Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They are at their best 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 a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to support their active lifestyle and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live longer. 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 disease. In about 80% to 90% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. In around 15% 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 more active and eats more than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet will need to drink more water and be outside more often for potty breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the disease.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the rest 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 treated and monitored. The condition can be fatal, however, if it's not treated and diagnosed early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.
The way the owner manages the condition could have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, create appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause serious damage to the gums and teeth, and even cause infections in other organs, like kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your Shepherd is showing symptoms of bloat like the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who suffer from bloat have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge 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 have to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. This damage is not reversible, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Early signs of the disease in dogs include the appearance of a slight limp or an intermittent one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be found in one or both elbows.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen , an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease while others don't.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Certain dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.
Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take an extensive medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation associated with this condition. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund may also request a sample of cerebrospinal liquid 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 identify the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression 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 susceptible to certain health issues that could affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs impacts. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal and results in severe back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, and may be being unable to move their rear legs even.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.