Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of mental and physical sharpness.

Their large size puts them at a greater chance of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can impact lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their high activity levels and exercise demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good 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 adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most frequent cause of the condition. In approximately 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. About 15% of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and eat more than usual. Cushing's may also cause increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and take toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the disease.

A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring 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, it will require medication to duration of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly be fatal.

The way the 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 develop seizure management techniques and establish a strong network of support, will be more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.

Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this issue.

Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, like vomiting or retching with little or no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up), take them 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's health up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is an articulation between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason dogs become lame in their front legs.

In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage.

The first signs of this disease in dogs are a slight limp or intermittent one, 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 types of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). 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 option to avoid these issues. These conditions can still develop despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia are not passed to 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 manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is not known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease develop it and others don't despite having a genetic predisposition.

Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs will continue to live 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 in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.

Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen welpen österreich schäferhund welpe kaufen - see this here, the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to identify the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

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

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus and schäFerhunde suchen ein zuhause a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing extreme pain, weakness, German Shepherd to give away or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease However, sudden traumas can cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and results in severe back pain and back arching, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs even.

The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.