Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability.
They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that could affect their lives.
German Shepherds in the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise.
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 ailments and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good nutrition, and regular exercise can 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 typically caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. Around 15% of the cases the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's may also cause more thirst and increased urination. this post means that the pet has to drink more water and take frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs with this condition be able to live normal lives. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and detected early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury during a seizure. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to extend their pet's lifespan.
Like deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition can cause serious damage to teeth and gums and may cause infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch inwards, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become fatal in just half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching with no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up), take your pet to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who suffer from bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to be on top of your dog's medical care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together perfectly to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some instances the cartilage between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition as early as possible.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be found in one or both elbows.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these issues. However, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs from parents that have been shown to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and eventually become paralyzed. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known why some dogs with this disease develop it and others do not despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for many months or even years with good quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.
To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the brain. 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 disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with great force, causing severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs at all.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear leg.