Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of mental and physical sharpness.
Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that may impact lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to support their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking proper steps to prevent or manage them can help your dog live longer. Regular visits to the vet, proper diet and regular 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. 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. About 15% of the instances the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more fluids and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. german shepherd kaufen indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will need medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition will live normal lives. The condition could be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or a traumatic injury that occurs during the course of a seizure. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.
The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is handled by the owner. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop seizure management techniques and also create an extensive network of support, will be more likely to prolong their pet's life.
As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this condition.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds thanks to their chests that are narrow and deep. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal in just half an hour. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat, such as Heaving, retching, or an overly full stomach or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should go to an 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 by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to allow 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 that lies between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and numbness. The damage is irreparable, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition early.
Early signs of the condition in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or an intermittent one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint.
There are three main types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and may be present in one or both elbows.
Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. These diseases can still occur despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others do not.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition is progressive and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs live for many months or even years with high quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own.
Your doctor will conduct an examination for neurological disorders and will create an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other illnesses that show similar clinical signs, and asks for blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated with the disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be collected to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It results in severe back pain and back arching, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will become completely crippled. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
Type II IVDD usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.