Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are at a higher risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.

German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their high activity levels and exercise demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the correct steps to prevent or manage them can help your dog live a longer life. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the key to a healthy and happy large breed.

Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. The condition is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 85percent of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a small organ that is located close to the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.

If a pet suffers from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than normal. Cushing's can also trigger more thirst and increased the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water and go outside for potty breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy.

A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.

Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs with this condition will have normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy life. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury in the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal.

The way the owner manages the situation can influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who can be vigilant about their dog's medication and devise methods to manage seizures, as well as establish an effective network of support, will be more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan.

Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition may cause severe dental and gum damage and can lead to infections in other organs, such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this condition.

The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines turn and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as retching or heaving with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up) then take them to an emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds with Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to keep up with your dog's medical treatment and preventative measures.

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 together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason why dogs are disabled in their front legs.

In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage.

The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or after getting up from a resting position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's 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 Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on xrays and could be seen in one or both elbows.

Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still occur. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs from parents that are found to have good elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from being passed to 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. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear the reason why some dogs suffering from this condition develop it, while others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.

Unfortunately, there is deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is typical for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.

To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist looks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and asks for blood samples to determine the genetic mutation that causes with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to allow for analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression 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 susceptible to certain health issues that could affect their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they affect your dog can help you take preventative action that will prolong their lives.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs the impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain and back arching and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs in any way.

The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or heavy exercise, which is not the case for Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.