame in their front legs.

In certain instances the cartilage between the bones can erode and cause swelling, pain and numbness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition at an early stage.

The first indications of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.

There are three major kinds of elbow dysplasia: deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen öSterreich Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on x-rays and may be found in one or both elbows.

Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. However, despite screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs from parents that have been shown to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs and eventually develop into paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease and others don't.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition can progress and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is typical for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes unable to stand or walk on their own.

Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund schäferhund baby kaufen öSterreich (view website) will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to permit analysis and the exclusion of 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 the progress of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could alter their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma could cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It results in severe back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It could be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs even.

The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. This type of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.