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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds peak between the ages of 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of mental and physical agility.

They are at greater risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.

Cushing’s Disease

German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing’s disease. Knowing these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, proper 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. schäferhund kaufen österreich of the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a small organ located close to the brain’s base. Around 15% of the instances, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.

Cushing’s disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than normal. Cushing’s may also cause increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water and take potty breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance, and lethargy.

A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.

Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, he will need medication for the duration of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. schäferhund kaufen österreich suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition may be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or the inability to eat and drink.

The way the owner manages the condition can influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog’s medication and devise seizure management techniques and also create an effective network of support, will be more likely to prolong their pet’s life.

As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental problems. Untreated, this condition can cause serious dental and gum damage and can lead to infections in other organs, like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this condition.

Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an overly full stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to stay on top of your dog’s veterinary care and preventative measures.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. If they don’t match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason why dogs are lame in their front legs.

In some instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.

The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a seated 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 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 on one or both elbows.

Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. The disease can still be present despite screenings. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then develop into paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it’s unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don’t.

Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed by medication, but the condition is progressive and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for months or even years with a high quality of life, but it is common for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes unable to stand or walk on their own.

To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be obtained to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with 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 can be prone to health problems that can impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative action to ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc fails to remain in its proper position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc’s nucleus into the spinal canal and causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs in any way.

Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It’s caused by normal “wear and tear” that leads to the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn’t triggered 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 back legs.