Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are more at risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions that can impact their lives.

Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their high activity levels and demands for exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds can suffer from numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary visits, good 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 between 80% and 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.

Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more fluids and frequent the outside for potty breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the illness.

A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results will show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.

Once 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 the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs suffering from this condition can have normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may remain healthy and live a long, happy life. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury in a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.

How a pet's owner manages the condition could influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and devise seizure management techniques and also build an extensive network of support, are more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.

As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to teeth and gums and may cause infection in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can reduce the chance of developing this condition.

The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch and become filled with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with little or no food coming in or an overly large stomach, or schäferhund kaufen österreich lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take your pet to the emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk 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 care.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason dogs become lame in their front legs.

In some cases the cartilage between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage.

The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also 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 can be observed either on the elbows of both elbows.

Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these problems. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs that come from parents who have been shown to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is believed to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for SchäFerhund Kaufen Welpe DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.

Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich österreich (read this blog article from King Wifi) request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to permit analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health issues that could affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that supports their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within that absorbs the 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 however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It results in intense back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be totally paralyzed. They might not be able to use their rear legs.

The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.