Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health issues that could affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to support their high activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a tiny organ located close to the brain's base. In approximately 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and consume more food than usual. The condition can also cause more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and take potty breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance, and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results will show the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the rest of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition can be fatal, however, if it's not treated and identified in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may remain healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly be fatal.
The way the owner manages the condition could influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely monitor the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.
Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this condition could cause serious damage to gums and teeth and may lead to infection in other organs like the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can reduce the chance of developing this condition.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition could be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an enlarged stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current with veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. If they don't connect properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason why dogs are lame in their front legs.
In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition early.
Early signs of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three major kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be found on both elbows or one of them.
Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. These conditions can still develop even after screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known what causes dogs with this condition develop it, while others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed with medication, however the condition can progress and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for many months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.
Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disorder. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force and cause severe 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 IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense pain in the back arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also cause weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be totally disabled. They might not even be able to walk on their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" which results in the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. In schäferhund kaufen to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.