Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are at a higher risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions that could affect their lives.
German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to support their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to a healthy and happy large breed.
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 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. In about entzückendescäferhundwelpen of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. The condition can also cause an increase in thirst and urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and go outside for potty breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it will require medication to rest 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, the majority of dogs with this condition will be able to live normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly diagnosed and treated can live an extended and healthy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die from oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during a seizure. 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 affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infection in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this problem.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, because of their deep, narrow chests. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) It is recommended to go to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to keep up with your dog's veterinary treatment and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common reason dogs become lame in their front legs.
In some cases the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition early.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, especially following exercise or upon getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases and there could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows.
Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, despite screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs that come from parents who are found to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease get it, and others don't despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs last for a number of months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar symptoms and will request blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated with this condition. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition However, sudden traumas could cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense back pain arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs at all.
The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.