Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds of the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their high activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from numerous health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In about 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet will need to drink more fluids and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it is required to take medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs suffering from this condition will be able to live normal lives. The condition can be fatal if it's not treated and identified in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
How a pet's owner manages the condition could influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. If not treated, this condition may cause serious dental and gum damage, and even cause infections in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this issue.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, because of their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch inwards, releasing gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition could cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as Heaving, retching, or an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should go to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to be on top of your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge between 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 must fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia can develop. It is the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs.
In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
The first signs of this disease in dogs are a slight limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases and there could 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 Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be found in one or both elbows.
Presently, the best method to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These diseases can still occur despite screening. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs and may become paralyzed. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can last for a number of months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.
Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that may reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative steps to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. schäferhundwelpen kaufen has a strong fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain and back arching and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely crippled. They might not even be able to walk on their rear legs.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.