Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between the ages 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their large size puts them at a greater chance of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health issues that could affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their high activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary checks, proper diet, and regular exercise are the most important factors to maintaining good health for this large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor in the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent cause of the condition. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a small organ located near the base of brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than normal. Cushing's may also cause more thirst and increased the need to urinate. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and go outside for potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. schäferhundwelpen will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. 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 lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
The way the owner manages the situation can affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop strategies to manage seizures, as well as establish an effective network of support will be more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.
As with other breeds of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. If not treated, this condition could cause irreparable damage to teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this problem.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of 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. The condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up), you should go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is important to keep up with your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most common reason for dogs to be weak in their front legs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition at an early stage.
The first signs of this disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or a sporadic one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There may 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 Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be seen either on the elbows of both elbows.
Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. These conditions can still develop even after screening. The most effective approach is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been shown to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is not known why some dogs with this disease get it, and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the condition progresses and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is common for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will search for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to permit analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. In addition 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 prone to certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterised by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This can cause intense back pain arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness of the hind limbs. It could be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will be totally disabled. They might not be able to move their rear legs.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.