Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are more at risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which could affect their lives.
Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their high activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking proper steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are the keys to 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 on the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the condition. In 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than normal. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the condition.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, he will need medication for the duration of his life. The medication will manage the symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs suffering from this condition will have normal lives. The condition can be fatal in the event that it isn't treated or detected early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live an extended and healthy life. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury during seizures. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
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 teeth and gums, and could cause infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not treated immediately this condition can become fatal in less than 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to be on top of your dog's medical treatment 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 able to fit perfectly to endure a lifetime of movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is not irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases and there could be fluid inside 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 can be observed on one or both elbows.
Currently, the best way to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. These diseases can still occur despite screening. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs from parents that have been proven to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others do not.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs are able to live for months or even years with a good quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to choose to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will search for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disorder. The neurologist may also request a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that may affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its proper position. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterised by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of disc's nucleus. This can cause severe back pain arching back, a weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It could be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs in any way.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.