Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at a higher risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which can affect their lifespan.
Working deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to support their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition and daily 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 on the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most common cause of the disease. In approximately 80% to 90% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. In about 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and consumes more food than normal. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet needs to drink more fluids, and also go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include hair loss as well as a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results will show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition have normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is treated and diagnosed correctly can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal.
The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.
Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this problem.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not addressed immediately, this condition can be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd shows symptoms of bloat like retching, heaving, or an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up), you should bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
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 by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't connect perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
The first signs of this disease in dogs include a mild limp or a sporadic one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a sitting 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 kinds 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 present in one or both elbows.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still occur. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others do not.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs live for many months or even years with high quality of life. However, it is common for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will look for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disorder. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow 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 can help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, as well as a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease However, sudden traumas can cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterised by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This can cause severe back pain arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also cause weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be totally paralyzed. They may not even be able to walk on their rear legs.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weakened annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.