Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages of 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental ability.

They are at a higher risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which can impact their lives.

Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to help them maintain their active lifestyles and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition and daily 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 in the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent cause of the condition. In 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, which is a small organ that is located close to 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 the top of the kidneys.

If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance, and a lack of energy.

A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition can live normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to 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. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise strategies to manage seizures, as well as build an extensive network of support will be more likely to prolong the pet's life.

As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, and deutscher Schäferhund schwarz kaufen could cause infections in other parts of the body, such as the liver, deutscher schäferhund kaufen Schweiz kidneys, and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this condition.

The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and expand reinrassiger schäferhund with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd shows symptoms of bloat like Heaving, reinrassiger Deutscher Schäferhund welpe retching, or an enlarged stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up), reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter you should go to an emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned to allow for continuous movement. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.

In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable therefore it is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition early.

The first signs of this disease in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid inside the joint.

There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on x-rays and can be seen in one or both elbows.

The best method currently to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. These diseases can still occur despite screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective method. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others do not.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed through medication, however the condition is progressive and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or even years with a high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own.

To diagnose DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist will look for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and requests blood samples to determine the genetic mutations that cause with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to allow for analysis and deutscher schäferhund Kaufen schweiz to exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures that support 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 is made of a fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma could cause herniation.

Type I IVDD is defined by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, and may be unable to use their rear legs at all.

The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.