Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of physical and mental sharpness.
Their size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that can impact lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and regular exercise are the key to a healthy and happy large breed.
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 on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 85percent of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. Around 15% 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 consume more food than usual. The condition can also cause more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian 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 their adrenal response. The results show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the rest of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumour. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs suffering from this condition can have normal lives. The condition can be fatal if it's not treated and identified early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.
How the owner manages the condition could have an impact on the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's lifespan.
Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and can cause infection in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this problem.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as retching or heaving without food coming in or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds that experience the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling, and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition early.
The first signs 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 range-of-motion in the elbow decreases and there may be fluid in the joint.
There are three main kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be observed either on the elbows of both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best option to avoid these problems. These diseases can still occur despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective method. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear what causes dogs with this condition develop it, while others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed with medication, however the condition progresses and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs last for a number of months or years with a high quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.
Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take an extensive medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it belongs. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder, but sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain arching back, a weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs at all.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.