Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability.
Their size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health issues that could impact lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds often have 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 susceptible to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good 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 in the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most common reason for the condition. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and eat more than normal. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water and also go outside for toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the condition.
schäferhund kaufen welpe can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the rest of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, when it isn't treated and detected in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury in seizures. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is handled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infection in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue.
Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their narrow, deep chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines turn and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly this condition can become deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat such as Heaving, retching, or an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should go to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog's health up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and 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, a condition called elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is irreparable and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition as early as possible.
The first signs of this disease in dogs include a slight limp or a sporadic one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow 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 the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be found in both elbows or one of them.
Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. These diseases can still occur despite screening. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological 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 thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear the reason why some dogs suffering from this condition develop it, while others do not despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a high quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes unable to stand or walk on their own.
Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disorder. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis, and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrousus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force, causing extreme pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and results in severe back pain and back arching and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It can also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs at all.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.