Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that may 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 active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the brain's base. Around 15% of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and consumes more food than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet needs to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the duration of his life. This medication will control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition can live normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. blaue schäferhunde that is not treated properly can result in depression or the inability to eat and drink.
How the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication, and develop methods to manage seizures and build an effective network of support will be more likely to prolong the pet's life.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause severe dental and gum damage, and even cause infection in other organs like kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the risk of this issue.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, thanks to their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twist and fill with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching without food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take them to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and the ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones need to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of movement. If they don't connect properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason for dogs to be disabled in their front legs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling and lameness. This damage is not reversible, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. They are the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be found in one or both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these problems. These conditions can still develop despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease and others do not.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed by medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is typical for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist looks for other illnesses that show similar clinical signs, and asks for blood samples to examine the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. The neurologist will also obtain a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that could impact their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take 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, known as an annulus fibrousus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder, but sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness of the hind limbs. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed and often unable to use their rear legs at all.
The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.