Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at greater risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, good diet, and regular exercise are the keys to a healthy and happy large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common reason for the condition. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more water and go outside more often for potty breaks. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance, and lethargy.
A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results will show the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, he needs medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition have normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is handled by the owner. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication and devise seizure management techniques and also build a strong network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's life.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to teeth and gums and may cause infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be fatal in less than half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, for example retching or heaving with little or no food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and the rear end up) then take them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds that experience bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate and cause swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
Early signs of the condition in dogs are a slight limp or an intermittent one, especially during exercise or when 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 the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be present in both elbows or one of them.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best way to prevent these problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still occur. The most effective method is to only breed dogs whose parents have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then develop into paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease while others don't.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed with medication, however the condition is progressive and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to live for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is typical for owners to choose to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and then conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be obtained to permit analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that can affect their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not 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 the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This can cause severe pain in the back, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It may also be accompanied with weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs even.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" which results in the annulus fibers that are weakening expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.