Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are at greater risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that can impact their lives.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. 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. A tumor on the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the disease. In between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. In around 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more fluids and be outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs with this condition can be able to live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in seizures. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can quickly turn fatal.
The way the owner manages the condition can affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop seizure management techniques, as well as create an extensive network of support, are more likely to prolong the pet's life.
Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental disease. 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 liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can lower the risk of this problem.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and expand with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinary 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 must be able to fit together in a perfect way to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling, and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases, and there may 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 seen on one or both elbows.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these problems. But, despite screenings these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known why some dogs with this condition develop it, while others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen for DM. The symptoms can be managed through medication, however the condition is progressive and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is common for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be taken to enable analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus and a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This causes intense back pain arching back, a weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It can be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed and often not able to use their rear legs in any way.
The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.